Frazzled Flier? Let These Furry Friends Relieve Stress At Airports Around North America

Air travel is stressful. Puppies are adorable. So why not put the two together to make for a happier flying experience?

Some airports around the U.S. and Canada are doing just that, by offering "comfort dogs" that can help soothe harried travelers. These pooches (and their handlers) roam the terminals at about 20 airports in North America, where passengers can greet and pet them -- and take in some of the scientifically proven stress relief that animals provide.

LAX: Los Angeles International Airport's Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program has 30 dogs ready to serve, like this these cuties, Hazel and Barnes:

GRR: Gerald Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has nine dogs outfitted in "Pet Me" vests that roam the airport at peak hours, ready to offer a paw to shake or a belly to rub.

MIA: Miami International Airport is home to Casey, a 69-pound golden retriever who is the airport's K-9 volunteer ambassador. Casey even has her own Web page and email address (casey@miami-airport.com) so passengers can stay in touch.

SFO: The San Francisco International Airport has its own "Wag Brigade" of 22 dogs ready to greet travelers passing through the Golden Gate city.

EIA: Edmonton International Airport in Alberta says it's the first Canadian airport to offer pet therapy. The airport teamed up with the Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta to bring the furry visitors to the airport.