Service canines practice for air journey at Richmond International Airport

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – Richmond International Airport partnered with Helping Howls on Friday to offer service canines hands-on follow navigating the airport earlier than they journey with their handlers.

Service canines and their handlers practiced transferring by way of each a part of the airport, from the car parking zone to the gate.

The canines checked in on the ticket counter, walked by way of the terminal, went by way of TSA and waited on the gate.

“It can be a little overwhelming for some dogs. So that’s why it’s really important for us to take our time and work on training the dogs before we come to travel. That way, when we do travel, they’re used to it. They know what to do,” mentioned Serena Smalley, a canine handler with Helping Howls.

Troy Bell, a spokesman for Richmond International Airport, mentioned the coaching atmosphere on the airport affords one thing handlers can not recreate elsewhere.

“They have literally done the whole journey. And you really can’t replicate what we have at the airport in a training environment off airport,” Bell mentioned.

The canines additionally practiced dealing with distractions resembling crowds, baggage and escalators to get used to the sights and sounds of a busy airport.

Every canine within the coaching has a job particular to their handler. Smalley’s canine, Cairo, has a medical alert function.

“Cairo specifically has a medical alert. So he tells me when I have an oncoming medical episode, he picks up items for me. He does deep pressure on my legs to help regulate my blood pressure,” Smalley mentioned.

The canines additionally stopped by the airport’s new service animal aid areas contained in the concourse.

Bell mentioned such a coaching is just not new for the airport and can proceed.

“We really are committed to having the airport be an enjoyable, welcoming, accessible place for all travelers in the community. And this is just one step in that direction,” Bell mentioned.