Kennelwood Pet Resort

When Donald Danforth, Sr. opened Kennelwood Village in 1974, now known as Kennelwood Pet Resort, he had continued a family tradition of excellence in pet care and services that his grandfather William H. Danforth had started as the founder of Ralston Purina. 

Donald Danforth, Sr. was very forward thinking in his vision for the all-inclusive pet facility that included boarding, pet supplies, grooming and obedience training. Nothing of this magnitude was offered anywhere in St. Louis and he set the bar high for excellence in pet care.  His vision was to answer the needs of pet owners, expanding his services as clientele needs changed over time. His goal was to problem solve pet ownership issues, while enhancing their enjoyment.

With Kennelwood nearing its 40th anniversary, the original location at Page & Lindbergh is still its largest, with over 4 acres of property.  There are currently eight locations in the Greater St. Louis Area, with 3 of them being full service pet hotels.

President and CEO Mr. Alan Jones began working at Kennelwood in 1976 as a trainer and groomer and Assistant Manager. He purchased ownership in the business in 1997, along with Don's children.  Danforth's son Chris, who is Chairman of the Board, is actively a part of the day-to-day operation of Kennelwood as well.

Over the years, Kennelwood has tweaked the original services and added new services as well.

Mr. Jones says, "Probably one of the biggest changes is the way we offer obedience training. We used to offer group classes to teach pet owners how to train their pets. We changed our strategy to in-house training. You drop your pet off and we train them for you. Once trained, we show you -- as the pet owner-- how to reinforce it at home. It fits today’s busy lifestyle and is much more successful in accomplishing the goal of training the pet."

Over the years, Kennelwood has expanded its services to answer today's needs. For example, Kennelwood saw the need to provide the pets in their care daily exercise and stimulation. Kennelwood was the first in St. Louis to offer this service to boarding clients. Play School was a designated area on the grounds that was outfitted with toys, balls, playground equipment and walking paths. Now known as DayCamp, it is available for guests that are vacationing in the resort, as well as on a walk in basis.

Adding the Shed-X® Treatment almost 20 years ago was another way Kennelwood continued to be cutting-edge in its industry.  The Shed-X® Treatment is a 5 step program that removes unnecessary hair.  Jones was quick to point out that the number one complaint pet owners have is excessive shedding. The Shed-X® Treatment is designed to meet and alleviate that challenge.  There is the Shed-X Advantage Club, which allows members unlimited treatments for a set price.  Jones adds, "We encourage our clients to let us know what their needs are, and we will customize a treatment plan specifically for them.”

Boarding is another staple offered at Kennelwood. Concerned how your pet will do at a new location while you are vacationing? No worries. Kennelwood offers a unique free pet sleepover orientation so they can give you a full report on this overnight visit.  The boarding options and amenities are plentiful. The pet owner can choose the size of the accommodations, schedule extra services such as Doggie DayCamp, Personalized PlayTime, Yappy Hour and Bizzy Bone treat times, and even a visit to the Spa.

 "Not all of our locations are large enough to accommodate boarding. However, we offer shuttle service for your pet. You drop them off at your regular location and we will transport them to one of our full service facilities to care for them while you are away. We will shuttle them back to your desired location on the day you return to pick them up. We want to make the boarding process as easy and fun-filled as possible.” Jones explains.

Giving back to the community has always been another focus for Kennelwood.  Beginning in 1980, Kennelwood was the first to offer a pet photo with Santa. Now in its 34th year, all proceeds go to the Humane Society of Missouri. The first year approximately 200 to 300 pets were photographed, with it now being upwards of 800 participants.

Strengthening this on-going relationship with the Humane Society of Missouri, Kennelwood opened an 8th location inside the Humane Society on Macklind Avenue in 2012. "This location is unique,” explains Jones. "We rent a space within their facility and offer our grooming services. In addition to accepting our usual clientele, we also groom many of their pets to help make them more adoptable.  We give back to the Humane Society by sharing some of the proceeds. It's a winning combination”

In addition, Kennelwood works closely with a large number of rescue groups to help place homeless pets.  "There are a lot of adoptable pets out there and it is our commitment to work in partnership with local rescue groups to help bridge that gap. One way we do that is through our Pet Matchmaker program.” states Jones

Patty Fiordimondo is the "Pet Matchmaker" at Kennelwood.  "Whether you’re an experienced pet owner or you’re searching for your first puppy love, my free assistance can help you research, locate and choose the best pet for your lifestyle. I’ll connect prospective Pet Parents with rescue organizations and breeders. I can provide facts on the temperament, size, and energy level of the pet you are interested in."  She works with over 125 local rescue groups and about 295 breeders to help people find a furry friend.

"I am also responsible for our Mimi Alert program.  In 2009 we created the program to bring lost pets home, while also educating the public on ways to keep pets safe.  I have the coolest job in the company, because I get to give puppy love every day.”

Whether you’re looking to add a pet to your family, train the one you have, or just keep him looking his best, Kennelwood is second to none in offering you a one-stop shop for all your pet needs.