The History of Kingsmark

Our Boarding Facilities in Flagstaff, AZ.

Kingsmark was established in 1962. It began with the passion and love for the collie breed and was founded by John J. Kavanagh. After finishing college and becoming the youngest real-estate broker in Flagstaff and the “Founding Father” of Coconino Community College, he wanted to put his distinct mark on the rough collie as well as boarding facilities in Northern Arizona, so he decided to offer Flagstaff an alternative to the same old idea of dog boarding. Thus began Kingsmark Kennels as a pet resort. The business paved the way for a higher standard of what a pet care should be like.

Kingsmark Kennels is the only 2nd Generation boarding kennel in Flagstaff, AZ. Never being sold or turned over to new owners. Over the last 57 years our entire family helped make Kingsmark the Best pet care facility available in Northern Arizona.

We are the only kennel in Flagstaff, AZ that is a part of American Kennel Club as well as International Boarding and Pet Care Service Association. Our entire staff goes through independent certification. We stay up to date with current events as well as taking pride in sponsoring a lot of Northern Arizona’s adoption and rescue events. We work very closely with Paws for Placement, Rescue Round Up, Rez Rescue and High Country Puppy Rescue helping homeless animals find forever homes.

John J. Kavanagh unexpectedly passed away on August 5th 2010. We miss him beyond words and know that he is forever smiling down upon us. His daughter Shannon and son in law Rich have now taken over the family business and look forward to continuing the high standards that John had set forth. He definitely put his mark on boarding facilities in Flagstaff Arizona and has now given his family a chance to do the same. Thank You to everyone in the community for voting Kingsmark Kennels “The Best Kennel"!
Our Entire Staff Is

Pet Care Certified

Kingsmark employees go through vigorous training and Pet Care Certification. Our entire staff is Pet CPR and First Aide Certified and focuses on exceptional service to our clients as well as our guest's! Each staff member is an essential part of the Kingsmark team and serves to make our reputation even stronger.
Founder

John Kavanagh

John Kavanagh was born March 3rd 1948 and passed away August 5th 2010. He attended ASU and graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Science degree. His love for dogs began in 1962 when he followed his passion for breeding collies, thus was the beginning of Kingsmark Kennels. He then went on to becoming a professional handler in 1975, where he traveled all over the country. He had successfully showed Kingsmark Collies for over 49 years. He has had over 50 champions and were still counting! John’s dedication to animals also turned into a career of caring for them. He was Northern Arizona’s most experienced kennel owner! He will forever be missed and never forgotten!
Owner

Shannon Gottschammer

John left an amazing legacy for his daughter Shannon Gottschammer to carry on. She was born and raised with animals her entire life. Shannon began Showing dogs at the age of 5 and had her first champion at 7.She is going to continue showing and breeding her father’s amazing line of champion collies as well as mainting the distinctive mark on the collie breed. She is Passionate about four legged friends and could not be happier to take over the family business. With almost 30 years of life experience, you could say she is now Northern Arizona’s most experienced kennel owner!
Owner

Rich Gottschammer

Rich Gottschammer has lived in Flagstaff, AZ since the year 2000. Shannon and Rich were married in 2007 and thus began his journey into the family business. He was originally a small town boy from Belleville, IL who went right into the Marine Corps at age 18. After accomplishing his goals as a marine, he became a hardware representive for a company out of Texas, which led him to Arizona in the year 2000. Rich has always been involved in the inner workings of the kennel and now has accompanied Shannon in making Kingsmark the finest pet facility Flagstaff has to offer.
General Manager

Master Rick

Rick grew up in San Diego where he went to school, became and retired as a police officer and started his career investigating white collar crime. It was a short jump to a successful career in retail operations where he held the positions of Store Manager, District, Regional Mangers and as a corporate director for well-known companies. He additionally held the position of North American Sales Manager for Ashley Norton, developing new territories in Canada and Mexico.
Rick has been a resident of Flagstaff for the past 8 years moving into the area to assist his daughter while she attended NAU. Rick dedicates his spare time to assisting combat wounded veterans and their families as the Arizona State Chairman through a group called the Nation of Patriots, a 100% all volunteer nationwide organization.
Rick is a lifelong animal lover and you can see him at the kennel or at Rough and Cuts with his partner and assistant GM Lola Bitzer, a rescue from Second Chance Animal Center. Rick has a strong operational background when added to his love for animals makes him a manager that is focused on service and cares about your fur baby.
Lola is our Asst GM working daily side by side…..she is 7 years old mix of shepherd and lab who is definitely the office worker!
Introducing Nuvet Labs®

The Best Pet Health for Your Animals

Kingsmark Kennels has teamed up with Nuvet Labs® to help promote some of the best pet health products on the market.
NuVet Labs® has spent over 8 years to create a product designed to provide the best immune system support possible. To do this they put together a team of top scientific, medical and pet industry professionals that shared the desire to find real solutions to an ever growing pet health dilemma.
Call: 1-800‐474‐7044 #54709
Or Order Online Here
Voted Best Flagstaff Kennel for 2013
Voted Best Flagstaff Kennel for 2014
Voted Best Flagstaff Kennel for 2015
Voted Best Flagstaff Kennel for 2016
Voted Best Flagstaff Kennel for 2017
Voted Best Flagstaff Kennel for 2018
What Makes Kingsmark

Flagstaff's Best Kennel?

The dedication that we have for every guest, client and camper is unlike any you will find in Northern Arizona! Our state of the art facility provides luxury accommodations, stimulating activities and amenities that are unrivaled. Your pet will receive only the best care and dedication when they join the KMK family!
Our mission is to be Northern Arizona’s premier boarding resort providing excellent service with exceptional care in a clean and comfortable environment. We promise to treat your pet like a part of the family and ensure that they will have a safe home away from home. Thank you for entrusting us with your animals!

From Our Wonderful Clients

  • "Everything was great! Staff obviously cares about the animals. We are excited to start using Kingsmark from now on!"
    - Singer, Arnold, Daisy & Owner Natasha Harrison, Flagstaff, AZ.