Paws on the Go

You hear it before you see it — the cacophony of happy howls and boisterous barks coming from the Pup Park Shuttle as it makes its way through Raleigh’s residential streets. And what comes next is sure to wag any tail: The bus pulls to a stop in front of a house, the driver opens the double doors, and the next four-legged passenger comes bursting out from behind their front door and bounding along the walkway to almost trip up the stairs and take their seat.

“They’re being teleported to different parks all around the city,” says Pup Park Shuttle founder & CEO Baden Jaxen about his unique shuttle service for dogs. The cheerful bus — with its daily quote whiteboard, faux-grass flooring, and painted murals — picks up pups from their homes and takes them on tail-wagging adventures around the city. “They get to socialize, explore, and burn off energy — all while having a blast!” says Baden about his rolling playground designed to give dogs the ultimate day out.

And former professional basketball player Baden knows something about rolling with things. When he tore his Achilles tendon during the second game of the season, he found inspiration in an unexpected place: a video of a dog bus in Canada.

“I was devastated,” he says about successive career-ending injuries, “but I believe everything happens for a reason.” So, while recuperating in Canada, Baden transformed injury into innovation and thought, “Why not bring this concept to North Carolina?”

After he returned to Raleigh and a franchise opportunity to operate a dog bus locally fell through, Baden recognized the blessing in disguise. He explains: “It allowed me to be innovative and creative with my own idea that we were able to manifest.” There are busy pet owners everywhere, so daily dog bus adventures offer a practical solution to the challenge of keeping dogs active and happy — but Pup Park Shuttle’s perks have set the wheels in motion for a truly enriching experience for community canines.

So how does Baden’s bus go the extra mile? Unlike with other dog shuttles, pups aren’t just visiting one park. Instead, they are sniffing out 3–4 locations in a single day, which gives them the chance to experience new sights and smells several times over. “It’s not just about exercise,” Baden explains. “It’s about mental stimulation, too.”

The shuttle is a game-changer for families juggling work, school, and errands, as it allows them to provide their dogs with the exercise and socialization they crave. “By the time you get home,” Baden says, “your pup has had a full day of fun, and you can relax without worrying about their energy levels.”

The service may be designed with fun in mind, but socialization and safety remain a focus. “We choose parks wisely and keep a close eye on our furry passengers,” says Baden. Plus, all pups must be well-tempered and up to date on vaccinations before hopping on board. There has never been any kind of altercation, and the only time a deer was spotted it was by Baden, who was able to redirect the dogs’ attention.

Despite only hitting the streets on November 26, 2024, the Pup Park Shuttle has been warmly embraced. Pet parent Holli Draughn, whose dogs Bella and Birdie enjoy round-trip service a couple times a week, expresses what’s obvious to anyone who has used the Pup Park Shuttle: “Baden’s been great!” Indeed, from the hugs he shares with pet parents at every stop to his Pied Piper ability to lead the dogs through their various activities, there’s little doubt that Baden is dog’s best friend.

And the pup bus isn’t just a hit with dogs — it’s also gaining traction in the community and making a pawsitive impact. “It’s all about building a community of dog lovers,” says Baden, who is “so grateful for the support and the love that we’ve been getting.” There are big plans to collaborate with local businesses, and even the possibility of showcasing the work of local artists as a rolling gallery. With a vision to expand to other cities through his own franchise model, Baden shares that “we’re gonna continue to spread the joy.”

“If I were a dog, I’d want to be on this bus, exploring and making new friends,” he says with a laugh.

pupparkshuttle.com

More From Our Sep-Oct 2025 Issue

• The 2025 Pet Parade
• Celebrated Spirits: Fo{u}r Friends
• Celebrated Spirits: The Old Wonderland
• Restaurant Profile: Cape Fear Seafood Co.
• Erica Chats: Crisp Air & Clean Closets
• Garden Adventurer: Dividing Irises
• Out & About in Wake County: September/October 2025
• Just BOO It!
• Building Connection
• Pay It Forward: Shop with a Cop
• Small Business Spotlight: Vintage Labrador
• Paws on the Go