San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wag Brigade, SFO’s team of certified stress-relief animals aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.
The programme launched in December 2013 with an initial team of dogs and has since grown to include other animals, including a Juliana-breed pig called Lilou, a 28-pound Flemish Giant rabbit named Alex the Great and most recently Duke the Cat, a rescue from the streets of San Francisco.
“After a decade of the Wag Brigade, we are proud to celebrate these incredible volunteers for transforming travel into a more comforting experience,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO, The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA). “Their presence at SFO highlights the remarkable impact that animal companions have on easing passenger stress and enhancing the journey.”
All animals participating in the Wag Brigade are certified by the SF SPCA through it’s Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) programme. The programme evaluates each animal’s temperament, comfort in large crowds, security requirements, as well as the airport environment. The animal handlers are required to accompany the animals at all times, wearing identifying vests and are fully trained to be familiar with the airport and capable of responding to the public’s general enquiries.
Image: SFO Wag Brigade
