Outer Barks names new owners and adds canine wellness services

Outer Barks in Duck, North Carolina, will change ownership on Nov. 1 as Kevin and Robin Carey sell the long-running pet boutique to Jennifer and Robby Ann Carter. The store is planning a customer appreciation event on Oct. 31 and will expand into canine nutrition, nosework, NASDA sports and canicross.

Why it matters: - Outer Barks has been a Duck retail fixture for 27 years, so the ownership change affects a long-running local business with a built-in customer base. - The Carters plan to add new canine wellness and sport offerings that could broaden the store’s role beyond retail and bakery sales. - Current staff will stay in place, which should help preserve continuity for customers and their dogs.

What happened: - Kevin and Robin Carey are completing the sale of Outer Barks to Jennifer and Robby Ann Carter, effective Nov. 1, 2026. - Outer Barks announced the transition on Oct. 27, 2026. - The store will host a Customer Appreciation Celebration on Oct. 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boardwalk at the Waterfront Shops, 1240 Duck Rd. - Customers, visitors and their dogs are invited to meet the incoming owners before the handoff.

The details: - Outer Barks has operated in Duck for 27 years and has occupied three locations in town before settling at its current Waterfront Shops home. - The business is known for a pet boutique, weekly Yappy Hours, fundraising for animal welfare nonprofits on the Outer Banks and in Currituck, and an on-site dog treat bakery. - Jennifer Carter is a published author of "The Unplanned Obstacle" and brings a background in canine fitness, wellness and sport performance. - Robby Ann Carter has a background as an entrepreneur and leader in national security and has founded and grown women-owned small businesses. - Jennifer Carter plans to offer canine nutrition consultations in person and virtually. - Jennifer Carter also plans to introduce K9 Nosework classes, NASDA working dog sports and canicross. - Jennifer Carter is a certified Canine Nutritionist, certified K9 Nosework Instructor and Judge, and provisional NASDA judge. - The Carters say the store’s same warm, knowledgeable service and freshly baked gourmet treats will remain. - Kevin Carey said the Carters’ passion and local connection will help Outer Barks thrive for its next quarter-century. - Jennifer Carter said the store will honor the Careys’ 27-year legacy while adding wellness and sport opportunities. - The store points customers to the official Outer Barks Facebook page or outerbarks.com for event details and future class schedules. - Outer Barks also sells high-quality gear, toys, apparel, breed gifts and all-natural dog treats baked fresh daily. - Jennifer Carter’s contact details and social links were included with the announcement, including Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The sale keeps the business local, with Southern Shores residents taking over a Duck institution. - The new service mix suggests Outer Barks wants to evolve from a specialty shop into a broader canine lifestyle and training hub. - Keeping staff and signature products in place signals an effort to minimize disruption during the ownership change.

What's next: - The customer appreciation event comes first on Oct. 31. - The ownership transition becomes official on Nov. 1. - The store is expected to roll out more details on classes and new services through its social channels and website.

The bottom line: - Outer Barks is changing hands without changing its local identity, while layering in new wellness and performance services for Outer Banks dog owners.