“Caring Tails” Pet Therapy program launching at Rochester International Airport (RST)

(Rochester, MN) The “Caring Tails” pet therapy program is launching at the Rochester International Airport (RST). “Caring Tails” is an opportunity to provide an enhanced airport experience, provide stress relief, comfort and care to customers through interactions with registered therapy dogs. The “Caring Tails” therapy dog teams will be an excellent addition to the Customer-First service at RST.

“It has been amazing to see the positive responses as therapy dog teams have started visiting with passengers and employees at RST,” said Tiana Rossow, RST’s Marketing and Communications Manager. “We pride ourselves on providing an easy, convenient airport experience and now our passengers can also benefit from the joy-filled interactions with these therapy dog teams.”

“Pet therapy visits have definitely seen a growth in the past few years at hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, correctional facilities and airports,” said Don Vaughan, Alliance of Therapy Dogs’ board member. “Alliance of Therapy Dogs has registered therapy dog teams visiting over 45 different airports, now including Rochester International Airport. ATD is excited to have some of our registered therapy dog teams visiting RST sharing smiles and joy!”

The community can meet several of RST’s “Caring Tails” teams at the Fly RST booth in Peace Plaza at Thursdays on 1^st on August 3^rd from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and again at Dogs Downtown on August 6^th from 11:00-3:00 p.m.

Trained dogs and handlers will visit the main terminal during peak times, visiting customers awaiting departure and arriving from inbound flights to provide comfort, as well as airport information.  Volunteers wishing to apply must be currently registered with a recognized dog therapy organization. The dog must belong to the handler and be at least 2 years of age.

To learn more about the program visit CaringTails or search #caringtails.

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