Travelers passing through Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern, North Carolina, now have a new source of comfort: therapy dogs. As of July 23, 2025, the airport has officially launched a therapy dog program as part of its passenger services, aiming to make air travel less stressful and more welcoming for everyone. This move comes at a time when airports across the United States 🇺🇸 are looking for new ways to support travelers’ well-being and improve the overall passenger experience.
Therapy Dogs Join the Airport Team

On July 11, 2025, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) announced that two therapy dogs, Valiant and Jasmine, had joined the airport’s team. These dogs are not just passing through—they are now a regular part of the airport’s passenger services. Their main job is to offer emotional support and comfort to travelers, especially those who feel nervous, anxious, or overwhelmed by the busy airport environment.
The therapy dogs are handled by certified volunteers who have received special training to work in public spaces like airports. These handlers know how to help both the dogs and the people they meet, making sure every interaction is safe and positive. The program is a partnership between the airport, local therapy dog organizations, and dedicated volunteers, all working together to make travel a little easier for everyone.
Why Therapy Dogs?
Airports can be stressful places. Long lines, security checks, flight delays, and crowded terminals can make even the calmest traveler feel uneasy. For some people—like children, older adults, or those with special needs—the stress can be even greater. That’s where therapy dogs come in.
Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and emotional support. They are different from service animals, which are trained to help people with specific disabilities. Therapy dogs are there to help anyone who wants to interact with them, offering a friendly face and a calming presence. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, therapy dog programs at airports have been shown to reduce passenger anxiety and improve overall satisfaction with the travel experience.
How the Program Works
The therapy dog program at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is designed to be simple and accessible for everyone. Here’s how it works:
- Regular Appearances: Valiant and Jasmine, the airport’s therapy dogs, are scheduled to be in the terminal several times a week. Their handlers bring them to public areas where travelers can easily see and interact with them.
- No Registration Needed: Passengers do not need to sign up or register to meet the therapy dogs. If you see them in the terminal, you are welcome to say hello, pet them, or just enjoy their company.
- Trained Handlers: Each therapy dog is always accompanied by a certified handler. These volunteers have been trained to work in busy public places and know how to make sure both the dogs and the people they meet are comfortable.
- Respect for Boundaries: The program is completely voluntary. If you do not want to interact with the dogs, you do not have to. Handlers are trained to respect personal space and will not approach anyone who seems uncomfortable or uninterested.
What Passengers Are Saying
Since the program’s launch in June 2025, feedback from travelers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many passengers say that seeing and interacting with the therapy dogs helps them feel calmer and more relaxed before their flights. Some have even shared stories of how the dogs helped distract nervous children or provided comfort during long delays.
One traveler shared, “I was really anxious about flying, but when I saw Valiant in the terminal, I felt so much better. He was so friendly and calm—it made a huge difference for me.” Another passenger noted, “My kids loved meeting Jasmine. It turned a stressful morning into something fun and memorable.”
Airport staff have also noticed the positive impact. Customer service representatives report fewer complaints about stress and anxiety, and security staff say that travelers seem more relaxed and cooperative.
Support from Experts and the Community
The therapy dog program at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is not just popular with travelers—it also has strong support from mental health professionals and local organizations. Experts say that animal-assisted therapy can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood, especially in high-pressure environments like airports.
Local therapy dog organizations have played a key role in launching and running the program. Their volunteers are passionate about helping people and are excited to see the program grow. Some have even suggested expanding the program to include more dogs and more frequent visits, based on the high demand from travelers.
Mental health professionals in the area have praised the initiative, saying it sets a positive example for other airports and public spaces. “Having therapy dogs in the airport is a simple but powerful way to support mental health and well-being,” said one local psychologist. “It shows that the airport cares about its passengers as people, not just as customers.”
Accessibility and Inclusion
The therapy dog program is part of a broader effort by Coastal Carolina Regional Airport to make travel more accessible and welcoming for everyone. In addition to therapy dogs, the airport offers a range of services for travelers with disabilities or special needs, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and help with boarding and deplaning.
The airport has updated its policies to include therapy animal services, making sure that these new offerings work alongside existing accommodations. For example, travelers who use trained service animals can still bring them to the airport, as long as they provide at least 48 hours’ advance notice and follow federal and airline rules. You can find more details about these requirements on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s service animal page.
For travelers with allergies or animal-related concerns, the airport has clear procedures in place. If you are allergic to dogs or have a phobia, you can let airport staff know. They will help you find an alternative waiting area or make other arrangements to minimize contact with the therapy dogs. This way, the program supports those who want to interact with the dogs without causing problems for those who do not.
How to Interact with Therapy Dogs at EWN
If you are traveling through Coastal Carolina Regional Airport and want to meet the therapy dogs, here’s what you need to know:
- Look for the Dogs: Valiant and Jasmine are usually in public areas of the terminal during scheduled hours. They may be near the check-in counters, security lines, or waiting areas.
- Approach Gently: If you want to say hello, approach the dog and handler calmly. Ask the handler if it’s okay to pet the dog—they will let you know if the dog is ready for visitors.
- Enjoy the Moment: Spend a few minutes with the dog, petting them or just sitting nearby. Many people find that even a short interaction can help them feel calmer and happier.
- Respect Others: Remember that not everyone wants to interact with dogs. If you see someone who seems uncomfortable, give them space and let airport staff know if they need help.
For Travelers with Service Animals
If you are traveling with your own service animal, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport has specific procedures to help you. You need to give the airport at least 48 hours’ notice before your flight and provide any required paperwork. This helps the airport prepare for your arrival and make sure you and your animal have everything you need. For more information, visit the airport’s Accessibility and Special Assistance page.
Background: A Growing Trend in U.S. Airports
The introduction of therapy dogs at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is part of a larger trend across the United States 🇺🇸. Over the past decade, many airports have started similar programs to help travelers feel more comfortable and supported. These programs have become especially popular in recent years as more people recognize the mental health challenges that can come with travel.
EWN’s program builds on its existing commitment to accessibility and customer service. The airport already offers a range of services for travelers with disabilities, and the therapy dog program adds another layer of support. By joining this national trend, EWN is showing that even smaller regional airports can lead the way in passenger care.
Policy and Practical Implications
The therapy dog program at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport has several important effects:
- Reduces Stress: By providing comfort and companionship, therapy dogs help lower anxiety and make travel more enjoyable.
- Supports Special Needs: The program is especially helpful for children, older adults, and people with special needs who may find airports overwhelming.
- Improves Customer Service: Passengers who feel cared for are more likely to have a positive view of the airport and its staff.
- Respects All Travelers: The program is voluntary and designed to avoid causing problems for people with allergies or phobias.
Disability advocates have encouraged the airport to keep monitoring the program to make sure it does not create new barriers for anyone. So far, the airport’s approach—offering clear communication and flexible accommodations—has helped address most concerns.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Community Involvement
Based on the success of the therapy dog program so far, airport officials are considering expanding it. This could mean adding more therapy dogs, increasing the number of days and times they are available, or even including therapy dog visits as part of special airport events.
There is also interest in involving more community organizations in the program. Local schools, mental health groups, and animal therapy organizations may have opportunities to partner with the airport in the future. This could help make the program even more valuable for both travelers and the wider community.
Airport management is committed to keeping the program flexible and responsive to passenger needs. They are collecting feedback from travelers, staff, and volunteers to see what works best and where improvements can be made.
How to Learn More or Get Involved
If you want more information about the therapy dog program or other passenger services at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, you can visit the airport’s official website at www.flyewn.com. The site has details about accessibility services, special assistance, and how to contact airport staff with questions or concerns.
Community members or organizations interested in partnering with the therapy dog program can reach out through the airport’s customer service channels. Volunteers who want to become therapy dog handlers can contact local animal therapy groups for information about training and certification.
Key Takeaways for Travelers and the Community
- Therapy dogs Valiant and Jasmine are now a regular part of the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport experience, offering comfort and support to travelers.
- The program is designed to reduce stress, improve passenger satisfaction, and make the airport more welcoming for everyone.
- Travelers do not need to sign up to interact with the therapy dogs, and accommodations are available for those with allergies or concerns.
- The airport is committed to expanding and improving the program based on feedback from passengers and the community.
As more airports across the United States 🇺🇸 adopt therapy dog programs, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport stands out for its commitment to passenger well-being and community involvement. Whether you are a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, you can expect a warmer, more supportive experience the next time you pass through EWN.
Learn Today
Therapy Dogs → Dogs trained to provide comfort and emotional support to people in public spaces like airports.
Certified Volunteers → Individuals trained and authorized to handle therapy dogs safely in busy environments such as airports.
Accessibility → Airport services designed to help travelers with disabilities or special needs navigate and use facilities.
Service Animals → Animals trained to perform specific tasks to assist people with disabilities, distinct from therapy dogs.
Handlers → Trained individuals who manage therapy dogs and ensure safe, positive interactions with the public.
This Article in a Nutshell
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport now offers therapy dogs to ease travel stress. Valiant and Jasmine comfort passengers without registration, enhancing well-being. Certified handlers ensure safe interactions while respecting boundaries. The program supports accessibility and plans expansion, reflecting a national trend for mental health care in airports to improve passenger experiences.
— By VisaVerge.com