Remember, dogs can hear at decibels unimaginable to humans. Their distress can be acutely visible as they shake, pant, and pace in desperation to find shelter. Some get “whale eyes” (the whites of the eyes are larger than normal) and start paw-licking or yawning. To them, fireworks are like a thunderstorm times ten. 

As traveling can create stress and anxieties at airports, the LAX Pets Un-stressing Passengers (PUP) program is an opportunity to provide an overall enhanced customer experience, providing stress relief and comfort to passengers through interaction with pets.

Therapy dogs and handlers roam the departures levels in the gate areas of each terminal, visiting passengers awaiting flights and providing comfort, as well as airport information. The program educates and informs passengers about the LAX projects and construction-related traffic impacts.