Portland Airport Offers Emotional Support Llamas (Photos)

No, they aren’t looking for their gate — these llamas at Portland International Airport in Oregon are looking for you.

Last holiday season, staff at the hub introduced a group of llamas and alpacas into their existing rotation of emotional support dogs, offering what media relations manager Allison Ferre calls “a uniquely PDX experience” at the city’s iconic airport.

“It’s just pure joy,” she tells PEOPLE of reactions to the specially trained fluffy friends, who reside at a farm outside the city and visit the terminals about twice a month. “Travelers’ faces say it best.”

The animals are “only here for periods of time that are healthy for them,” says Ferre, and haven’t been the subject of any traveler complaints to date.

“We usually promote it on our social channels in advance of when they’re coming,” Ferre explains. “We get disappointment when people miss them.”

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The animals come from a non-profit called Mtn Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas, located in Richfield, Washington. Mother/daughter duo Lori Gregory and Shannon Joy “have found a mission in sharing the llama llove with those who appreciate the enjoyment of Animal-Assisted Therapy,” they write on their website.

PDX already had a therapy dog program in place, in addition to sensory rooms and other accommodations for travelers. But it’s the llamas that really go viral every time they visit.

“They have these moments where they just pop because of a traveler’s social video,” Ferre explains. “It’s all good-natured.”

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