ISTANBUL â Five new hires are selflessly roaming the halls of one of the worldâs busiest transportation hubs, hoping to provide a paw-sitively stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers.
Meet Istanbul Airportâs therapy dogs â always ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses.
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The Associated Press caught up with Kuki and Alita, two of the dogs taking part in the pet-friendly airportâs new pilot project aimed at easing stress and anxiety among travelers.
All four-legged members of the program are certified therapy dogs, professionally trained and conditioned to comfort humans.
The âTherapy Dog Teamâ has been on duty since late February following months of preparation and intensive training, learning desensitization to distracting stimuli, like sounds and people.
âWe have to ensure that they are safe and they are 100% adapted to all environments,â said Kadir Demirtas, Istanbul Airportâs customer experience manager.
Kuki, a Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian retriever breed, is team captain. He works hard to please but likes his breaks and sometimes plays hooky.
That's OK, however.
The teamâs veterinarian said each dogâs temperament dictates their hours on the job each day.
âThey walk around the airport led by their handlers who are also responsible for their care,â said Volkan Arslan.
The dogs, who are airport employees with official badges and uniforms, have a set schedule and work during peak travel hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alita, a border collie, is Kukiâs teammate. Her intense gaze and dedication to her handler are striking, as is her ability to soothe and calm nerves.
âWe are always surrounded by people who are constantly petting her," said Volkan Gul, Alitaâs dedicated handler, adding that she helps them relax.
Airport officials said they already have plans to expand the pilot project following initial positive feedback from travelers.