We’re not horsing around! Miniature therapy ponies join YVR’s Less Airport Stress Initiative (LASI)

We know the passenger experience can be stressful. From planning your trip, to arriving at the terminal on time and navigating to your gate, it can be overwhelming for some passengers. In the times where you want to reign in the stress, wouldn’t it be nice to spend time with an adorable dog or how about – a pony?  

Research shows spending time with animals has therapeutic benefits such as improved mood, lower anxiety, and relaxation. Recognizing the meaningful impact animals can have to create a welcoming environment, YVR introduced the Less Airport Stress Initiative (LASI) program in 2017. 

LASI is a program designed to reduce travel anxiety and enhance well-being. Building on the program’s success with ambassador dogs, we’re expanding LASI with a new, first-of-its-kind pilot: miniature therapy ponies at the terminal. YVR is the first airport in Canada—and one of the first in North America—to trial this unique approach to passenger care.  

Miniature horses, Magic and Tinkerbell (3 and 17 years old respectively), are joining the program on a trial basis from Green Acres, a local organization dedicated to equine-assisted activities (EAA) to improve well-being. Magic and Tinkerbell are professionally trained animals experienced in high-traffic public settings such as malls, schools, and seniors’ homes, perfectly capable of charming their way into travellers’ hearts at the airport. The ponies and their handlers will make scheduled visits to YVR terminal areas throughout the summer as part of the pilot.  

This expansion is a natural next step in creating a calming airport environment, especially for families, children, and guests with accessibility needs passing through YVR.  

Since late 2023, LASI therapy dogs average around 1500 hours a year supporting passengers. They also help promote YVR at travel and trade shows and recently tested the latest dog friendly menu at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport. Not a bad gig! 

This isn’t an ordinary dog and pony show. Trained therapy animals in YVR’s LASI program are ready to provide emotional support and comfort to travellers experiencing anxiety associated with travel. So the next time you’re planning a trip to YVR, pony up a piece fruit (or hay) because Magic and Tinkerbell might just be headed your way.