New pet therapy program at T.F. Green

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

Travelers at T.F. Green will now be greeted by dogs in the airport's new pet therapy program.

The nine "PVD Pups" and their handlers completed an extensive 9-week training course to become certified for the program.

Travelers will see the PVD Pups sporting green vests with the words, "pet me" on them, every day and during peak travel times.

"It really has been proven to distress the environment. We don't see it as stressful–but traveling is stressful. They're helping make the experience more calm," says Rhode Island Airport Corporation President, Kelly Fredericks.

According to T.F. Geen, the concept of therapy dogs was first started in World War II where they were used to lift the spirits of injured and sick soldiers.

Other programs like this one are in place at more than 27 airports nationwide. For more information on PVD Pups, visit dynamicdogstraining.webs.com or follow their Facebook page under Dynamic Dog Training Service.

© WLNE-TV 2015