Guide dog puppies test skills at TIA

TAMPA (FOX 13) - A group of guide dog puppies are one step closer to easing anxiety for travelers after a training exercise at Tampa International Airport.

Over a dozen puppies and their raisers arrived to the airport Tuesday to participate in potential real life scenarios with their future owners.

The event, hosted as part of a partnership between the Southeastern Guide Dogs and Tampa International Airport, allowed dogs to practice characteristics typical of flying, like going through security and riding elevators.

It also gave airport employees a look at how dogs view their facility.

"We are able to educate the next class of guide dogs with the traveling tools they need to succeed, and the airport gets a 'dog's eye view' of our facility,” explained Tampa International Airport Director of Marketing Kari Goetz.

When training is finished, both the guide dogs and the airport will be prepared to provide an easier flying experience for all.