Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark and Washington/Dulles airports will have dogs scattered throughout.

Most of the pups are golden retrievers, although Labradors, pugs, and other dogs are also participating. Many will be at the gates for passengers to pet while they wait to board their flights.

The dogs come as part of United Airlines' United Paws program which began last year.

"Research shows that just petting a dog releases oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and affection, and also decreases levels of stress," veterinarian Dr. Walter Woolf said in a news release.

The program runs Dec. 21 through Dec. 23.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com