Central Garden & Pet, Nylabone and Kroger Team up to Bring ‘Bark at the Park’ Back to MLB Fans and Their Furry Friends Across America

For more than 15 years, Central Garden & Pet (Nasdaq: CENT, CENTA) (“Central”) has helped bring thousands of dogs and their families to Major League Baseball stadiums across the country for fun and charitable events called Bark at the Park. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s festivities were not able to take place, but today Central and the company’s leading dog chew brand Nylabone, in partnership with retail giant Kroger, are proud to announce that Bark at the Park is back! This year’s events will feature some of the beloved and signature events Bark at the Park baseball fans and their dogs have come to love and expect, such as pre-game activities, special photo opportunities and “Best of Show” contests. Additionally, fans and their dogs will receive free product samples from Nylabone, Kroger and Pet Pride and a commemorative dog bandana before enjoying the ballgame from a special pup section.

Bark at the Park events are also committed to giving back through the Animal Rescue Foundation’s flagship program Pets and Vets, which provides emotional support animals to U.S. Military heroes in need. The Pets and Vets program pairs specially selected dogs with military veterans challenged with PTSD, trauma and other serious ailments and leads the veterans in training their dogs as psychiatric service animals. Event attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to the program through the purchase of their Bark at the Park tickets and donations at the parks. The Bark at the Park program also includes fundraising for pet welfare programs across the country.

“It’s been a very challenging year for everyone, and we are thrilled to help bring some joy back to people’s lives with Bark at the Park,” said Jim Heim, President of Business Development for Central Garden & Pet. “In the midst of so much anxiety and uncertainty, our pets continue to provide a sense of comfort and companionship that is invaluable.”

This year’s schedule includes MLB baseball games featuring the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies. The first Bark at the Park event took place at Truist Field in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, April 25, 2021 when the Braves hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks along with hundreds of dogs and their families. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly for all the Bark at the Park games and can be purchased through the teams’ official websites.