OCTA - Orange County Transportation Authority
04/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/14/2026 11:03
More than 300 Dogs Practice Riding OC Buses to Better Serve Those Who Rely on Them
More than 300 Dogs Practice Riding OC Buses to Better Serve Those Who Rely on Them
4/14/2026
OCTA's latest Service Animal Training held Saturday, April 11 in Anaheim helps prepare working dogs for real-world transit conditions
ORANGE - The familiar sounds of buses pulling up, doors opening and closing, and coach operators greeting passengers filled the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) on Saturday, along with the focused energy of hundreds of service dogs in training.
At one stop, a golden retriever calmly guided its trainer up the ramp of an OC Bus, pausing briefly before settling under a seat. Nearby, another young service dog hesitated at the noise of a departing bus, then moved forward with encouragement, gaining confidence in each step.
This year, 333 dogs and their trainers participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority's semi-annual Service Animal Training, designed to help prepare animals for the real-world conditions they will encounter while assisting people with disabilities.
The training provides dogs with valuable exposure to the sights and sounds of public transit - including engine noise, crowded environments and unexpected distractions - helping them remain focused while supporting their future handlers.
Participants boarded OC Buses departing approximately every 20 minutes from ARTIC, traveling through the Anaheim Resort area with stops near popular destinations such as the Anaheim GardenWalk and Downtown Disney.
They also practiced on OC Access paratransit buses, riding on the access ramps.
The experience allows trainers to simulate everyday transit scenarios in a controlled, supportive environment.
Organizations including Guide Dogs for the Blind, Canine Companions and Go Team Therapy Dogs, as well as military veterans and first responders regularly participate, using the training to help dogs build confidence, improve obedience and strengthen the bond between animal and trainer.
OCTA has hosted the Service Animal Training for more than a decade, traditionally offering the program twice a year to support the important role service animals play in helping people navigate daily life, including using public transportation.
For more information about the program and future training dates, visit www.octa.net/ServiceAnimal.
Photos: Service dogs in training participate Saturday, April 11, in a day of training on OC Bus and OC Access vehicles to help them prepare for real-life events. Photo courtesy of OCTA. (Additional photos available upon request)
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OCTA - Orange County Transportation Authority published this content on April 14, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 14, 2026 at 17:03 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]