Launched over two decades ago by a passionate dog parent looking to create something better for his own furry friends, Central Bark of Fort Lauderdale has now been serving the community for 24 years with science-backed whole-dog care. To celebrate this milestone and Central Bark’s 20th franchising anniversary, Co-Founder Chris Gaba is hosting a paws-itively fantastic Open House event Saturday, June 15th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“I’m very excited about what we do and why we do it,” Gaba said. “At the end of the day, our dogs give us something that’s just immeasurable. Their unconditional love — we can have a horrible day, and when we walk through the door to a little guy running up to us with his tail wagging, all of that goes away. What Jackie [Jordan] (Co-Founder) and I wanted to create with Central Bark was a space that gave dogs that unconditional love right back.”
For the past 24 years, Central Bark has focused intently on evidence-based methods to provide enrichment and care for dogs that aligns with their specific needs. Gaba explained that, at their core, dogs were bred to do jobs. While we have domesticated them and bonded with them as family pets, there is still a drive to hunt, herd, retrieve or protect.
“A lot of concepts offer a playground for your dog,” he said. “We take it a step further because our program is based on science. We understand dog behavior and pack mentality, and we give dogs an opportunity to be dogs — do all the things dogs do in a controlled, safe environment. Our bottom line is the dog, and with our depth of experience, we can give you what’s best for your dog.”
Central Bark’s unique approach, addressing all of the needs of a dog, works to create healthier, happier pets, more fulfilled pet parents and, ultimately, better communities.
The June 15th open house, taking place at 3699 North Dixie Highway, will offer space to celebrate all of this progress with activities for both pets and their parents. The event will benefit Canine Assisted Therapy, a group that worked with survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting and is consistently involved with bite prevention education in addition to the work of its multiple therapy dog teams. Multiple vendors and experts will be present at the event, including:
- Tatts & Tacos will provide food and drink, and Canine Assisted Therapy will serve up Pup Cups
- Sue Blood and Amber Corea will be available for Ask the Trainer sessions, agility activities and a lure course
- Central Bark staff will lead paw painting
- Healing Paw Center will demonstrate canine physical therapy, massage and acupuncture
- Bright N’ Shine will discuss the importance of non-anesthetic teeth cleaning
“The role Jackie and I primarily serve right now is to look at what’s next,” Gaba said. “If you look at how we’ve evolved as a company in terms of small group play, enrichment, daycare, training and all of the things we’ve done to enhance the dog’s experience and the pet parents’ experience, that’s what’s at the heart of our whole-dog approach. We’re looking at care options from puppyhood to senior dogs, and there are so many things on the horizon for Central Bark.”
For more information about franchising with Central Bark, visit centralbarkusa.com/franchising or call 866-799-2275.
