Your trip to Orlando International Airport just got a lot woofer! This week officials at MCO announced the launch of the new ‘Paw Pilots ‘program.
It allows those traveling through the airport to pet, cuddle and kiss certified therapy dogs.
“We understand that travel can be stressful and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority wants to try something new to enhance the customer experience,” commented Brian Engle, GOAA’s director of customer experience. “Our Paw Pilots will offer the right balance of comfort and cuddles with our team of vetted therapy dogs and their handlers.”
The dogs will initially be located in the main airport terminal building in two-hour shifts throughout the week as volunteer schedules allow. They will not however be located at the gates.
OIA officials partnered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs to screen the canines participating in the program, as well as their human handlers. Each canine has been a certified therapy dog for at least two years and has passed necessary screenings before taking part in the program.
MCO Paw Pilots will be evaluated all of next year to determine whether it will be added to the airport on a long-term basis.
These are the dogs you might see participating:
- Annabel, golden retriever
- Annie, golden retriever
- Fifi, miniature schnauzer
- Daisy-Mai, Pomeranian
- Jora, golden and Labrador retriever mix
- Essie, possibly a corgi-border collie mix
- Tori, German shepherd
- Farley, bearded and border collie mix
- Woody, basset hound