Free event with Knott’s Berry Farm teaches service animals and handlers how to navigate public transit
Sept. 28, 2011
ORANGE – Knott’s Berry Farm is teaming up with the Orange County Transportation Authority to offer free training to service animals and their handlers to help ease the animals’ anxiety when riding the bus.
As part of the OCTA training, Knott’s Berry Farm will allow handlers and service animals to enter the theme park to practice training around large groups of people and various amusement park sounds.
Admission does not include access to the rides and is only available for handlers who attend the training, which begins in Fullerton.
Training will be held between 8 a.m. and noon, Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Fullerton Park & Ride, 3000 W. Orangethorpe Ave. in Fullerton. OCTA will distribute the Knott’s Berry Farm wristbands, required for free admission, at the Fullerton Park & Ride.
“Public transportation plays a critical role in providing independence for a significant population in Orange County,” said OCTA Chair Patricia Bates, also the Fifth District Supervisor. “This is a unique opportunity for animals and handlers to train in real-life situations and we are very pleased to again offer this program.”
After a successful run the previous three years, OCTA and Knott’s Berry Farm have once again teamed up to offer this unique practice opportunity. The training is vital because many animals can be apprehensive of the vibrations and noises made by the bus and from the opening and closing of bus doors, making the ride difficult for the animal and handler.
“As always, we are thrilled to participate in the service animal training day,” said Jennifer Blazey of Knott’s Berry Farm. “Knott’s Berry Farm has always welcomed visitors with service animals and we are happy to assist in the training process. Our hope is that everyone, service animals and those who depend on them, feel secure in a theme park environment.”
During OCTA’s training, service animals and their handlers will have an opportunity to ride the bus. They may board and exit multiple times and ride for an extended period to become familiar with the experience.
Approximately 150 handlers and service animals attended last year’s event. The event has helped train nearly 700 service animals over the past 12 years.
For training information, contact Scott Watt at (714) 265-4390 or swatt@octa.net.
