The San Antonio Int’l Airport’s Pups & Planes team of 17 adorable therapy dogs is helping travelers stay calm — one tail wag at a time.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio International Airport can be a busy, stressful place with long security lines, delayed flights, nervous first-time flyers and kids gripping their boarding passes a little too tightly.
But at SAT, there’s a special kind of help roaming the terminals… and it comes with four paws and a wagging tail.
Welcome to Pups & Planes, the airport’s beloved therapy dog program that’s been soothing travelers since October 2013.
The idea was inspired by a similar program at LAX, and what started as just six dog-and-handler teams quickly grew into something much bigger. By 2018, the program expanded to 24 teams before COVID-19 temporarily scaled it back down. Today, it’s back strong with 17 certified therapy dogs and 17 dedicated handlers.
“These furry friends are the ones who help alleviate stress for passengers,” said David Paredes, SAT’s Special Activities Coordinator.
And yes — you can pet them.
The dogs are specially trained and certified through approved therapy organizations before joining the airport team. Once they’re ready, they become official SAT comfort ambassadors, offering calm and companionship to travelers who need it most.
The pups work two-hour shifts, strolling through the terminals, stopping by ticket counters, walking gate areas and often spending lots of time at one of their favorite places: the USO, where military families and service members are constantly coming and going.
“Sometimes they spend the whole time at the USO,” Paredes said. “They can’t get away from the USO.”
Meet SAT’s Pups & Planes Teams
Here are the current therapy dog teams bringing comfort to travelers every day:
- Ben Bott — Helo / Cricket / Satchel
- Susan Bocanegra — Jasper
- Katherine Davis — Kuro
- Todd Erikson — Floki
- Allana Hemenway — Berry
- Craig Holmes — Raven
- Robert Jones — Maggie
- Mary Claire Linneman — Finn
- Frank Newland — June
- Amy Sanchez — Harry
- Dena Spring — Marble
- Tina Spring — Rita
- Charles Stephens — Biscuit
- Brittany Usery — Bentley
- Craig White — Sadie
- Diana White — Koda
Handlers say the dogs are more than just cute — they’re observant stress-relievers.
Whether it’s a nervous passenger flying for the first time, a child feeling overwhelmed, or someone simply having a rough travel day, the Pups & Planes teams know how to spot it.
“They’ll approach them and say, ‘Do you want to pet my pup, just for therapy?,’” Paredes said.
Passengers can find the therapy dogs by checking the airport’s website or asking at an information booth, but honestly, you might just spot one trotting by with a friendly handler and a tail that never stops wagging.
The program has become so popular, the dogs even have their own trading cards.
Need a pre-flight hug? Meet the therapy dogs taking over San Antonio International Airport
So the next time air travel feels overwhelming, remember: at San Antonio International Airport, comfort might just come with floppy ears and a belly rub.
For more information or to apply as a handler, travelers can visit SAT’s website or contact the airport directly about joining the Pups & Planes program.