The Best Place For Your Pet in Viola, IL

Owner

Before starting Schmidt’s Country Kennel, Dalana worked as a certified veterinary technician for 15 years. She decided to turn her love for animals and extensive experience into offering people a safe and affordable place to leave their pets. Dalana and her husband Tanner built the kennel on their 20 acre property in rural Viola in May of 2010. Dalana and Tanner have 3 children, Payton, Bennett and Braxten. Operating the kennel is Dalana's full time job. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, traveling and spending time with her family.

Kennel Manager

Payton is the daughter of owner, Dalana Schmidt, and has been working/helping in the kennel since she was 12 years old. Payton graduated from Carl Sandburg College in July of 2020 with a degree in dental hygiene. She works part-time as a dental hygienist in Muscatine at Alan B. Evans Family Dentistry and manages the kennel on the weekends.

Payton is married to Wyatt Kellogg, and they have a 5 month old son, Nolan. They also have two dogs of their own, Gypsy (mountain cur) and Delilah (cur/border collie mix). Payton's favorite part of working at the kennel is loving on all of the dogs and taking their pictures for the kennel page. In her spare time, Payton enjoys hunting, painting, taking care of her chickens/ducks, and spending time with her son.

Kennel Assistant

Amanda grew up on a farm in Aledo, IL, helping her mom groom and train dogs. She has worked with animals her whole life and graduated from Black Hawk East College in 2019 with an Associate’s Degree. Amanda lives with her soon-to-be husband, three dogs — Salt, a Border Collie, and Alex and Zoe, two Miniature Pinscher mixes — and some lively cats who keep life interesting. She especially enjoys creating a safe and comfortable environment for every dog at the kennel. When she’s not at the kennel, Amanda can be found horseback riding, training her dogs, reading, or enjoying the outdoors with her pets.

Kennel Assistant

Hannah is a Senior at Sherrard High School with plans to attend BlackHawk East for 2 years, then transfer to a larger university to pursue a degree in Agriculture Education. She is a member of Pep Squad and is the FFA Chapter President where she spends a lot of time involved in our numerous activities and events. Hannah enjoys hunting, fishing, thrifting and hanging out with friends and has a dog named Brenny, 2 cats named Mavis & Queenie, and a bunny named Norman.

Kennel Assistant

My name is Ella King, I’m 18 years old and currently attending Black Hawk College. I have been working at Schmidt’s Country Kennel for almost 2 years now! I’m a huge animal lover that has two dogs, Winston (red longhaired mini dachshund) and Finn (husky blue heeler mix). I also have two ginger cats, Lennon and Leo! I’m the former, 2024 Miss Mercer County Fair Queen who enjoys baking desserts, taking pictures, fishing, camping and being around people/things I love. My current big goal in life is to become an Ultrasound Technician! 

Kennel Assistant

I’m Sydney Lamkin and I’ve been working at the kennel for a year. I am going to be a sophomore at Wartburg College where I play basketball and study environmental science. I have 2 dogs at home. 

Kennel Assistant

A sophomore at Monmouth College. Some of my hobbies are sports, music and spending time with my family and pets. I have two dogs and three cats and want to have a career in sports media in the future.

Kennel Assistant

I’m attending Black Hawk East to study vet technology. I enjoy volleyball, painting, and reading. I have 3 dogs, 3 cats, 6 goats and a horse. After college I plan to work as a large animal vet tech.

Kennel Assistant

Sophia is from Aledo and is currently a Junior at Mercer County High School. Her hobbies include baking and running in her free time and with the high school track team. At home, Sophia has 3 dogs, A pit bull, a bull terrier, and a jack russell terrier. She also has 2 cats and a horse. Sophia plans to pursue veterinary medicine. 

Kennel Assistant

Hi I am Grace! I went to Mercer County High School and currently attend Augustana College. I do Pole Vault on the Augustana Track team, and I am majoring in Marketing and Graphic Design. I have 3 pets, Jake (german shepherd), Abby (mutt), and Vincent (black cat).

Kennel Assistant

I am a junior at Sherrard my hobbies are horseback riding, drag racing and FFA. I have three dogs and one cat. after high school, I plan to go to cosmetology school.

Kennel Assistant

I'm Jayden Weeks, I am a 2026 Mercer County graduate! I have worked at the kennel for 3 years. I plan on attending college to be a radiology tech

Kennel Assistant

Hi! I am a Sophomore at Mercer County High school. My hobbies are playing with my dogs, doing art, and running. I have 3 dogs, 4 cats, and 1 rabbit. After high school I plan to work in the medical field.

Kennel Assistant

I'm Kayla Geisinger. I am 18 year old and I am a freshman at Black Hawk College! I have been working at Schmidt's Country Kennel for a little over a year now. I have wanted to work with animals since I was in kindergarten, which is why I am going into veterinary technology at Black Hawk. I have 6 pets; 5 cats and One dog, a border collie mix!

Kennel Assistant

My name is Madi and I am 17 Years old. I have always loved animals and plan to be a veterinarian at the zoo or aquarium when I'm older. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and I also teach kids gymnastics.

Kennel Assistant

Im Mariah. I am a 2026 Sherrard graduate, and I've loved animals my whole life. My favorite part of working at the kennel is seeing all the different personalities dogs have!

Kennel Assistant

I'm Savannah and I'm a 2026 Sherrard Graduate.. After high school I plan to attend Black Hawk East and pursue a degree in large animal science. Ever since I was little I've always wanted to be a Vat. My hobbies are horseback riding, handing out friends/family, and being with my boyfriend. I have 2 dogs - Hemi (Pitbull-mastiff) and Izzy (Pitbull), 2 cats - peaches and Bella, and 6 horses. I love working at the kennel and being able to give warm and comfortable space for all dogs!!