Elmo is turning 7 and we’re having a pawty!

Adelaide Airport’s Facility Dog Elmo is celebrating his 7th birthday this weekend, and we’re hosting a special pawty with some of his doggy friends to recognise this milestone, along with his contribution to the airport community. 

Trained by Guide Dogs SA/NT, Elmo was the first internationally-accredited Facility Dog at any Australian airport when he started in 2022. Since then, he has supported thousands of people as they make their way through Adelaide Airport, providing a reassuring presence. 

Elmo will be joined by some of his fur-iends from Guide Dogs SA/NT, while they tuck into some specially-made, dog-friendly birthday pup-cakes and some puppuccinos. 

There will also be sweet treats and drinks on-hand for the humans in attendance, and giveaways for people traversing the airport. 

Media are invited to wish Elmo a happy birthday at Elmo’s stand in the check-in hall on Level 2 at 9.30am on Friday 29 May.  

Adelaide Airport Executive General Manager Corporate and General Counsel, Alicia Bickmore, said the response from customers towards Elmo had been overwhelmingly positive over the past four years, and people regularly looked for him when they travelled. 

“Elmo has been invaluable to our team at Adelaide Airport, and to thousands of people who are anxious about travelling or live with hidden disabilities,” Ms Bickmore said. 

“Elmo spends his working hours as a reassuring presence for people who may need some support that isn’t immediately apparent.” 

It takes over $50,000 and more than two years to breed, raise and train a Guide Dog or Assistance Dog.  

The presence of a Facility Dog can help people manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and improve moods. 

Guide Dogs SA/NT Chief Executive Dan Cox said Elmo had set an example on how such a diverse community could be supported and served. 

“Elmo is wonderfully calming for so many people, providing a presence and walking with a traveller or their family member, or sitting and providing comfort alongside someone when needed,” Mr Cox said.  

“At Guide Dogs SA/NT, we train dogs not just to support people with low vision and blindness, but to support people with other specialised needs in their roles as Assistance or Facility Dogs, as Elmo has done for the past four years.  

“He is much loved by the airport community, and we appreciate being able to celebrate with him and his furry friends today.” 

As a Facility Dog, Elmo is directed by qualified staff within Adelaide Airport. He wears a Guide Dogs jacket and bandana each day, showing people he’s up for a pat or a cuddle.  

Guide Dogs SA/NT presented Adelaide Airport with its  Access Advocate Award in 2025, recognising its efforts to support people living with low vision, blindness and other specialised needs.   

Adelaide Airport’s Special Assistance services include airside and landside Assistance Animal Relief Areas; Changing Places facilities offering more space, a ceiling hoist and adult size change table; a sensory room; a meet and assist program; hearing loops installed throughout the terminal; and a dedicated security special assistance lane. 

The airport has also teamed up with Virgin Australia to launch the ‘Try Before You Fly’  program, which provides people with disability and other health conditions the opportunity to experience flying who would otherwise consider it as a barrier.