This US airport has employed llamas, alpacas to alleviate travel anxiety

Though therapy animals in airports are increasingly common, the presence of llamas and alpacas sets Portland apart.

In a bid to reduce the stresses of air travel, Portland International Airport (PDX) has introduced an unusual therapy program involving llamas and alpacas. Working in collaboration with Mountain Peaks Therapy, a Washington-based farm, the airport brings in these gentle animals every few weeks to provide comfort and relieve passenger anxiety. This initiative represents one of several strategies PDX has adopted to address travel-related stress, according to NPR.

Mountain Peaks Therapy, located in Ridgefield, Washington, supplies five llamas and six alpacas to Portland International Airport. Each animal is trained and certified for therapeutic interactions, allowing them to work with both the public and specific audiences in need of calm companionship. The farm charges approximately $650 per animal, per hour, for such sessions. The organisation describes its work as especially effective in stressful environments, which makes the airport setting ideal for this innovative approach.

The concept of animal-assisted therapy is not new. Research from various institutions, including UCLA Health, has shown that interacting with animals can lower stress levels and release mood-enhancing hormones, providing a positive diversion from anxiety or worry. Although the most common therapy animals in public spaces are dogs—now featured in airports like London Stansted and Istanbul—the use of llamas and alpacas remains relatively rare.

Speaking to NPR, Allison Ferre, spokesperson for the Port of Portland, emphasised that PDX’s therapy animal program is a small part of their broader efforts to mitigate the challenges of modern air travel. The airport has even remodelled parts of its infrastructure to include natural features like trees to help create a soothing environment.

The rise of animal therapy programs in airports reflects growing awareness of passenger stress. Data from a 2019 Priority Pass survey revealed that some of the top sources of anxiety for UK travellers include missed flights, lost baggage, delays en route to the airport, and misplacement of essential documents. In the US, market research firm Mintel reported that 45% of travellers surveyed in 2022 found the crowds at airports to be a primary cause of travel-related stress.

Globally, airports are finding ways to incorporate therapy animals to enhance traveller experience. Denver International Airport (DIA), which in 2021 won the Guinness World Record for the largest animal therapy program in an airport, has been a pioneer in the field.

While DIA focuses primarily on dogs, it also encourages other airports to embrace similar programs. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that travel can be especially stressful for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, amplifying the need for supportive interventions.

Though therapy animals in airports are increasingly common, the presence of llamas and alpacas sets Portland apart. According to their operators, these animals offer a "happy distraction" and can provide a unique comfort to passengers. The program has seen positive reception from travellers who appreciate the break from typical airport stressors.

The Port of Portland has yet to release specific feedback data or further comment on the program’s long-term goals but confirmed its intention to continue supporting initiatives that enhance passenger well-being.