LAX PUP Program

There is no denying the fact that traveling can cause extreme stress and anxiety, especially at airports. In order to take the edge off it, passengers at the Los Angeles World Airport can now avail themselves of the LAX Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program. It is a wonderful opportunity provided by the LAWA that helps in improving the customer experience, allowing the passengers to release stress and anxiety and become more comfortable by interacting with pets.

There are various therapy dogs and handlers out there at every terminal that visit the passengers who are waiting for their flights. No doubt a lot of them would be feeling nervous at the airport, especially the ones flying for the first time. These therapy dogs then provide comfort to such passengers. Not only that but it is also used for the purpose of informing the passengers about things at the airport that they do not know. The passengers are informed regarding the LAX projects and traffic impacts that are associated with the construction.

In addition to this, for the purpose of improving their customer service team, the administration of the airport has made it necessary for the dogs and handlers to be in red vests having the PUP logo attached to them. Undoubtedly, this further makes them look friendly and passengers, who may be feeling anxious and nervous, tend to feel good after seeing the adorable therapy dogs.

Now that we know what LAX PUP Program is, let's find out about the certification and training and how you can apply for it. So, without further ado, let's get started!

How Can You Apply?

Those of you who are willing to be a part of this program and apply to such a program are required to have a minimum of one year of work experience in any of the recognized dog
therapy organizations. As far as the requirements regarding the dogs are concerned, it needs to be a privately owned dog. Moreover, the dog should not be less than two years old in order to perform the duties.

In addition to this, there is a national organization, Therapy Dogs, Inc. (TD, Inc.), which helps and registers the members who are willing to engage in animal-assisted activities. LAX PUP Program requires you, as well as your dog, to be registered with that organization if you want to become a part of the PUP Program. Once you fulfill all of the aforementioned requirements and certification, the next step involves training. Let's discuss a bit about that.

Training of Volunteers

In order to perform well being a volunteer and a member of the LAX PUP Program, you will be required to get training from the LAX classroom. You will be informed and educated regarding the operations of LAX and how you need to deal with every passenger out there at the airport.

Moreover, it will not only be about the theory, and you would not just be restricted within a classroom. In fact, the LAX training staff will provide you with a complete walkthrough and practical training with your dog so that you can exactly know how things work. Isn't that amazing? Once your training is completed, you will be fingerprinted and will be badged. Wasn't that simple and easy?

When considering doing a job, it is important to know what specific roles you will be required to fulfill, what are the future promotion opportunities and at what time you will be required to work. Keep on reading to find that out.

Roles of a PUP Handler

The main purpose for which the LAX PUP Program was formed is to relieve the stress and anxiety of the passengers at the airport. The PUP Handler needs to know how exactly this works, and he must be someone who can fulfill such a role.

In addition to this, another important duty of a PUP Handler is to assist as well as provide information to the passengers at the airport. A lot of times, passengers do not know about certain things at the airport, and then they are confused about what to do. In that scenario, it is a responsibility of a PUP Handler to assist them in this regard.

Apart from these two main roles, another role that PUP Handlers fulfil is the promotion of the PUP program and various other projects of LAX. They need to do that by giving trading cards to the passengers. Those trading cards include information regarding the airport and Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program.

Future Promotion Opportunities

The future promotion opportunities at the LAX PUP Program are quite amazing. If you are willing to and are determined to provide the best services as a PUP handler, then surely you will get a lot of wonderful opportunities at this program to grow further in your field.

In addition to this, you can also get other amazing opportunities. These may include various exciting events that you can participate in.

Working Hours

You and your dog may be required to provide your services at any particular terminal. You may work one weekly shift of around 1 to 2 hours. This is something that is flexible, and one can easily manage.

Unquestionably, therapy dogs are fantastic when it comes to relieving the stress and anxiety of people at the airport. However, which dogs are considered the best therapy dogs in Los Angeles? Let's find out.

Best LA-Based Therapy Dogs

Every dog is cute and adorable. However, only a few of the dogs are considered best when it comes to being good therapy dogs. Following are a few of the top LA-based therapy dogs.

1. Labrador Retriever

Whenever we talk about the best therapy dog, the first name that strikes us is the labrador retriever. It is indeed one of the best therapy dogs out there. They always feel that they are part of the family, and therefore they treat every individual and human being as their friend.

This amazing connection with the people makes the labrador retriever one of the best therapy dogs in Los Angeles.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Being a small-sized adorable dog, Cavalier King Charles spaniel is deemed as one of the best therapy dogs out there. Even though previously they were not that famous, in the past few years, they have gained tremendous popularity. They are considered to be extremely friendly and highly social dogs. In fact, they love to play and engage in activities a lot with their owners.

This indicates that they are great companions and, for that reason, are considered to be great therapy dogs.

3. Poodle

Poodles are also one of the best therapy dogs that most of the programs out there use. The reason why poodles are considered great therapy dogs is because of their various sizes. There are two main types. One is a Standard Poodle, and the other one is a Toy poodle. In areas where a small dog is required, toy poodles will no doubt be a good option.

Along with that, another reason why a lot of people choose them as therapy dogs is their ability to get trained quickly. As we know LAX PUP Program requires training of therapy dogs. In such scenarios, it will be better to have a dog like a poodle who can be easily trained.

Final Thoughts

I hope you got the information you were in search of. If you are willing to join the LAX PUP Program as a handler and have a therapy dog, it will be an amazing opportunity to become a part of such a wonderful initiative. If you want to learn more about such programs or want to get exciting information regarding dogs, make sure to explore our other articles. Until next time!