It was probably a Denver International Airport employee if you ever came across a therapy animal.
With 28 members representing 14 breeds, the Canine Animal Therapy Squad (CATS) has been comforting anxious flyers since October 29, 2015 (National Cat Day, of all days). According to airport officials, “Today, the program includes 84 members and 33 breeds as well as one cat (and, of course, their human handlers).”
The CATS program has restarted despite a pandemic “paws” (their language, not ours, but we like it! ), with teams giving more than 1,250 hours so far in 2022, according to officials.
The team, which has more than 80 members, was recognized as the largest airport animal therapy unit in the world on Thursday, September 15. Despite being a specialized title, it is also recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. To celebrate the four-legged friends and collect a plaque for the title, which will appear in the 2023 book, dogs and their handlers met at Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal on Thursday morning.
“We are extremely proud of our CATS program and grateful for all the volunteers who donate their time to bring joy to our passengers and employees,” said DIA CEO Phil Washington in a press statement. “The continued growth of the program is a testament to the positive impact it has on travelers, and we look forward to welcoming even more teams as we continue to grow this beloved program.”
Want to participate? According to the DIA, all CATS are trained, insured, and registered with a reputable pet therapy association. “CATS volunteer handlers wishing to apply with their pet must have experience working with a recognized animal therapy organization and must be registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs or Pet Partners.” (For more information about joining the program, email [email protected])
