This US airport offers llama therapy to help passengers’ beat travel anxiety

Portland International Airport is bringing a new level of comfort to travellers with a unique addition: therapy llamas! Partnering with Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas, the airport now offers passengers the chance to interact with friendly llamas dressed in cosy "I heart PDX" neckerchiefs and pompom headbands.

These calming creatures are part of a broader initiative to reduce travel-related stress, alongside therapy dogs and an environment filled with natural light and live trees. The therapy llamas provide comfort, offering pets and cuddles to help passengers relax before or after their flights.

“I hear PDX:” A unique approach to passenger comfort

Portland International Airport has partnered with Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas to offer a unique and calming experience for travellers. Dressed in cosy coats, “I heart PDX” neckerchiefs, and pompom headbands, these friendly llamas wander through the airport, bringing comfort and joy to stressed passengers. This initiative is part of the airport’s broader effort to create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere for those on the go.

Therapy llamas: Part of the “Just to Make You Smile” initiative

These adorable llamas are part of Portland Airport’s “Just to Make You Smile” program, which also includes therapy dogs. The therapy animals aim to reduce anxiety and provide passengers with a sense of calm before or after their flights. The llamas, along with five alpacas, are provided by a non-profit run by a mother-daughter team, Lori Gregory and Shannon Joy. Together, they bring their herd to the airport to offer petting, head scratches, and cuddles to those in need of stress relief.

In addition to therapy animals, Portland International Airport has redesigned its terminals to enhance the travel experience. The space is filled with natural light, surrounded by live trees, and designed to create a serene atmosphere.

The challenge of selecting the right therapy llama

While therapy llamas bring comfort to travellers, not all llamas are suited for such an environment. According to Shannon Joy, only about one in 15 llamas has the temperament and social skills needed to thrive in a busy airport setting, making the selection process more intricate than it might seem.





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