Meet the Wag Brigade – Adorable Animals Who Want To Befriend Airport Passengers

Because getting on a plane isn’t easy for everyone, San Francisco Airport had a brilliant idea: to hire an animal brigade to reassure and distract travelers. An unusual initiative, since the airport, has partnered with the SFSPCA (San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), all as part of a therapy program based on animal assistance.

The famous shock team, called the Wag Brigade, is made up of 22 dogs and a little pig called Lilou. The idea was put in place in December 2013 and since then it has always been a success. Animals continue to accompany passengers in need and have boosted the morale of many travelers.

Wag Brigade program manager Jennifer Kazarian explains that in 2013, this trend was being talked about at other airports. Inspired, she too wanted to import this idea to San Francisco, while adding something unique. In fact, the airport therapy dog initiative dates back to the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, when a San José airport employee brought his own therapy dog to work, to help passengers relax.

Indeed, many studies prove that the company of animals reduces stress and anxiety. Animals would therefore make us happy and healthy since dogs boost our levels of oxytocin (the hormone responsible for our happiness) and lower our levels of cortisol (the hormone responsible for our anxieties).

Good news then! In any case, the animals of the brigade seem delighted to meet new people on a daily basis; just as passengers are relieved to find some solace before their flight. A smart solution for San Francisco airport, which sees more than 55 million travelers pass each year. For more information, visit the brigade’s Instagram account. And if you are interested in this service, just take a look at the airport website. Checkout below adorable dogs, adorable pigs pictures and make your day beautiful.