Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenny Hills.
Hi Kenny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in 2010 when I left Seaside, California, and moved to Los Angeles with nothing more than ambition and a passion for working with dogs. Within my first month, I landed a job at a boarding facility, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. I sent my resume to somewhere between seven and ten different facilities, and only one called me back—D Pet Hotels Hollywood.
That one phone call changed my life.
Over the next 14 years, I built my career at D Pet Hotels. During that time, I developed an extensive background in canine behavior, group play management, boarding operations, and dog training. Outside of work, I founded my own dog rescue, became involved in professional dog training, and immersed myself in every opportunity to learn more about animal care.
As D Pet Hotels expanded, I traveled to other franchise locations to train staff on dog behavior, safe group play, and handling techniques. My favorite location to visit was always Austin, Texas. The owner, Liza Del Chapa, had once been a client of mine and eventually became a close friend.
After COVID and nearly 14 years with the company, I began feeling burned out. I knew I needed a new challenge, so I made the difficult decision to leave D Pet Hotels.
I started my own pet care business, The Lazy Hound, offering dog walking and in-home boarding. Those two years were incredibly rewarding, allowing me to build lasting relationships with hundreds of families while providing personalized care for their pets.
Eventually, I decided to pursue another lifelong dream and enrolled in Oregon State University’s Ecampus to earn my degree in Zoology. Balancing full-time coursework with running a business became increasingly difficult, so I closed The Lazy Hound and accepted an overnight position at a veterinary hospital in Malibu to better accommodate my studies.
Then, on December 29, 2025, everything changed.
I received a text message from my former boss and the franchise owner of D Pet Hotels. It simply read:
*”Merry Christmas… You want a free dog hotel?”*
As unbelievable as it sounded, the opportunity was real. During our conversation, I learned that my friend, Liza Del Chapa, had passed away in 2024 and that the owners who had taken over the Austin location were ready to move on.
In less than 24 hours, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life.
I packed up my home, loaded my seven animals into the car, and on January 10, 2026, arrived in Austin, Texas, as the new owner of D Pet Hotels Austin.
Today, I have the privilege of combining over 16 years of professional dog care experience with my passion for serving both pets and their families. Every day I get to meet new clients, care for incredible dogs, and continue building relationships within the Austin community.
Owning D Pet Hotels Austin is more than a business opportunity—it is a chance to continue the legacy that Liza created. She built something truly special for the Austin pet community, and I hope to honor her memory by providing the same level of care, compassion, and dedication that she was known for.
Looking back, it’s amazing to think that a single returned resume in 2010 and one unexpected text message fifteen years later would come together to create this full-circle journey.
Sometimes the opportunities that change your life arrive when you least expect them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course there were some struggles, but what does not kill you only makes you stronger.
Feeling complacent was one challenge I face often trying to find tasks to make me feel like I was being challanged. Building confidence, seeking therapy with my friend and coach Laura, owner of Inner Empower.
A huge change happened when I lost my 12 year old pit bull named Kaiya who had helped me through so much when I moved to Los angeles. Sparking me to chase dreams I alway put off such as going back to school.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love working with animals and in this industry dogs. I love all dogs, but i have a soft spot for the anxiety filled, nervous dogs and helping them build the confidence to feel safe in this chaotic world.
Dog boarding is stressful enough, so for a dog who may be new to the are, the facility, the staff, and what ever else in the envirnment tht triggers anxiety. It is important to allow the dog an opportunity to decompress, regulate its emotions.
Instead of forcing ourselves onto an already nervous dog, I explain to dog owners the process we go about getting nervous dogs to open up.
There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a nervous dog open up and build confidence in itself to become happy in its space. I am upfront with owners in the fact on their dogs health and well being.
I specializing in understanding how dogs communicate and being able to help communicate safety and leadership among the dogs. Some say its as if I can speak to them, in a way its true, but you have to understand the dogs language in order to do so.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is happiness. Wether the dogs, the clients, or my staff. I want every one to be happy and to feel valued. This matters because when people feel valued and are happy only positive things can happen. Staff love their job will have lower turn over rates, they do their job with energy and the clients see their dogs are loved and are happy, which makes them continue coming back, which brings happiness to the most important one, the dogs.
Pricing:
- Daycare $29-$39
- Boarding starts at $69 and we have two other boarding options that go up from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dpethotels.com
- Instagram: @dpetaustin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dpethotelsaustin
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/d-pet-hotels-austin-austin-2?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
