About Central Bark Asheville
Meet Lisa and Emily Fenster, a compassionate duo dedicated to making a positive impact. Emily, a seasoned paramedic with over ten years of experience, and Lisa, a dedicated speech therapist empowering children with disabilities, join forces to open Central Bark Asheville. The dynamic couple has three adorable dogs—Storm, Sir Charles (aka Chuck), and Blue—and wants to create a welcoming community hub where compassion, expertise, and furry friends come together.
When they’re not at Central Bark, you can find Lisa and Emily exploring the beauty of Asheville or indulging their artistic side in the River Arts District. Keep an eye out for these two on their scooters as they ride through downtown, and don’t forget to wave hello!
“We welcome you to join our Central Bark family.”
Emily & Lisa Fenster, Central Bark Asheville Franchise Owners

Meet Lisa and Emily Fenster, a compassionate duo dedicated to making a positive impact. Emily, a seasoned paramedic with over ten years of experience, and Lisa, a dedicated speech therapist empowering children with disabilities, join forces to open Central Bark Asheville. The dynamic couple has three adorable dogs—Storm, Sir Charles (aka Chuck), and Blue—and wants to create a welcoming community hub where compassion, expertise, and furry friends come together. When they’re not at Central Bark, you can find Lisa and Emily exploring the beauty of Asheville or indulging their artistic side in the River Arts District. Keep an eye out for these two on their scooters as they ride through downtown, and don’t forget to wave hello!
Awards & Achievements

Central Bark® Certified
Enrichment Dog Day Care
Our Family Photo Album





Frequently Asked Questions
Our staff is trained in dog body language and positive playgroup management techniques so they can respond proactively to help avoid issues between dogs. These tools include praise, treats, and work on important Group Play Skills daily like name recall, group sits, and going calmly in and out of doorways and gates. If a dog ever becomes overstimulated during play (just like kids do on the playground sometimes) we use these practiced skills to help redirect dogs into more desired behaviors (like coming to us and offering a sit for a treat) which gives the dog a chance to reset and calm down. When needed, we also utilize play breaks (a short rest in an individual crate) or in-group leash walks if a dog needs a little more help to bring their energy levels back down.
Dog boarding gives your dog a safe and comfortable place to spend the night when they can’t be home overnight. It can last for just one night or for a week or more at a time.
At Central Bark®, we offer Sleepovers to dogs enrolled in our Enrichment Day Care Program. Sleepovers at Central Bark® provide your dog a calm, relaxing sleepover in a place they can feel comfortable and loved. Because they’re in a familiar place, they can feel less stressed about being away from home (and so will you). A full day of Doggy Day Care is included with your sleepover stay.
Our Stay-n-Play program (available at participating locations) offers boarding for dogs that have not enrolled in our day care program. Each overnight guest gets a restful night’s sleep, followed by a day of play, exercise, and plenty of TLC from our staff. Stay-n-Play guests sleep and play in their own designated areas.
An essential characteristic of a dog groomer is someone who makes you and your dog feel safe and comfortable.
Other things to look for:
- Certifications – Groomers don’t need a license or certification to work. Still, these accreditations are often signs that the groomer has the necessary training and experience to care for your pup.
- Experience with different breeds – Look for a groomer with experience with a variety of breeds and coats and the standard haircut for your dog’s breed.
- Preparedness – A groomer should work with dogs of all ages and levels of experience with grooming. They should aim to help each dog feel as comfortable as possible with the grooming process. Suppose the dog or puppy becomes anxious or uncomfortable. In that case, the groomer should be able to suggest a plan for increasing their comfort over time with the use of a positive reward-based approach.
Make a reservation for your dog’s grooming session
There’s no bond like the one between our furry best friends and us. We love our dogs and want to give them the best life possible. But it can be challenging to fulfill all their needs to stay healthy and happy for a lifetime. Doggy day care gives pups a place to play and learn in a safe environment, with the socialization, mental stimulation, and physical exercise their minds and bodies need to stay healthy for a lifetime.
- Dogs get to socialize. Dogs are social creatures. Positive experiences with new humans, new dogs, and new environments are essential to a well-rounded pup.
- Dogs learn social skills. Dogs learn from other dogs – they’re always teaching each other what is (and isn’t) appropriate social behavior. Doggy day care staff can also help support safe play and practice healthy social behaviors.
- Dogs get more exercise. Exercise helps your dog maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone while improving their mood and providing a healthy outlet for their physical and mental energy, meaning they can be more relaxed at home.
- Dogs get human attention. Your dog will get the care and love they need while you’re at work or school.
- Parents get a break. Doggy day care can give you a day off from responsibilities, while your dog gets what they need to be a healthier, more well-adjusted pet.
Central Bark® Whole Dog Care
Our whole dog care approach offers a full range of fun and personalized products and services. To promote your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional health and happiness throughout their entire life.
Let’s get started
- Click Request Appointment
- Register Online
- We will contact you and schedule your first visit