Orlando International Airport launches new ‘MCO Paw Pilots’ therapy dog program

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is launching a brand new therapy dog program called “MCO Paw Pilots,” which will offer some new comfort to travelers.

The new program offers travelers the chance to decompress with cute, certified therapy dogs that will be located in the main terminal building (as their volunteer schedules allow).

“We understand that travel can be stressful and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) wants to try something new to enhance the customer experience,” said Brian Engle, director of customer experience for GOAA. “Our Paw Pilots will offer the right balance of comfort and cuddles with our team of vetted therapy dogs and their handlers.”

The 10 teams of dogs and their handlers will appear at various times throughout the week in two-hour increments on the landslide of the airport – this means that the dogs will not be available for guests at the gates. The MCO Paw Pilots is a trial program, which will be evaluated next year to determine whether it will be a long-term addition to the offerings at the airport.

Each dog that guests can possibly meet has been a certified therapy dog for at least two years, and passed both an in-person screening and an in-terminal test before being invited to work at Orlando International Airport.

The breeds taking part in the MCO Paw Pilots program are:

• Annabel, Golden Retriever
• Annie, Golden Retriever
• Daisy-Mai, Pomeranian
• Essie, rescue (possibly a Corgi-Border Collie mix)
• Farley, Bearded and Border Collie mix
• Fifi, Miniature Schnauzer
• Jora, Golden and Labrador Retriever mix
• Tori, German Shepherd
• Woody, Basset Hound

To learn more about the Orlando International Airport, visit OrlandoAirports.net.