Pre-Board Pals.
A partnership between The Calgary Airport Authority and Calgary’s Pet Access League Society (PALS), Pre-Board Pals is a program that brings friendly cats and dogs to the airport to reduce stress and enhance our guests’ experience.
Since April 2016, these therapeutic cats and dogs have been at the terminal at peak times on Wednesdays through Saturdays. You can spot their red vests that say “Pet Me”, and feel free to do just that if you like! Each animal is evaluated by PALS to become an official therapy pet.
These special Pals often know when someone needs extra love and attention. One of the Pre-Board Pals volunteers, Carol Martin, shared this story:
“At the start of the year, [my Pal] Murray headed off to a man who was nose deep in his computer, sitting at a WestJet gate. He lay down on the man’s feet and stayed there. I talked to the fellow and the lady sitting across from him, while Murray was gently stroked. I tried to move on, but Murray would not move. I apologized to the man and said he must be picking up something from him. Yes, said the man, my daughter died yesterday, and I am going to her. Murray stayed with him until he boarded.”
PALS is a non-profit organization providing regular pet therapy visits to senior citizens, children, teenagers and adults at over 50 facilities in Calgary. These include the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre and the Women’s Emergency Shelter. Through pet therapy, PALS is helping to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional health of tens of thousands of Calgarians every year. For additional information about PALS call 403-250-7257 or visit them online at www.palspets.com.