About Central Bark Athens, GA
Meet Rick Weaver, proud owner of Central Bark Athens. After serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy, Rick built a successful career in IT operations before pursuing a new chapter that combines his passion for animals, family, and community.
Rick and his wife, Rose, have raised their two children around a shared love of pets and the outdoors. Their family includes two Siberian Huskies, Scarlett and Luna, and a cat named Nilah. Their pets are a big part of everyday life, joining the family on vacations and outdoor adventures. Scarlett and Luna have even tagged along on family trips to Disney World. As a locally owned, family-operated business, Central Bark Athens is proud to serve the pets and families of the Athens community.
Like many pet parents, Rick understands the importance of finding quality care you can trust. For their own pets, they seek out Fear Free veterinary practices and AKC S.A.F.E. groomers, always putting their animals’ well-being first. That same mindset inspired Rick to open Central Bark Athens and create a place where local families can feel confident their dogs are safe, happy, and well cared for.
Combining his lifelong love of animals with years of leadership experience, Rick is committed to creating a welcoming environment where dogs can play, learn, and thrive while giving pet parents peace of mind.
Meet The Team
Serenity Johnson
Enrichment Specialist
I’ve always had a natural connection with dogs and a soft spot for every one of them. When I started seeing videos of dogs having the time of their lives at daycare, I knew I wanted to be part of creating those experiences. Since Central Bark opened, I’ve loved coming to work each day and giving dogs an outlet for their energy while making sure they are safe, loved and cared for like family.
Avery Mutimer
Enrichment Specialist
I’ve grown up around dogs my whole life and spent years volunteering with local animal shelters before joining the Central Bark team. Central Bark’s commitment to breed inclusivity is so close to my heart. I love that every dog is welcomed and evaluated as an individual, giving every pup a space to thrive. My absolute favorite part of the day is building trust with shy or anxious dogs and watching them transform into confident, affectionate members.
Maddie Lee
Enrichment Specialist
I’ve always had a very special place in my heart for dogs, which is why working at Central Bark feels like such a natural fit for me. I love their playful personalities, loyalty, and unconditional love. I truly enjoy getting to spend my days caring for them and making sure they feel happy, safe, and loved. For me, dogs are more than just pets they’re family and being able tow ork with them in something I genuinely enjoy and feel passionate about.
Zoey Wadsworth
Assistant Manager
I’ve always loved dogs, so getting to work with them every day is honestly one of my favorite things. I love being around them, getting to know all their personalities, and building a bond with them. Every dog is different, and I love being able to give them attention, making them feel comfortable, and spending time with them. I feel lucky to get to do something I genuinely love every day.
Awards & Achievements
Central Bark® Certified
Enrichment Dog Day Care
The Dog Gurus training
Our Family Photo Album
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! We strongly encourage all prospective clients to see our facilities firsthand. We believe a tour is the best way to understand what to look for in a dog day care. You can schedule a visit to tour our complete indoor and outdoor play areas and private rest spaces. We want you to feel completely confident and comfortable with our secure environment. You can also explore our facility and get a feel for what a day at Central Bark looks like by viewing the photos and virtual tours on our website.
Yes! We love to celebrate our friends’ special days. You can schedule space in our facility to celebrate important moments in your dog’s life, from playdates to birthdays to Barkmitzvas. You can rent the space or have us plan and run your entire event.
Contact us to schedule your dog’s party!
At Central Bark®, our goal is to provide a balanced day of play, learning, rest, and love. Learning and mental exercise can happen in various ways, including training activities, brain games, scent work, and more. Our playgroups offer several hours of active playtime paired with learning opportunities during Group Play Skills. This way, dogs have plenty of time to socialize and get their energy out, while also exercising their minds through learning.
During one of your dog’s rest periods throughout the day, they are offered a rest period enrichment activity to stimulate their mind while encouraging healthy rest. These licking and chewing activities involve food rewards, such as frozen peanut butter KONG®. These activities engage their minds while helping foster quality rest.
Did you know? Scientific studies have shown that licking and chewing behaviors (especially those that involve food rewards!) are self-soothing, decrease heart and respiratory rates, and even release dopamine in a dog’s brain.
Training Tutor sessions stimulate the dog’s minds and bodies and help them learn important skills, behaviors, and tricks.
One-on-One Enrichment sessions give the extra attention dogs love and the freedom to use their senses and safely explore their instincts through interactive toys, puzzles, and games.
Did you know? 15 minutes of mental activity is equal to 30 minutes of physical exercise!
Dog training teaches a dog to perform certain behaviors, often in a variety of contexts. At Central Bark®, our training classes are based on the latest research and scientific understanding of dog behavior to enhance the bond between you and your dog.
We use positive reward-based techniques to help puppies and dogs of all ages develop essential life skills and behaviors that will enrich their lives at home and day care. These methods set dogs up to succeed and reward them for performing desired behaviors. Rewards are tailored to the dog’s preferences and can include food treats, time to play with a favorite toy, or verbal praise.
Learn more about our training classes.
Visit our Dog Blog for more helpful tips.
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.
