Today we’d like to introduce you to Areona Carter.
Hi Areona, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Carter’s K-9 is a Dallas-based dog training and homestyle boarding business. I started the business when I was 18, originally offering boarding and daycare, and it quickly opened my eyes to how many owners loved their dogs but felt lost when it came to training and behavior. That experience pushed me to pursue formal education through CATCH Dog Training Academy so I could better support both dogs and their people.
Today, my work focuses on force-free training and structured, homestyle boarding where dogs receive individualized care in a calm, supportive environment. My goal has always been to give owners the knowledge and confidence they need to truly understand their dogs.
What means the most to me is seeing that transformation—when communication clicks, trust builds, and both the dog and the owner feel more at peace. That’s the kind of impact I started Carter’s K-9 to create.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. I started Carter’s K-9 when I was 18, so being young meant learning a lot about business, credibility, and responsibility very quickly. Soon after launching the business, I went off to college at Texas A&M (Whoop!), which meant balancing school while still trying to nurture and grow something I deeply cared about.
Then COVID hit, which created a lot of uncertainty for small businesses, especially in the pet industry. There were moments where I had to pivot, adapt, and stay patient while figuring out the future of the business.
In 2023, when I graduated, I faced the same decision many of my peers did about pursuing a traditional corporate path. Instead, I chose to bet on myself and fully commit to the dream I started at 18 by running Carter’s K-9 full time. It’s been the most challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling journey I’ve ever taken on! And I’m just getting started, big things are coming for Carter’s K-9 in 2026.
We’ve been impressed with Carter’s K-9 LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Carter’s K-9 is a Dallas-based dog training and homestyle boarding business focused on providing structured care and practical training for everyday dog owners. We offer home-based boarding in a calm, low-stress environment, several private training programs tailored to each dog and family, and monthly group classes that give owners the opportunity to practice skills around real-world distractions.
We’re known for our personalized approach and for creating a structured environment where dogs can learn, decompress, and build better habits. Our training focuses on clear communication, positive reinforcement, and helping owners better understand how their dogs think, learn, and behave.
I am most proud that we’ve created a business that people trust. I never take for granted that owners choose us to care for their dogs and guide them in training, and building that confidence and support for both dogs and their people is what drives everything we do.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with or support Carter’s K-9 in a few different ways. Dog owners can book home-based boarding, private training programs, or monthly group classes to give their pets personalized guidance and care. To get started, new clients can visit our website at CartersK9llc.com to fill out the “New Client Inquiry” form or send us an email at CartersK9@yahoo.com.
We also love connecting and collaborating with local businesses, pet organizations, or community events that align with our mission of positive reinforcement, education, and supporting dog owners. You can support us by referring friends, sharing our services, or following along on social media: Instagram @CartersK9_ and TikTok @CartersK9 to stay connected and see the work we’re doing with dogs and their families.
Pricing:
- Dog Boarding $50 per day
- 10 Session Training program $1200
- 15 Session Training program $1800
- 12 Week Comprehensive Training program $3000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cartersk9llc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cartersk9_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CK9LLC
