Since 2013, San Francisco International Airport has hosted a trained animal therapy program, and this year the airport welcomed its first therapy pig.
The Animal Assisted Therapy program, known as the Wag Brigade and founded in December 2013, includes more than 300 therapy animals such as cats, dogs and rabbits. These animals are trained by the San Francisco SPCA and are selected for calm temperaments and suitability for busy airport environments.
The Juliana breed pig, named LiLou, is the first therapy pig at a U.S. airport. Nearly two years old, LiLou appears around the terminal in costumes and greeting passengers with a friendly demeanour to help ensure travelers feel comfortable and at ease.
“Since its launch in 2013, the SFO Wag Brigade has become a favorite amenity among travelers,” said Christopher Birch, director of guest experience at San Francisco International Airport. “With the addition of LiLou, we can look forward to more moments of surprise and delight for guests at our airport.”
LiLou and the other Wag Brigade animals wear vests that invite passengers to “pet me,” encouraging brief interactions that can calm nerves and ease anxiety related to flying. Beyond the terminal, LiLou also visits local senior centers and hospitals to offer comfort and companionship.
The Wag Brigade program focuses on improving passenger wellbeing by providing friendly animal interactions in high-stress travel settings. Trained volunteers and handlers ensure each visit is safe and positive for both animals and people, and animals are rotated to avoid overwhelming either the animals or the public.
Therapy animals such as those in the Wag Brigade are evaluated for temperament, health and training before joining the program. They receive ongoing care and rest periods to maintain physical and emotional wellbeing while performing visits. Airports and other public spaces increasingly use certified therapy animals to reduce anxiety and provide emotional support for visitors.
LiLou’s presence at San Francisco International Airport continues the Wag Brigade’s mission to create welcoming, relaxed moments for travelers. Passengers who encounter the program often report feeling more at ease, and the initiative highlights the role of animal-assisted therapy in public settings.
Photos and videos of LiLou and other Wag Brigade animals are shared on San Francisco International Airport’s official social channels, where the program’s activities and outreach appearances are posted for travelers and the community to enjoy.