To help people struggling with travel anxiety, Portland International Airport (PDX) has launched an unusual therapy program – involving llamas and alpacas. Working in collaboration with Mountain Peaks Therapy, a Washington-based farm, the airport brings in these gentle animals every few weeks to provide comfort and relieve travelers’ anxiety.

The llamas, wearing adorable “I Heart PDX” neckerchiefs, are part of a larger effort to create a more relaxing airport experience. The llamas are part of the airport’s initiative “Just to Make You Smile.”

Each of these animals has been trained and certified for therapeutic interactions. The farm charges about $650 per animal, per hour.

Speaking to the media, airport spokesperson Allison Ferre said, “It’s just pure joy. The faces of the passengers say it best.”

This is not the only effort the airport is making. It also recently redesigned the terminal to include natural lighting, live trees and other soothing accents. “Being in nature relieves stress,” Ferre told NPR.

This project is more than an aesthetic exercise. The Port of Portland said that in 2023, PDX handled a total of 16.5 million passengers and in June 2024, it handled more than 1.6 million passengers, a 9% increase over 2023. During the peak summer season, the airport operates approximately 450 flights per day.

Jeff Miller, President and CEO of Travel Portland, said, “PDX is the first and last impression for many of our visitors and the renovation of the main terminal will certainly make it a positive one. PDX is a shining star among our city’s tourism assets, and we It is often referred to as one of the best neighborhoods in the city.

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