Thirteen guide dog puppies made their way to Exeter Airport recently to become prepared for and accustomed to the busy airport environment as part of their training.
The one-year-old puppies and their volunteer puppy raisers went on a tour of the various stages of the airport, including check-in, security, duty free, cafes, baggage reclaim, and take-off and landing to grow comfortable around the sounds and smells.
“We are proud to support Guide Dogs and their vital work in preparing future guide dogs to navigate busy travel environments with confidence,” said Exeter Airport managing director Stephen Wiltshire. “At Exeter Airport, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all passengers, including those with visual impairments and other needs. Welcoming these wonderful puppies and their dedicated volunteer raisers was a valuable experience for our staff, helping them to better understand the needs of guide dog users and enhance the support we provide.”
Part of the training involved the puppies practicing their skills in places around the airport, and then receiving treats for ignoring distractions.
“Our amazing volunteer puppy raisers look after our puppies in their homes for about a year, before the pups start their formal training,” commented Leah Rogers, Guide Dogs area Puppy Raising Manager. “A big part of early training is socialisation and getting the puppies used to different environments, so being able to visit Exeter Airport for a puppy class was fantastic. Thank you so much to all the airport staff for welcoming us and showing us around. They couldn’t have been more helpful.”
In 2023, Regional and City Airports (RCA) who own and operate Exeter, Norwich, and Bournemouth Airports, received the CAA’s highest ranking (very good) in the Airport Accessibility Report. Specifically, RCA was recognized for its work with the Royal National Institute of Blind People to provide insights and training for airport staff.
Photos: Exeter Airport
