WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Regional Airport is hoping to make travel a little less stressful.
The airport recently launched “WOO PAWS,” a new therapy dog program designed to bring comfort and calm to travelers passing through the terminal. The initiative, created in partnership with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, features certified therapy dogs and handlers greeting passengers before flights.
The WOO PAWS crew includes Belle, a Great Pyrenees; Dixie, a hound mix; Riley, an Australian shepherd mix; and Watcher, a Labrador retriever. The dogs visit the terminal on select days to meet travelers, pose for photos and offer some stress relief before takeoff, MassPort said.
“WOO PAWS is one more way Worcester Regional Airport provides a welcome departure from the usual airport rush,” the airport said on its website.
The therapy dog program is the latest passenger-focused amenity at Worcester Regional Airport, which has increasingly promoted itself as a more relaxed alternative to larger airports in Boston and Providence. The airport, located about three miles from downtown Worcester, offers commercial service through JetBlue, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
Massport has also expanded accessibility and family-focused offerings at the airport in recent years, including participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program and Wings for Autism events.
Travelers interested in meeting the WOO PAWS crew can find scheduled appearance dates and times here.
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