Therapy Dogs to Comfort Travelers at SFO This Weekend

Photo courtesy of United Airlines

By Bay City News Service

Airports can be stressful. However, travelers flying out of San Francisco International Airport this Fourth of July weekend are in luck: canine visitors from the Peninsula Humane Society will be on hand to provide some extra comfort before boarding the plane.

United Airlines and the Burlingame-based Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA have partnered for #UnitedPaws, an event running from Friday until Sunday where handlers and certified therapy dogs will interact with airport passengers to create a more calming environment.

The #UnitedPaws event at SFO is part of a larger program that places local teams of handlers and their dogs in international airports at United Airlines’ terminals nationwide.

The partnership, according to the Peninsula Humane Society, aims to show the public the unique value of interacting with dogs in stressful environments and realize the soothing benefit of canine companionship, even if it’s just 15 or 20 minutes before a flight.

According to the organization, #UnitedPaws has been positively received at many airports nationwide.

The Peninsula Humane Society, in addition to #UnitedPaws, provides regular visits to health care facilities, libraries, schools, and the San Francisco County Jail in San Bruno throughout the year.