Airport Therapy Animals 2026: Where to Find Them
2026 AIRPORT ANIMAL GUIDE
Welcome to Airport Therapy Animals 2026, a guide to therapy animals making airport journeys more comforting.
Across 16 countries, travelers can now find 150 active airport therapy-animal programs. The programs feature dogs, cats, bunnies, llamas, and more, inspiring admiration for their variety. The 2026 airport therapy animal network includes:
- 150 active programs worldwide
- 16 countries with active programs
- 102 active programs in the United States
- 22 active programs in Canada
- 26 active programs across 14 countries outside North America
No lounge membership is required. You need good timing and a willingness to cross the concourse for an animal dressed better than most passengers.
Dogs still make up the largest share of the worldwide network, but cats, bunnies, and visiting llamas show just how varied airport therapy animals have become.
The Purr-fect Airport Therapy Cats of 2026
Airport cats have mastered the art of comforting travellers while looking completely unimpressed by airport chaos. A delayed flight, a sudden gate change, or an $8 bottle of water cannot disturb their calm, reminding travellers that relaxation is possible even in busy airports.
At San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), Simba and Theo D. represent the feline side of the Happy Tails program. Orange tabby Simba—better known as Mr. Cool—enjoys leash walks, stroller rides and holiday parades. Theo prefers sunshine, feathers and sitting on paper whenever possible, so travelers should keep their boarding passes under supervision. You can meet Simba and Theo D. on SJC’s official website.
Theray cat Taz Photo: Heather Rutherford
Calgary International Airport’s three-cat crew includes Taz, Enzo and Rupert. Taz, a short-haired tabby, has comforted YYC travelers since 2017, while Rupert joined the feline flight crew in 2026. All three cats wear cherry-red vests displaying “PET ME” in capital letters. It is less of a suggestion and more of a very fluffy airport instruction. Travellers can also follow Rupert on Instagram.
The Airport Therapy Animals 2026 lineup continues at Denver, Minneapolis–Saint Paul and Nashville. Xeli volunteers with Denver International Airport’s Canine Airport Therapy Squad—better known as CATS. Yes, she is a cat in a canine squad; apparently, Xeli read the acronym and stopped there. Follow Xeli on Instagram.
At MSP, Ford and Pelagia prove that comfort sometimes arrives in a stroller with whiskers and very firm opinions. Meanwhile, Nora adds whiskers to Music City’s collection of stars at Nashville International Airport. Follow Nora at Nashville Therapy Pets.
Want to see the feline frequent flyers together? Discover the adorable lineup of cats bringing comfort to airports and feel inspired to meet them on your next trip. Check out our latest Instagram featuring all the cats here.
Meet the Airport Therapy Bunnies 2026
The airport bunnies have entered the terminal, and frankly, the dogs should be concerned about the competition.
At San José Mineta International Airport, Ohare and Galaxy are the Harlequin bunny members of the Happy Tails program. Three-year-old Ohare is a certified therapy rabbit known for his calm personality. Despite his name, he works at San José—not Chicago O’Hare. Airport autocorrect may never recover. Galaxy is sweet, social, and equipped with enough impressive fluff to help relax travellers before takeoff. Meet Ohare and Galaxy on SJC’s website.
Over at Bradley International Airport (BDL), Berlin and Bun Jovi are an enormous and impeccably dressed bunny duo. Berlin is a Continental Giant, while Bun Jovi is a German Giant. Although they are unrelated, their human mom, Nicole Geib, describes them as “a bonded pair.” They share a home, an airport job and a social media account.
Bun Jovi arrives dressed for the rock tour. Berlin, meanwhile, looks like an international art collector who has flown in from Basel to inspect a private collection.
Berlin and Bun Jovi reporting for post-security cuddle duty at Bradley International Airport. Bun Jovi brings the rock-star wardrobe; Berlin brings international art-collector energy. Photo: Nicole Geib.
Travellers can currently meet the pair:
📍 Monday and Friday mornings
⏰ 5:00–7:30 a.m.
🧳 Post-security, near the gates
Travellers can see the pair on Instagram and check out all the pups through the official Bradley Buddies program.
Photo: Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas
Visiting Llamas and Alpacas
Therapy llamas and alpacas visit PDX during select times throughout the year. Their visits usually are 60 to 90 minutes. The next appearance:
📍 September 3, 2026
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
🧳 Pre-security
Because the visit is pre-security, fans can stop by without a boarding pass. The llamas are special visitors you can meet before a flight.
Learn more
Visit the Mtn Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas website for details and upcoming events. You can also follow them on social.
Save the Airport Therapy Animals 2026 Guide
Read the official 2026 Global Airport Therapy Animal Audit announcement.
Join the Sunday Dispatch for airport therapy animal stories, program spotlights and terminal travel updates—landing in your inbox every Sunday.
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Welcome aboard—your journey just got less RUFF.