OAK introduces new weekly pet therapy program

Oakland, Calif. – May 30, 2024: San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) is launching a new pet therapy program for passengers in partnership with Valley Humane Society’s Canine Comfort Pet-Assisted Therapy team. The weekly program, “Canine Comfort at OAK,” will begin on Monday, June 3, 2024.

“After the pleasure of hosting the volunteer teams from Valley Humane Society this past Valentine’s Day, we are excited to begin this new ongoing program for passengers at OAK,” says Craig Simon, Interim Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland.

“Given the incredible impact pets have on our emotional well-being and the stress associated with travel, we think OAK is the perfect place for our Canine Comfort Pet-Assisted Therapy teams to work their magic," says Valley Humane President, Melanie Sadek.

The dogs and their volunteer owners will visit the airport every Monday between the hours of 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The teams will make their way through both of OAK’s terminals during their visits. Travelers of all ages will be welcome to engage with the animals as they make their rounds. The canines will be decked out in their therapy pet vests. All therapy pets and their owners have passed Valley Humane Society’s certification process and training.

Valley Humane Society, located in Pleasanton, CA, brings animals to places other pets can’t go, sharing the unconditional love that pets offer and creating opportunities for people to experience the love of a pet. Sharing their own beloved companions, Valley Humane Society Canine Comfort Pet-Assisted Therapy volunteers team up with their dogs to improve the lives of others through the community by visiting medical facilities, schools, retirement homes, and airports. Interacting with animals can soothe travelers in moments of stress.

Passengers are encouraged to share their pet therapy experience on social media using the hashtag #CanineComfortAtOAK.

About Valley Humane Society

Envisioning a world in which every animal is loved and every person knows the love of an animal, Valley Humane Society (VHS) creates a brighter future for cats and dogs by encouraging and strengthening the bond between people and pets. VHS rescues and rehabilitates companion animals, champions responsible caretaking, shares pets’ soothing affections with people in need of comfort and supports and preserves existing pet-guardian relationships. Whether you’d like to adopt an animal, share your passion for pets, or meet like-minded people, VHS is Your Means to a Friend™.

Learn more about Valley Humane Society at https://valleyhumane.org/. 

About San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport

San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the main airport for the greater East Bay, the most populated area in the metropolitan San Francisco Bay area. It is the closest airport to most Bay Area employers. By roadway and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) air-rail, OAK enables excellent access to all the region’s business, entertainment, and tourism venues. The vision of San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is to be the airport of choice for San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of East Bay waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 jobs in the region with more than a $174 billion economic impact.

Updates about current departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details about on-airport parking, shopping and dining and more, can be found at www.oaklandairport.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.