A new program at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is offering a fun way to help folks relax if traveling gets a little “ruff.”

The Houston Airport System is launching a new therapy dog program at Bush Intercontinental. Volunteer dog teams, readily identifiable by the handlers' bright orange polo shirts and the dogs' blue bandanas, will be making their way to the various terminals and gates, offering passengers an opportunity to pet and interact with some furry, four-legged ambassadors.

“The goal of the program is to make the traveling experience less stressful and more pleasant,” said Ken Whittaker, Manager of Customer Services for Bush Intercontinental. “These volunteers and their well-trained dogs are a fantastic way to achieve just that, and are just a part of the many ways the Houston Airport System strives to make traveling through our airports enjoyable and fun."

All the volunteer teams are registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a national therapy dog registry with more than 14,000 members in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories and Canada. This group of dedicated volunteers provide comfort at hospitals, special needs centers, schools, and nursing homes - and now is available at Bush Intercontinental. Houston's largest airport joins a growing number of similar programs at other airports such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, and San Francisco.

Learn more about the program at this link.