Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Estes.
Hi Amanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve had a passion for animals for as long as I can remember. After earning my degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management from Moorpark College, I spent years working with everything from wolves, foxes, and raccoons to animals in the television and film industry. Along the way, I also gained experience in veterinary medicine, dog training, and animal behavior, which gave me a well-rounded understanding of both animal care and client education.
Five years ago, I took the leap and purchased Vineyard Kennels. My goal wasn’t just to own a boarding kennel but to build a place where every dog is treated like family and goes home happy, healthy, and better than when they arrived. Since then, we’ve expanded our services to include daycare, grooming, training, enrichment programs, and more, while continuing to invest in our staff and facility. Today, I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built and the relationships we’ve formed with our clients. Watching both the dogs and our business grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Like most small businesses, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. Learning to balance the demands of running a business while still doing what I love, working with dogs, has been one of the biggest adjustments. Staffing has also been a learning experience. Building a team that shares the same values and commitment to exceptional care takes time, patience, and constant training. On top of that, raising a family while building and maintaining a business has added another layer of complexity. There are always competing priorities, and finding the time and energy to be fully present at home while also giving my best to the business has required constant effort, flexibility, and support from those around me.
There have also been challenges that were completely out of my control, from rising costs to navigating changes in the pet care industry. But every obstacle has taught me something. Instead of seeing challenges as setbacks, I’ve tried to use them as opportunities to improve our systems, strengthen our team, and provide an even better experience for our clients. Looking back, those difficult moments have played a big role in shaping Vineyard Kennels into what it is today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Vineyard Kennels, we believe dog care should be about so much more than simply providing a place for dogs to stay. Our mission is to send every dog home happy and healthy by creating a safe, enriching environment where every dog receives personalized care. We specialize in boarding, daycare, grooming, and professional training, with programs designed to meet each dog’s individual needs, personality, and energy level.
What sets us apart is our commitment to continual improvement. We’re always looking for new ways to better serve both our dogs and their owners, whether that’s expanding our services, improving our facility, or investing in staff education and training. We never want to become complacent. We’re constantly asking ourselves how we can provide an even better experience.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built. Our team genuinely loves the dogs in our care and treats them like family. We’ve created a business where exceptional care, open communication, and ongoing education are the standard, not the exception.
At the end of the day, we want people to know that Vineyard Kennels is more than a kennel. We’re a place where dogs are cared for, challenged, enriched, and loved, giving owners confidence that their family member is in the very best hands.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t think success comes down to luck alone, but I do believe I’ve been fortunate in many ways. I’ve been lucky to have incredible mentors throughout my career, supportive clients who have trusted us with their dogs, and an amazing team that shares my passion for animal care. Those relationships have been invaluable.
At the same time, there have been plenty of moments that felt like bad luck. If someone had told me a few years ago some of the unpredictable things we’d face as a business owner, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. From unexpected setbacks to challenges completely outside of our control, it’s been a reminder that you can never predict what tomorrow will bring. We’ve learned to roll with the punches, adapt quickly, and focus on finding solutions instead of dwelling on the problems. Looking back, those experiences have made us more resilient and have ultimately strengthened our business.
In the end, I think luck creates opportunities, but it’s what you do with those opportunities that matters most. Hard work, a willingness to keep learning, and genuinely caring about the people and animals you serve have had the biggest impact on where Vineyard Kennels is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vineyardkennels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vineyard_kennels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VkennelsPR
