More Dog Services
in Charlotte-Matthews

Dogs aren’t just treated like family, they are family, and we welcome them with dedicated puppy hours.


Our beloved furry companions bring happiness to our days and deserve the very best in return. That’s why we offer a wide range of services, including puppy hour, for every stage of your pup’s journey. This ensures that both you and your dog share a path of longevity, well-being, and happiness.

Central Bark
Charlotte-Matthews

9600 Monroe Rd,
Charlotte, NC 28270Get Directions

(704) 261-3061

Closed Open for Boarding Only

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puppy hour at central bark charlotte

FREE Puppy Hour!
in Charlotte-Matthews

Start your pup on the right paw! 

At Central Bark, our mission is to nurture and enrich dogs’ lives – and what better way than through puppy socialization?! Positive experiences with new dogs, humans, and environments are a critical part of a puppy’s healthy social development.

These early experiences help your dog develop comfort and confidence and positively affect their lifelong emotional development, building a strong foundation for a healthy, happy, and socially appropriate dog.

Puppy Hour is a FREE supervised play and social hour for puppies over 12 weeks of age held every first and third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon. We invite you and your puppy to attend as many sessions as you would like until your pup reaches the age limit.

Benefits

Enrolling your puppy in our Charlotte-Matthews puppy socialization program offers numerous advantages for their development and well-being. Here’s what your furry companion can gain:

  • Enhanced Comfort and Confidence: Introducing your dog to new environments cultivates a sense of assurance when encountering the unfamiliar, ultimately reducing anxiety.
  • Positive Emotional Growth: Early socialization contributes to your dog’s emotional well-being, establishing favorable associations with fellow dogs, humans, and stimuli.
  • Energy Release: Our program provides a secure arena for puppies to expend their boundless energy through play and exploration.
  • Build Social Skills: Participation in a puppy group facilitates the acquisition of essential social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and establishing boundaries.
  • Robust Foundation: Our puppy program lays a sturdy groundwork for your dog’s forthcoming well-being. It ensures their growth into a robust, cheerful, and socially adept canine.

In Our Puppy Program, Your Pup Will:

  • Enjoy Off-Leash Playtime: Interact with other vaccinated puppies of similar age during off-leash play sessions.
  • Receive Experienced Supervision: Be carefully supervised by experienced caregivers, ensuring safe and appropriate play.
  • Socialize and Explore: Meet new dogs, people, toys, places, and experiences to foster socialization and adaptability.
  • Face Age-Appropriate Challenges: Learn to handle different and interesting challenges suitable for their age, helping them become more comfortable with various experiences.

You will also receive a FREE Central Bark Puppy Parent Handbook, containing helpful tips for raising your healthy, happy, well-rounded puppy.

Rules & Requirements

  • Age Range: Puppies between 8 and 16 weeks old.
  • Limited Enrollment: Maximum of 6 puppies, determined by the number of attending puppy parents.
  • Advance Registration: Registration in advance is required.
  • Vaccination Proof: Proof of current Bordetella and DHPP vaccinations is necessary.
  • Inclusive Participation: We encourage both parents and children to join
  • Leash and Collar: Please bring a standard 6-foot leash (no retractable or flexi-leads in the lobby) and a quick-release collar. If your puppy usually wears a harness, you can bring that too.
Continue to register

If you have any questions, please call (704) 261-3061 or email cltmatthews@centralbarkusa.com 

dog party and puppy hour at central bark

Dog Parties & Events
in Charlotte-Matthews

Our cherished furry companions bring happiness to our days and deserve the very best in return. That’s why we offer a wide range of services for every stage of your pup’s journey, ensuring both you and your dog share a path of longevity, well-being, and happiness. 

Ask an associate for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stay-n-Play?

Our Stay-n-Play program 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. 

Learn more about our Stay-n-Play boarding service

Can I see the complete facilities where my dog will be staying?

Of course! You are welcome to visit and tour the center before enrolling. 

Contact us to schedule a tour

Do I need to bring bedding, toys, or treats for my dog?

Nope! We got you covered! Most dogs will not need any bedding for a single day of day care. If your dog is boarding with us, see our Sleepover Guidelines. As far as treats and toys, we have plenty! Please ask about which toy and treat products are available.

Is there a schedule of activities and safety rules?

Yes. Our day is broken up into areas of play, rest, feeding and more. And we always keep a watchful eye on canine good manners.

Learn more about our commitment to safety

Read all FAQs

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

  1. Click Request Appointment
  2. Register Online
  3. We will contact you and schedule your first visit