The Ken-L Land Pet Motel, later known as the Disneyland Kennel Club, was a pet boarding facility at Disneyland, operating from January 18, 1958, to 1968. Located just outside the main gate to the right of the entrance, it provided air-conditioned “suites” for dogs and other pets, sponsored initially by Ken-L-Ration (Quaker Oats) and later by brands like Kal Kan and Friskies. Designed to ensure guest pets were safe rather than left in hot cars, it offered daily boarding with food included, though overnight stays were not permitted. The kennel closed permanently in 2020, with no plans for reopening.
Below are 10 fun facts about the Ken-L Land Pet Motel (1958–2020) at Disneyland:
- Walt’s Pet-Friendly Vision: Walt Disney championed Ken-L Land’s creation to provide a safe, air-conditioned space for guest pets, preventing them from being left in hot cars during park visits.
- Multiple Sponsors: Over its history, five pet food brands sponsored the kennel: Ken-L-Ration (1958–1967), Kal Kan (1968–1977), Gaines (1986–1991), Friskies (1993–?), and Purina, each influencing its branding and food offerings.
- Affordable Pricing: In 1965, a full day’s boarding cost just 25¢, including a complimentary can of Ken-L-Ration food, rising to 50¢ by 1975 under Kal Kan’s sponsorship.
- Individual Suites: Pets were housed in airy, individual enclosures, designed as “suites” to ensure comfort, with cast members providing attentive care but not interacting directly with the animals.
- No Overnight Stays: The kennel operated daily, opening 30 minutes before park opening and closing at park close, requiring owners to pick up pets by closing time, with no overnight boarding allowed.
- Location Convenience: Positioned 100 feet outside Disneyland’s main gate, near the ticket booths, it was easily accessible for guests arriving via the Mickey & Friends parking structure tram.
- Food Inclusion: The boarding fee included a choice of sponsor-provided pet food (e.g., Ken-L-Ration or Kal Kan), though owners could bring their own food, blankets, or toys for pet comfort.
- Name Evolution: Opened as Ken-L Land Pet Motel (sometimes hyphenated as Ken-L-Land), it became the Kennel Club in 1968 under Kal Kan, then Pet Care Kennel (1986–1991), and reverted to Kennel Club with Friskies in 1993.
- Pet Policy Restrictions: Only trained service animals could enter the park, so non-service pets, including dogs and cats, were boarded at Ken-L Land, with owners responsible for periodic check-ins for walks and bathroom breaks.
- Permanent Closure: The kennel closed in 2020, with its building quietly removed from Disneyland’s maps and website, reflecting a shift away from on-site pet services as nearby pet-friendly hotels and kennels grew in availability.
