Meet Our Staff
Our team is composed of passionate animal lovers who go above and beyond to ensure each pet feels safe, happy, and loved. From closely monitoring feeding schedules and administering medications to engaging pets in playful activities. Our staff is trained to recognize signs of stress or discomfort, offering gentle reassurance and personalized attention to make each pet’s stay as enjoyable as possible. With a watchful eye and a caring touch, we treat every pet as if they were our own, ensuring peace of mind for their owners while they’re away.
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 and bred Shih Tzu’s since 1986. 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 in 2016. (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Frequency). She began grooming her own dogs in 1986, pursued formal grooming education in 2024, and continued her professional development in 2025 under the guidance of a master groomer.
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 before moving to FL. 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 2004. He started as a kennel tech and worked his way up the ladder to management. Evan is great with the animals, always respectful, dependable and funny too! He is a dedicated worker and knows the clientele.
Ryan has been working at Academy Kennels since 2007. Ryan’s roles include kennel management, assistant maintenance, grounds keeper, and graphic designer. A man of few words and a jack of all trades, he approaches every task with dedication and strives to give his very best in everything he does.
Kennel Techs
Jennifer has been working at Academy Kennels since May of 2023. She has great compassion for animals. Jennifer was trained by a master groomer in 2025. She immediately picked it up like she had done it all her life. Competent, compassionate and dependable are the words that describe her perfectly. She is very hands on and interactive with them. Jennifer is our weekend manager, social media expert, and groomer.
Lauren started in early 2026. Loves the animals, keeps busy and becoming a great asset to Academy Kennels.
Archer started working at Academy Kennels recently and is turning out to be a great worker and is catching on quick!
Groomer
Jennifer and Donna combine efforts to get your pet looking and feeling the best they ever had!
Donna has been grooming her dogs for over 35 years.
Jenn has been grooming for over a year and was taught by a master groomer.
Tootie Fruity: Our Resident Bird
