About Willow Creek Kennels
A family-owned passion for pets that's been growing since 1995. From humble beginnings to Amarillo's premier full-service kennel.
The Beard Family Story
Willow Creek Kennels has been in the Beard family, John and Starla and their daughter, Laura Teichmann, since 1995. John, an AKC (American Kennel Club) judge and professional dog trainer, had long dreamed of owning a full service grooming, training, and boarding facility.
When a small kennel on the outskirts of Amarillo came on the market the entire family jumped on the chance to help him realize his passion. What had been Olympic Training (John and Starla giving obedience lessons out of an old store front on 6th St) became Willow Creek Kennels. With 25 dogs boarded that 4th of July, the kennel has grown through love, determination, and lots of work to a capacity of 75!
And it’s always been a family affair. John trained, managed, marketed, fixed, and sweated. Laura picking up her dad’s passion also trained, managed, went to grooming seminars to learn the trade and quickly became the welcoming face of the business. And Starla did what most wives and moms do – a little (sometimes a lot) of everything. The kennel grew in size, service, and reputation winning multiple Best Of Amarillo awards. The family continued to actively compete and win in breed, obedience, and agility trials and shows.
Our Journey
From a storefront to Amarillo's most trusted pet care facility.
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1995The Beginning
John and Starla start Olympic Training, giving obedience lessons from a storefront on 6th Street. -
1995Willow Creek Opens
The family purchases a small kennel on the outskirts of Amarillo. First 4th of July: 25 dogs boarded. -
2009Continuing the Legacy
John passes away, leaving a void in many lives. Laura steps into her dad's place, becoming the heart and soul of the kennel. -
2011New Facility
Beautiful new building with lush play yards, radiant floor heat, dedicated cat room, and large grooming facilities. -
TodayFull Service Excellence
Capacity for 75 pets, multiple Best of Amarillo awards, and Amarillo's truly full-service kennel.
What Drives Us
It's always been a family affair, and we treat your pets like family too.
Family Passion
John trained, managed, marketed, fixed, and sweated. Laura learned grooming and became the welcoming face. Starla did what most wives and moms do - everything.
Award-Winning Care
Multiple Best of Amarillo awards and continued success in breed, obedience, and agility trials and shows.
Personal Touch
Few dogs walk in, either for their first visit or their fortieth, that Laura doesn't greet them by name.
Recognition & Growth
After nearly 30 years, we're proud of how far we've come.
Our Philosophy
We understand that pets are part of your family and we will make your pet a part of our family, too. Laura and Starla work at continually improving care, adding services such as spa treatments and daycare.
After nearly 30 years, Willow Creek is Amarillo's truly full service kennel with all breed, all size pet grooming, full in house training, and boarding for most all pets.
Our Services Today
- ✓ Full-service boarding for dogs and cats
- ✓ Professional grooming and spa treatments
- ✓ Complete obedience training programs
- ✓ Daycare and supervised play
Experience the Willow Creek Difference
Ready to see why Amarillo pet parents have trusted us for nearly 30 years? Contact us to learn more about our services or schedule a visit.
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