FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2026
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
OC Supervisor Katrina Foley Releases Statement on OCTA Service Animal Training Day in Anaheim
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — On Saturday, 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.
“Programs like this strengthen independence and expand access for residents who rely on service animals every day,” said OCTA Board Director and Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley. “Busy transit environments can overwhelm untrained animals – potentially leading to disruption for riders. This hands-on training prepares service animals and their handlers to safely and efficiently navigate real-world transit environments, while also supporting a more accessible, reliable transportation system.”
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 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 www.octa.net/ServiceAnimal.
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Vice Chair Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2026 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee
OC Public Libraries Advisory Board
Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees
Transportation Corridor Agency - Foothill/Eastern
Transportation Corridor Agency - San Joaquin Hills
Coastal Greenbelt Authority
