San Francisco airport hires ‘therapy pig’ in US-first

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has hired its first therapy pig to help soothe stressed travellers.

The SFO welcomed Lilou the pig to their official ‘Wag Brigade’ team this month, making her the first airport therapy pig in the United States.

The Wag Brigade is comprised 300 animals ranging from dogs, to cats and rabbits, certified by the San Francisco SPCA’s Animal Assisted Therapy program to help bring comfort to visitors.

Each Wag Brigade member is specifically trained to make travel more enjoyable for passengers passing through airports by performing tricks, giving out hugs and always having a smile on her face.

First launched in 2013, the Brigade has since become a hit with travellers, said Christopher Birch, Director-Guest Experience at SFO.

Lilou, who dresses in different costumes and has her nails painted, even has her own Instagram page.

As part of her service work, the pig has also been taking trips to retirement homes and hospitals.

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