KQ and Ben Allen had planned and researched for several years prior to opening their pet boarding facility and PURINA feed dealership with 47 dog runs and 12 cattery spaces.
Kenl Inn opened on April 1, 1988 and we had our first boarder on April 5th....Dick Deer brought his Boxer. Dick still brings his dog to KENL INN. Max, a Golden Retriever, is a very nice, well mannered dog and he and Dick make a Great Pair!!
That first weekend, we had 3 dogs boarding. By Memorial Day that year, we had 27 dogs (We thought we were going to die!!). By July 4th the count almost doubled at 48 and by Christmas, we had 72 canine friends celebrating with us.
Ben was our first groomer and was pretty much self-taught. We did grooming on an "as needed/asked for" basis. We've come along way since then!
July 1991
KENL INN expanded by adding a new retail/customer area and an additional Kenl building with 45 more dog areas. Our first full-time employee was hired, and remains with us today!
May 1994 -
The grooming area was updated with state-of-the-art equipment. Clipper Vac and Hydro Surge equipment.
Additional grooming staff was added.
The cattery area was expanded to 34 new condos
For the dogs - there were two Play Yards constructed and a Nature Hike trail mowed out in the 20 acres behind the facility
A computer system was added for more efficient and accurate record keeping, utilizing Kennel Soft software
In 1996 -
Retirement plan was offered to full-time employees
Staff lockers were added.
ABKA Certifications were encouraged and compensated
In 1997
The Company became incorporated.
Computer system upgraded.
In 1998
The PURINA feed dealership was dropped, making space for the front area to be remodeled.
This gave a classier look by adding four doggy suites, a new solarium cattery, and tile flooring in the front room & hallway.
Health Benefits were offered to full-time employees.
1999 - the Year of Remodeling!!
Three more suites were added.
New Snyder runs & tile floor were installed in the original Kenl building.
The original Mason kennel runs were moved outside onto the new concrete breeze way, giving us a total of 55 outdoor potty areas.
Three more Play Yards, with PVC fencing, were installed.
Improved lighting in the Kenl areas.
A new washer & dryer!!
20 more acres purchased.
Of course, another computer upgrade.
Jury Duty reimbursement is offered.
Early 2001
The grooming area took on a new look with four new Forever Stainless wash tubs, tile flooring, additional Hydro Surge equipment and three new pneumatic grooming tables....and additional grooming staff!
Dental/Life/Child Care/Direct Deposit is available to full-time employees.
November 2001
Construction began on our new Training Building, a third Kenl building, and an additional indoor area that we didn't know what we were going to do with!
Canine Massage Therapist position is developed and filled.
November 2002
The Training Building is completed and includes: 3600 sq ft training area, self-service dog wash, indoor swimming pool for fun & fitness, employee breakroom, restroom.
Out-sourcing of payroll & benefits was implemented.
November 2003
Kenl 3 is completed, adding an additional 53 dog areas, hydronic (heated) floor inside and out in the breezeway.
Paid vacation and funeral leave benefits for full-time employees.
Additional Kenl Staff & Front Staff are hired.
HR Consultational Services is contracted as our Human Resources Coordinator.
In 2004, new supervisory positions were created for Customer Service, Grooming, and Kenl. We offered additional training classes i.e., Flyball and K-9 Cardio, and opened the Agility field. An on-call maintenance person was hired. HR Consultation Services began assisting with maintenance of personnel files, accounts payable, payroll, attendance records, monthly statistics, and performance evaluations. In 2004, KENL INN employed 3 Customer Service, 12 Grooming staff, and 18 Kenl Staff.
In 2007, an administrative assistant was hired. A position of Director of Pet Care Services was created to manage both grooming and kenl departments. A Team leader position was created to assist the DPCS.
In 2008, Staff included: 5 Front Staff, 12 Groom staff, 13 Kenl Staff, 2 dog training staff,
1 Administration staff
The former Agility building was revamped and turned into a Day Care building with inside play area and two large outside play areas. Inside has thick rubber matting and thin “gym” green mats on top for aesthetics and ease of cleaning.
Outside has field turf – like in all the College and Major football and baseball fields. . Moving the d/c dogs out of Kenl 2 gives us now the opportunity to update that area which has served us well for the past 18 years.!!
Agility field is completely fenced to provide a safer place to hold agility classes.
This area will also be used as a “private dog run” area to allow clients to let their dogs run loose in a large open area, for a nominal fee.
A Mobile Groom Salon was purchased and put on the streets, allowing for even greater convenience to our grooming clients by arriving at their front door equipped with comparable equipment as in our Groom Salon.
Celebrated our 20th Anniversary of being in business with an Open House and special events throughout the year, including a visit from Jorge Bendersky from Animal Planet’s TV show “Groomer Has It”.
2009 – Beginning the transformation of Kenl 2 into a completely remodeled area for more VIP Suites. We look forward to this new challenge in these times of economic stress but are confident that they will continue to assure our national status as a leader in the pet care field and even further enable us to provide a standard of care the public seeks.
In 2010 - We asphalted our front drive and parking lot !!!!
Added another Mobile Groom stylist.
Put a big screen TV in the gym for staff and obedience class training.
Hired a full-time maintenance person.
Created a full-time Performance Improvement position.
Cindy Huenink (Front staff supervisor) became the supervisor for the Groom Salon and Mobile Salon.
Sheri Mills-Ruppert (part time front staff) became full-time kenl staff supervisor.
AND another computer over-haul to change over to a server based system.
It's fun to "grow". We strive to offer the best of everything for your pet!
Keep checking back to see what's new next!
