Denver International Airport is celebrating the six-year CAT-iversary of the Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS). Launched in 2015, this paw-some program is one of the largest airport therapy pet programs in the U.S.
The CATS program is designed surprise, delight and bow “wow” passengers on their journey through DEN. These furry volunteers and their not-so-furry companions can be found throughout the airport offering friendly wags and often posing for photos with DEN passengers.
The CATS teams have a six-year history of providing passengers with unforgettable moments while at DEN. From passengers who excitedly remember interactions with a team and collect their trading card, to travelers who encounter a CAT for the very first time, the stories of CATS teams who have turned someone’s “ruff” travel day around are endless.
The program began with 28 registered therapy dogs representing 14 breeds. Today, the program has grown to over 80 dogs representing over 47 breeds and one domestic shorthair cat (yes, an actual cat). Eight of the original CATS members are still volunteers in the program.
Follow @DENAirport on Twitter to learn when the CATS are out and about at DEN.
About the DEN CATS Program:
All CATS teams work a minimum of 10 hours per quarter. While the dates of visits are flexible, CATS and their handlers average three visits each month and walk the concourses delighting and comforting passengers. Each of the CATS has his or her own trading card that includes interesting facts about them, including their “pet peeves.”
Members of the CATS teams are chosen after an interview and testing process. Each dog/cat is a family pet and must be shown to have a calm, friendly demeanor in public. The animals and their owners are trained, registered, certified and insured by certified therapy organizations, and an annual recertification is required for both dog and owner. Each CATS team must have therapy experience at another facility before service at DEN.
In addition, all CATS volunteers complete DEN customer service training and field evaluations to ensure the airport’s busy environment is a good fit for both human and animal. Human volunteers go through airport security background checks, fingerprinting, and security testing prior to receiving an airport ID badge.
DEN is always looking to add more CATS volunteers to the program. If you’re interested in joining, please contact [email protected] for more information.
To learn more about each of our CATS, visit www.flydenver.com/cats.
