Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport has officially launched a pet therapy pilot project aiming to comfort nervous flyers. The presence of a dog provides a calming distraction and can aid in the reduction of the stress and anxiety often experienced by passengers before they fly,
“Heart palpitations, increased sweating, difficulty breathing… for many people, the anxiety and discomfort can begin well before take-off,” explained Marc-Andre Bedard, Vice President – Operations at YQB, one of the team behind the launch of the programme. He added, “Today, thanks to a promising collaboration with the Cegep de la Pocatiere, we are pleased to be offering pet therapy to travellers in the greater Quebec City area.”
This project utilises a qualified trainer and highly trained animal to work with groups or individuals who are suffering with anxiety. The aim is to improve their cognitive, psychological and social state, in order to make the airport experience more bearable and enjoyable.
The pet therapy team – along with students in the Intervention Strategies in Animal Therapy ACS program at EXTRA Formation – will begin working with passengers in the airport from 9 February. It is to be an eight-week initiative that will focus on busy periods due to the increase in nervous travellers.
