Boston’s Airport Now Has Therapy Dogs to Help Comfort Stressed Out Travelers

Between constant delays and cancellations, cramped seats, and rising flight prices, air travel is rarely a fun or relaxing time these days. But if your travel plans bring you by Boston’s Logan Airport anytime soon, you might be in for a cuddly reprieve.

Logan Airport is introducing BOS PAWS, a new therapy dog program that is a partnership between the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. BOS PAWS is designed to offer anxious travelers some adorable stress-relief. This is the latest initiative at the Logan Airport improve the travel experience, but therapy dogs are a lot cuter than fast Wi-Fi and refurbished restrooms. 

The dogs currently enlisted in the BOS PAWS crew include a Giant Schnauzer named Remington, a West Highland Terrier named Buster, and a French Bulldog named Waffles. While wearing little vests that say “pet me,” the dogs will wander through the terminals in the company of their handlers. Ideally, petting these very good working dogs will brighten the days of some weary travelers. 

“At Boston Logan, we are very focused on creating a seamless and stress-free experience for travelers from the minute they walk into our terminals,” said Massport CEO Rich Davey said in a statement. “BOS PAWS will hopefully put smiles on the faces of many travelers and provide comfort to those who may feel anxious or stressed during their journey. Spend a few minutes with Waffles or Buster before your flight, you’ll love it.”

Interacting with therapy dogs has many stress relieving benefits, including lowering cortisol and blood pressure. Therapy dogs are often seen in schools, hospitals, and other stressful environments. Logan Airport isn’t the first airport in the country to implement therapy dogs, but it’s the first in the state. 

“Boston Logan Airport is often the first and last impression that millions of travelers have of Massachusetts, and now, thanks to this new program, it’s also one of the most welcoming,” said Governor Maura Healey in a press statement. “We want everyone who travels through Logan to know that we prioritize mental health here in Massachusetts.”

Buster, Remington, and Waffles are all certified therapy dogs, so they’re trained to walk through the incredibly stimulating environment that is the Logan Airport. Their parents also have proven experience handling their dogs in similar environments. Buster’s dad, Carl Kaplan, told the Boston Globe that he often brings Buster to hospitals and schools — all on a volunteer basis. 

“I don’t want anyone to ever think that we get paid,” Kaplan said. “He’s done almost 600 visits, and when I think of all the great experiences I’ve had, I just couldn’t conceive of taking money for that.”

“The whole idea of a therapy dog is to bring joy,” added Waffles’ mom Karen Oemler. “And during these troubled times, what’s better than helping someone who’s having travel anxiety, or maybe flying to a funeral, or going to travel to see a sick relative. It makes me feel like maybe I’m doing a little bit to help.”