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Navigator Buddies Program Helps Travelers With Stress

In order to combat the stress many passengers feel when flying, Sky Harbor International Airport has brought in 30 canine volunteers to serve one purpose: help travelers feel happy and comfortable.

Negative emotions at the airport can be caused by everything from navigating the security process to the thought of flying itself. Dogs who are trained as therapy animals alleviate these stresses with the help of their handlers. Administrators at Sky Harbor Airport started the program after hearing about successes at other large airports throughout the country.

Abby, a black and white English sheepdog who wears colorful bows, is just one of many furry pals who volunteer as part of the Navigator Buddies program. Abby appears to love bringing smiles to both travelers and airport employees, and she gets rewarded after every two-hour shift with a pupiccino from Starbucks. She has been part of the program since its inception in September 2017.


Misty Cisneros, the Sky Harbor’s customer service manager “You’ll see that our dogs attract a lot of different people, whether it’s an employee that works here or somebody traveling, they’re bringing lots of smiles to faces.” Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton added, “By partnering with our already successful Navigator volunteers, the Navigator Buddies Program and their four-legged ambassadors will offer assistance, comfort and stress reduction.

Therapy dogs are available both before and after security at Sky Harbor every day of the week during most busy hours. Airport authorities accept volunteer applications from trained dogs who have good standing with a verified pet therapy organization. They must also be vaccinated, have up-to-date health records, have a good temperament, and proven experience in a busy environment.