Canine Crew Celebrates A Decade Of Doggone Greatness
After spending more than a decade as a self-described “road warrior”—catching Monday morning flights and returning late Thursday nights—retired business consultant Pat Ferrell might seem like the last person you’d expect to spend time at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). But last year, she and her 3-year-old Landseer Newfoundland, Caia, joined the CLT Canine Crew therapy dog program.
“I thought it would be a great way to help others who might be stressed about flying or having a bad day,” said Ferrell. “And it turned out to be a great decision!” Caia chimed in and barked, “There are so many nice people to pet me and tell me how beautiful I am. And so many belly rubs. I love the Airport!”
Ten Years of Service, Smiles and Cuddles
On May 15, the CLT Canine Crew celebrated its tenth anniversary of providing hospitality, hugs and soothing distractions to airport travelers. The program began with just five teams and now boasts 24 teams (dogs and handlers) and continues to grow.
Owners and their four-legged friends must volunteer for at least two 2-hour shifts each month. Handlers need to be at least 18 years old, and dogs must be a minimum of two years old and registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Inc.
You’ll see them in their blue Canine Crew polo shirts working at five locations throughout the terminal, including the Atrium, Concourses D, E and A. They can also volunteer for a pre-security shift in the Ticketing area or Baggage Claim.
Volunteer Programs Coordinator Christina Nunez has overseen the Canine Crew for the past three years. “A customer could be having a horrible day, and as soon as they see one of our dogs, their face lights up and their worries float away,” said Nunez. “That puppy love is so powerful!”
Not only is it powerful, but it’s also therapeutic. “Interacting with dogs can lower stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increase the level of oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of well-being,” added Nunez. “Even brief interactions, like petting a dog for just a few minutes, can have positive effects.”
How It Began
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) was the first to start a therapy dog program shortly after 9/11, and now some programs even include cats, rabbits and birds. Here are some CLT stats:
- 2015 - CLT Airport Canine Crew began.
- 84 Therapy Dogs over 10 years
- Volunteers work two, three-hour shifts per month, any day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Canine teams interact with an average of 150 to 200 guests per shift.
- In 2024, “Kiwi,” a miniature horse, joined the Canine Crew as an April Fool’s Day surprise.
Lasting Impressions
Elizabeth Fulk, a dedicated volunteer for eight years, and her Greyhound, Mollie, are seasoned members of the CLT Canine Crew. Each shift brings hundreds of encounters with travelers, ranging from brief exchanges to those that create lasting memories.
“On one occasion, a business traveler whose flight had been delayed or cancelled multiple times knelt to pet Mollie and was brought to tears being able to relieve some of the anxiety of such a long day,” said Fulk. “Another was encountering a lady who was traveling back from her mother’s funeral. Her response after loving on Mollie was that she needed that so much after a long few days.”
CLT’s Canine Crew has become so popular that they now have their own coloring book, trading cards and a calendar may be in the works. Yes, these pooches could soon be pin-up dogs!
Matt Petrunyak and his 11-year-old Vizsla, named Mary Jane, just completed a year of volunteering. Even though Mary Jane recently retired (her “sister,” Shine, is joining the Crew), Petrunyak stated that Mary Jane’s special hugs are now known worldwide, thanks to the CLT Canine Crew.
“I knew that Mary Jane would love the people, but was uncertain about all the noises and activity,” he admits. “However, she ignores all the distractions and looks for people to engage with. The primary difference from other therapy dog volunteering opportunities is the volume of people we interact with daily. On our latest visit, we counted 185 passengers in two hours.”
Volunteer Pat Ferrell recalled, “We recently met a very harried mother with a small child who was on the autism spectrum and clearly anxious,” she added. “Caia sat right next to his stroller and allowed him to hug her, which calmed him down considerably … his mom was grateful to see a 120-pound dog be so gentle with her baby.”
Sit, Stay – Join the Canine Crew Today!
As the CLT Canine Crew looks ahead, they are always seeking friendly and motivated dog teams to join the program. If you believe you have what it takes and can put your best “paw” forward, applications are available via email on the CLT Airport website. A site visit is also required, along with background checks, badging, fingerprinting and training—a process that takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
The “pup” perks of the job include plenty of ear rubs, selfies, smiles and more. As for celebrity encounters? “We’ve met tons of really great people, but no celebrities … yet,” said Ferrell.
Woofed Caia: “I’m a celebrity.” 😉
Click here to learn more: CLT Canine Crew volunteer opportunities.