Meet Our Staff
Owners
Jeff & Donna Thompson became owners in December 2021. Donna was raised as a farm girl and has a lifetime of experience with all kinds of animals. She used to train her own dogs for fun and has raised Shih Tzu’s for 38 years. Along with many other animals, bottle raised cows, goats, sheep, pigs, even alpacas. Yes, she’s had to milk an Alpaca for baby milk. Started the first ever alpaca project in Kern County, Ca, was a 4-H leader for 8 years. She decided to become a certified PEMF practitioner 8 years ago to help animals feel better. (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Frequency). Jeff was born with a love of animals. When he met Donna 28 years ago, he fell right into the animal lifestyle with her. They owned a kennel in CA for the past 13 years. They have raised Gypsy Vanner horses for 6 years now. Jeff is the maintenance aspect of the kennel while Donna is the office side of the business.
Management
Evan has been working at Academy Kennels since 2003. He started as a kennel tech and worked his way up the ladder to management. He is a dedicated worker and knows the clientele.
Ryan has been working at Academy Kennels since 2007. Ryans roles include kennel management, assistant maintenance, grounds keeper, and graphic designer. He is thorough in his duties and takes pride in what he does.
Kennel Techs
Jennifer has been working at Academy Kennels since May of 2023. She has great compassion for animals. She is very hands on and interactive with them. Jennifer is our weekend manager and is our social media expert.
Makenzie has been working at Academy Kennels since May of 2023. She is very assertive and loves working with the animals. She is our extra observant kennel tech.
Eli has been working at Academy Kennels since December of 2023. He is very ambitious and enjoys all aspects of his job. He is awesome with the animals and calm with them.
Estelle stays busy with 3 dogs of her own and 2 horses. She loves working with animals and checking on their wellbeing. She hopes to one day be a vet tech.
Groomer
With a passion for pets and a flair for grooming, Jennifer is dedicated to making every furry friend look and feel their best. With 20 years of experience in the grooming industry, she brings expertise, creativity, and a gentle touch to every grooming session.
Specializing in a wide range of breeds and styles, Jennifer takes pride in delivering top-notch grooming services tailored to each pet’s unique needs. Whether it’s a simple trim or a full spa day, she prioritize the comfort and well-being of every animal in her care.
Beyond grooming, Jennifer fosters strong bonds with both pets and their owners, providing personalized attention and building lasting relationships within the pet community. She is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment where pets can relax and enjoy their grooming experience.