There are places in Tulsa that feel quietly iconic, not because they seek attention, but because they have been built with care, consistency, and heart over decades. Woodland West Pet Resort is one of those places. Set on 80 acres just off Highway 75 and Jenks Road, it has grown into one of the largest pet resorts in the country, yet it still carries the warmth and familiarity of a family operation that knows its community well.
The roots of Woodland West trace back to 1966, when Kent Clark’s father returned to the Tulsa area from Arizona and opened Woodland Animal Hospital. What began as a small veterinary clinic later grew into a network of seven animal hospitals in the Tulsa area and 72 locations nationwide. Animals were always at the center of family life. Kent’s twin sister followed in their father’s footsteps to become a veterinarian, while their mother built an extraordinary career as a professional dog handler then later an international dog show judge, earning top honors at the Westminster Dog show and traveling the world with her dogs. In 1989, the first version of Woodland West took shape simply as a place for her to house show dogs, a practical solution that would quietly grow into something far more meaningful.
Kent assumed a leadership role earlier than expected. When his father required bilateral knee replacements, Kent returned home from school to help run the business, finishing his degree at Oklahoma State University while managing daily operations. That pivotal period shaped his leadership style and long-term vision, rooted in stewardship and respect for the family legacy. While his father went on to build and sell 72 animal hospitals nationwide between 1994 and 2004, Woodland West remained anchored in Tulsa, growing intentionally while preserving its personal, community-first character.
Today, Woodland West is the largest all-inclusive pet resort in Oklahoma, recognized year after year as Tulsa Best Pet Resort and named Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Family Owned Business of the year. A major turning point came in 2022 with the opening of a 16,000 square foot expansion that doubled the resort’s capacity. Even with that growth, the experience remains carefully curated. Dogs are temperament tested, play is structured and supervised, and energy levels are thoughtfully balanced across three outdoor parks and an indoor arena, all supported by attentive staff to ensure every dog feels safe and engaged.
Safety, trust, and communication is the foundation of the experience. Woodland West is open and staffed seven days a week, 365 days a year, with electronic monitoring and security systems throughout the property. Live feed cameras in many luxury suites and daycare yards allow pet parents to check in at any time, while a team of more than 80 staff members ensures individualized care. Transparency is a priority here, even when it means overcommunicating, because peace of mind is part of the promise.
Beyond the resort itself, Woodland West is deeply connected to the Tulsa community. Kent has served as chair of the Jenks Chamber of Commerce Board and continues his involvement as a board member, while also serving on the Tulsa Regional Chamber Board of Advisors. The resort actively supports rescue organizations and animal-focused events like Wooftstock and 12 Strays of Christmas, reinforcing a commitment to giving back that mirrors the care shown within its gates.
Looking ahead, Woodland West shows no signs of slowing down. Exciting plans are in motion for a senior pet care center, ensuring dogs receive the same attentive care at every stage of life. New luxury suites are also on the horizon, complete with 24/7 cameras, themed rooms, and twin-size beds that make boarding feel like a home away from home. From Puppy Pre K classes for 11-week-old pups to boot camps and private training sessions, every program is designed with love and purpose. At its heart, Woodland West remains exactly what it has always been: a place where dogs are celebrated by name, families feel truly seen, and Tulsa’s devotion to its pets shines through in every detail.
“Above everything else, safety comes first for us. From there, it’s about being reliable and earning the trust of every pet parent who walks through our doors.” - Kent Clark