LAX PUP PROGRAM CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FOUR-LEGGED AMBASSADORS
(Los Angeles, California – April 17, 2014) On November 2, 2013, passengers inside Terminal 3 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) were wary and tense as Finn strode in just one day after a gunman had opened fire, killing a Transportation Security Administration screening officer. As Finn moved in and out of the boarding gate areas, the mood quickly shifted as passengers began to relax and smile at the giant therapy dog.
Finn is an Irish Wolfhound and is one of the largest members of the LAX Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month. The LAX PUP Program is one of the nation’s largest airport-run, therapy-dog programs. Finn’s owner, Brian Valente, has been a part of the PUPs since its inception and recalls how Finn’s mighty presence and gentle strength comforted passengers the day after the shooting.
“When people normally see Finn, they are taken aback by his size. On his hind legs, Finn can stand taller than some men,” said Valente. “I think after the shooting, Finn attracted attention because he represented something comforting. As passengers asked questions about Finn and started to pet him, I could see their bodies relax and their demeanors change,” explained Valente.
In celebration of their one-year anniversary and last week’s National Volunteer Week, the PUPs will be recognized at the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners meeting on Monday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m., in the Samuel Greenberg Board Room, 1 World Way, Los Angeles.
Brian and Finn are one of 30 PUP volunteer-and-pet teams that have joined LAX’s customer service efforts to enhance the passenger experience. PUP volunteers and their dogs roam airline boarding-gate areas, greeting passengers and helping reduce travel anxiety. PUP volunteers see an immediate impact and transformation of passengers ranging from the well-versed frequent traveler to a first-time novice. Anecdotes about the PUPs’ impact on passengers range from reducing the anxiety of those with a fear of flying to comforting those who may have just lost a loved one or even a beloved pet.
All PUP volunteers and dogs are registered with Therapy Dogs, Inc., a national organization that registers, insures, and supports members involved in volunteer animal-assisted activities. These activities include visits to hospitals, special needs centers, schools, nursing homes, and airports.
The dogs and handlers – both in red vests with the PUP logo -- supplement the LAX customer service team that includes 300 Volunteer Information Professionals (VIP) and 150 Customer Service Representatives, all part of an effort to create a positive and friendly airport experience.
To learn more about the PUP or VIP programs, contact the VIP Office at (424) 646-8471 or e-mail vip@lawa.org . Applications for both programs can be found atwww.lawa.org/VIP .
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the sixth busiest airport in the world and third in the United States. LAX offers 680 daily flights to 96 cities and 933 weekly nonstop flights to 57 cities in 34 countries on 59 commercial air carriers. LAX ranks 14th in the world and fifth in the U.S. in air cargo tonnage processed, with over 1.9 million tons of air cargo valued at over $86.9 billion. An economic study in 2011 reported that operations at LAX generated 294,400 jobs in Los Angeles County with labor income of $13.6 billion and economic output of more than $39.7 billion. This activity added $2.5 billion to local and state revenues. LAX is part of a system of three Southern California airports – along with LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.
For more information about LAX, please visit www.lawa.aero/lax or follow on Twitter @LAX_Official , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LAInternationalAirport , and on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/laxairport1 .
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