Just in time for the holiday travel, San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
LiLou is the first known airport therapy pig in the U.S. Photo: Future Travel Experience.
and the San Francisco SPCA has welcomed LiLou, a Juliana-breed pig, to its Wag Brigade team of pets certified by the San Francisco SPCA’s Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) programme.
Launched in December 2013, the SFO Wag Brigade brings trained animals to the airport terminals to make passenger travel more enjoyable. The San Francisco SPCA certifies all animals through its AAT programme prior to walking airport terminals. Carefully selected for their temperament and airport suitability, animals wear vests that read “Pet Me!” to encourage interaction with airport guests.
LiLou is the first known airport therapy pig in the United States, and promises to surprise and delight guests at SFO with her winning personality, charming costumes, and painted nails. LiLou loves performing tricks for her audience, and also visits several other facilities in San Francisco including senior centres and hospitals.
“We have more than 300 dog, cat and rabbit volunteer teams, but LiLou is the first pig in our program,” said Dr. Jennifer Henley, manager SF SPCA Animal Assisted Therapy. “It’s wonderful to witness the surprise and delight that LiLou brings to people during therapy visits.”
