Every day, service and therapy animals assist their handlers with a variety of tasks that make living easier, safer, and healthier. Many of those who count on these special helpers also count on public transportation.
Twice a year, OCTA hosts a special free opportunity to familiarize therapy and service animals with public transportation. Animals that are comfortable with the sounds, movement and layout of a bus increase the independence and confidence of their handlers.
OCTA will offer Service Animal Training Day at the Anaheim-ARTIC Metrolink station on April 6 with free rides on OC Bus, including the sights and sounds of Downtown Disney District® and Anaheim Garden Walk®. Participants can add the experience of riding on a Metrolink train (standard Metrolink fares apply).
Service animal and therapy animal trainers, program alumni, and their friends and families are all invited.
Online pre-registration is available this year for those who want to save time the day of the event. Registration is also available at the venue.
To increase confidence and familiarity, trainers are encouraged to ride multiple times and practice boarding, riding, and alighting an OC Bus.
OCTA is one of the only public transportation agencies in the country to offer this opportunity. Around 20,000 dogs work as assistance animals in the United States, according to the American Human Society.
Learn more about the event and pre-register here.