a close up of a dog

Dog Days at San Francisco International Airport

I n an effort to try to relieve at least some of the stress associated with travel during the holidays, fourteen dogs of different breeds had been introduced last year as part of a program at San Francisco International Airport known as the Wag Brigade; and if you adore canines, your heart may melt when viewing some of the photographs and biographies of the trained dogs found here.

Travel for passengers has apparently been more enjoyable, as the program still exists.

The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals brought dogs certified through its Animal Assisted Therapy Program to roam the terminals.

Carefully selected for their temperament and suitability of being at the airport, the dogs wear vests which display the words “Pet Me!” — encouraging you to pet them, of course — and identify their sizes and breeds by name.

I would paws for a second to suggest that the airport consider introducing a set of trading cards — one for each dog, with their photographs on the front and their biographies on the back as well as information pertaining to the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — to give out to passengers who spot the dogs in person. It might be like a gift from Santa Claws — but perhaps I am simply barking up the wrong tree.

Although I am not an aficionado of pets, I believe this is a great idea which other airports may consider implementing, as this is potentially a win-win situation for all.

Have you traveled through San Francisco International Airport during the past year and seen any of the dogs which are part of the program? If so, what are your thoughts and experiences?

Prancer and Kona are two of the fourteen dogs featured in the Wag Brigade. Photographs courtesy of San Francisco International Airport.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!