Gentle Fur In Action

Sometimes traveling can be “ruff,” and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is hoping to ease travel stress and anxiety with its therapy dog program known as GFIA: Gentle Fur in Action.

The airport launched the program in October 2013 with the help of our partner, West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. The volunteer program places therapy dogs and their owner/trainer in various airport areas, such as the Grand Hall, Marketplace, baggage claim, concourses, and gates, where passengers are arriving and departing. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are meant to be approached, and offer passengers the chance to rub a belly or shake a paw. The dogs are intended to take the stress and anxiety out of travel, to calm kids who may be impatient while waiting, or help ease the frustration of a delayed flight in poor weather situations.