DENVER – Some furry friends are helping reduce holiday travel stress for United Airlines passengers this week at Denver International Airport. The airline is using its United Paws program Monday through Wednesday at airports in Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, Washington/Dulles and Denver.

“United Paws is a wonderful program that comes at just the right time for some holiday travelers who may be experiencing a bit of anxiety or stress,” said Dr. Walter Woolf, the airline’s veterinary consultant. “Research shows that just petting a dog releases oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and affection, and also decreases levels of stress, helps us breathe easier and lowers our blood pressure.”

Jonathan Guerin, United spokesman, said the airline has been using the program for three years at airports during peak travel times. The airline doesn’t have its own dogs, but instead works with organizations in each community to provide the comfort dogs.

Littleton-based Denver Pet Partners will bring approximately 60 dogs to the airport through Wednesday, said Mandy Bell, who serves on the organization’s board of directors and membership director.

The dogs are a variety of breeds and mutts, Bell said.

“There’s not one breed that’s better than the other at this. They are all wonderful,” she said.

The dogs have been spending time at United gates and have been especially helpful at easing stress when flights are delayed, Bell said.

When travelers pose with the dogs and then post the photos on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #UnitedPaws or #UnitedContest, the airline will donate $1 for each picture to Denver Pet Partners.