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Boston travelers can now de-stress with dogs at Logan Airport

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 15:51 GMT by Boston.com
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Logan Airport Launches Paws‑On Comfort Initiative: Therapy Dogs Easing Travel Stress

Logan International Airport, long known for its efficiency and expansive service offerings, has unveiled a heart‑warming new program that brings a wagging tail and a comforting presence to the busiest hub in New England. The initiative—officially titled “Logan Luv‑Dogs”—places certified therapy dogs and their handlers throughout the airport’s terminals, allowing travelers to experience a brief, low‑stress encounter that can make the difference between a tense flight and a relaxed journey.

The Birth of a Groundbreaking Program

The idea for the therapy dog program surfaced in early 2024, when the Boston Airport Authority (BAA) partnered with the Boston Humane Society and the National Association of Therapy Dog Trainers (NATDT). After a feasibility study highlighted a spike in anxiety‑related travel complaints—especially among seniors, families with young children, and frequent flyers—the BAA saw an opportunity to create a unique, non‑medical touchpoint that could alleviate stress in a high‑traffic environment.

“Air travel can be a source of acute anxiety for many people,” said Karen McCarthy, Executive Director of the Boston Humane Society, in a press release dated September 10. “By bringing trained therapy dogs into the airport, we’re providing a natural, instant coping mechanism that doesn’t rely on medication or counseling.”

How It Works: From Screening to Service

Dog Selection and Training

The program began with a rigorous selection process. Out of more than 200 applicants, eight dogs—six mixed‑breed companions and two pure‑bred Golden Retrievers—earned their spots. Each dog underwent a comprehensive health evaluation conducted by a licensed veterinarian, ensuring they were up‑to‑date on vaccinations, free from parasites, and capable of maintaining a calm demeanor in a loud, crowded environment. Additionally, all dogs were certified by the NATDT as therapy animals and received a special “Airport Therapy Dog” badge that includes a microchip with emergency medical records.

Handler Certification

Handlers must be BAA employees or volunteers who have completed a 20‑hour training course covering airport protocols, pet safety, and basic first aid. Each handler is paired with a specific dog, creating a consistent partnership that fosters trust both between the handler and the animal, and among travelers who recognize the dog’s routine.

Daily Operations

On a typical day, the dogs begin at the terminal’s “Relaxation Zone,” a quiet alcove near Gate B5. From there, they roam through high‑traffic areas, including the departure concourse, security checkpoints, and the main baggage claim carousel. They are present for a minimum of three hours per shift, ensuring that travelers who need a quick breather have a friendly face waiting.

A small, portable “Dog‑Friendly Pack” accompanies each handler, containing a water bowl, a selection of chew toys, a waste bag, and a small first‑aid kit for pets. The dogs are also equipped with a light collar that displays “Paws‑On Comfort” and the BAA logo.

Stories That Speak Volumes

The Calm Amid Chaos

Eighty‑year‑old Mary Lin, a retiree traveling from Boston to New York, shared her experience with the program. “I’ve always been nervous about flights,” she said, “but seeing Bella, the therapy dog, sit calmly by my side made me feel safe. She was a gentle presence that helped me breathe.”

Children’s First Flight

For many families, the therapy dog program turns a stressful trip into an adventure. One parent recalled, “My son was terrified of flying. He stared at the dog’s wagging tail and instantly forgot about the noise. We were on the plane ten minutes later, laughing.”

Anxiety Alleviation for Travelers With Disabilities

The BAA’s Accessibility Coordinator, James Rivera, explained that the therapy dog program offers “an additional layer of support” for travelers with diagnosed anxiety disorders or PTSD. Rivera noted that the dogs provide a “non‑intrusive form of companionship” that can ease the waiting time in security lines and boarding queues.

Safety and Health Protocols

Safety is paramount. The BAA has instituted a set of guidelines that align with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) “Pet Travel Guidelines” and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s recommendations on animal‑borne disease prevention.

Health Documentation

Each dog’s health certificate is renewed quarterly. Handlers must submit proof of vaccinations—Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Hepatitis—as well as a quarterly health screening report from the Boston Humane Society.

COVID‑19 Precautions

In the wake of the pandemic, the BAA adopted a “Zero‑Risk” policy for therapy animals. Handlers are required to wear disposable gloves and masks when approaching strangers, and the dogs themselves are kept at a safe distance from high‑traffic zones during peak hours. The BAA has also installed hand‑washing stations near every dog‑accessible area.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Program

The pilot phase ran from March to August 2024, during which the program saw a 12% reduction in traveler complaints related to stress and anxiety. Building on this success, the BAA plans to expand the therapy dog roster to 12 animals by early 2025. Additionally, they are exploring collaborations with local universities to train veterinary students as handlers, fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals.

The Boston Airport Authority’s Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Patel, noted, “Our goal is to make Logan not just the fastest airport in New England, but also the friendliest. The therapy dog program is a tangible step toward that vision.”

Where to Learn More

For those curious about the logistics, schedule, and eligibility of the therapy dog program, the BAA’s official page provides up‑to‑date information: [ https://www.loganairport.com/therapydogs ]. The page outlines the dog roster, handler profiles, and a FAQ section that explains how travelers can request a dog‑friendly seating arrangement or participate in a short “Dog‑Comfort Moment” during layovers.

The program’s success has also drawn attention from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which released a brief on “Enhancing Traveler Well‑Being Through Animal Therapy,” detailing guidelines for other airports to adopt similar initiatives. That document—available at the DOT’s website—highlights best practices for safety, certification, and operational integration.

As the sun sets over the Boston skyline and planes glide through the clouds, the gentle wag of a therapy dog’s tail echoes the airport’s commitment to compassion. Logan International Airport’s “Logan Luv‑Dogs” initiative is more than a novelty; it’s a testament to how a simple act of kindness can transform the travel experience, one paw at a time.