OCTA to Host Service Animal Training Day on Saturday in Anaheim

The twice-yearly training allows service-animal trainers to practice with their dogs on board OC Bus to get used to real-life environments and activities

ORANGE - The Orange County Transportation Authority will host its biannual Service Animal Training Day on Saturday, April 11, providing service and therapy animals and their handlers an opportunity to practice navigating public transit in a safe, controlled environment.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), 2626 E. Katella Ave. Free parking will be available for participants in Lot A.

Service Animal Training Day allows participants to board designated OC Buses for free to gain real-world experience riding OC Bus, including practicing boarding, riding and exiting vehicles along a designated training route.

Buses will operate continuously, with round-trip service departing approximately every 20 minutes, encouraging handlers to ride multiple times.

Participants will also have the opportunity to experience common transit environments, including travel near popular destinations such as the Downtown Disney District and Anaheim GardenWalk.

The event is open to service animal and therapy animal trainers, program alumni, and their friends and families. OCTA's training program is designed to help animals become comfortable with the sights, sounds and movements associated with public transportation - an important step in preparing them to assist individuals with disabilities.

Participants are encouraged to register online in advance to streamline check-in. On-site registration will also be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.

OCTA hosts Service Animal Training Day twice a year as part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility and improving mobility options for all riders For more information or to register, visit https://www.octa.net/ServiceAnimal.

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