Get to Know Us

Two dogs that belong to Ken and Kimberly

Kimberly Vrooman and Ken Puckett purchased the long-time family business at Oak Grove Kennel in November of 2023 after over 40 years of combined experience in the sports business world. Ken's expertise is in the operations and maintenance field while Kimberly's experience involves customer service, employee management and retail/marketing. While they shared a passion for sports and felt that those career paths led them together, they connected more with their mutual passion and respect for animals.

Their love for our four-legged companions has been a lifelong journey. With an adorable Corgi, an Aussie-mix, and a Chihuahua-mix as cherished members of their current family, their commitment to the well-being and happiness of pets is ingrained in their daily lives. Their dream of providing a nurturing and comfortable haven for pets led them to Oak Grove Kennel in Monmouth, Oregon. For them, Oak Grove Kennel is more than a business—it's a reflection of their devotion to ensuring every animal feels at home, loved, and cared for while their owners are away.

They are extremely happy to continue to cultivate a superstar team, led by General Manager, Jess Lady, to pursue the commitment to the highest standards in grooming and boarding in the Willamette Valley.

Kimberly and Ken invite you and your beloved pets to experience the warmth, safety, and hospitality of Oak Grove Kennel. Rest assured, your furry family members will be treated with the same love and affection that Kimberly and Ken shower upon their own four-legged family members.

Our Team

Jessica Lady

General Manager

Pet CPR/First Aid Certified.
Born in the Willamette Valley.
Has been with Oak Grove Kennel since October 2023.
Has a Border Collie/Mix.
Always dreamed of working with animals and enjoy making them look and feel their best.

Jackson Phillips

Kennel Assistant

American Red Cross certified in Dog and Cat First Aid.
Wanted to work with animals because he has always loved them and enjoys spending time playing with dogs and cats.
At home, he has three pets — two cats named Iris and Tilly, and a dog named Roscoe.
His favorite animal (besides dogs and cats) is a parrot, and he admires their intelligence and ability to talk.
Fun fact: He enjoys listening to music with his pets — and says they even dance along with him.

Andrew Schmidt

Kennel Assistant

American Red Cross certified in Dog and Cat First Aid.
Enjoys being around animals and appreciates the opportunity to work with them each day.
He has two dogs at home — Max (Pitbull/Lab mix) and Libby (mixed breed).
His favorite animal (besides dogs and cats) is a wolf.
Fun fact: He has never been to Costco.

Emily Schmidt

Kennel Assistant & Grooming Apprentice

American Red Cross certified in Dog and Cat First Aid.
Grew up in a family that has always had dogs and has loved them from a young age.
Especially enjoys seeing how excited dogs are to reunite with their owners after their stay.
At home, she has two dogs — Libby (mixed breed) and Max (Pitbull/Lab mix). Her sister also has a betta fish named Goliath.
Her favorite animal (besides dogs and cats) is a horse.
Fun fact: She has driven in Kansas.

Hannah Schmidt

Supervisor

American Red Cross certified in Dog and Cat First Aid.
Grew up with dogs and has always known she wanted to work with animals, originally aspiring to work in a veterinary setting.
Loves spending time with the dogs at Oak Grove Kennel and seeing their excitement at drop-off and pick-up.
At home, her family has two dogs — Libby and Max — along with a betta fish named Goliath.
Her favorite animal (besides dogs and cats) is a horse.
Fun fact: She road-tripped to Kentucky with her family in 2025.

Makayla Stegall

Supervisor

American Red Cross certified in Dog and Cat First Aid.
Loves being around the dogs all day and takes pride in making sure they are safe and in good hands.
She has a Morkie named Fluffy at home.
Her favorite animal (besides dogs and cats) is a giraffe.
Fun fact: She loves to sing and dance.

JB Ziehrle-Sparks

Kennel Assistant

American Red Cross certified in Dog and Cat First Aid.