At Kemin Pet Food & Rendering, our passion for pets goes beyond the products we create — it’s part of who we are. Recently, our team partnered with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) to host a special on-site photo day for employees and their pets. The event celebrated the animals who inspire our work every day while supporting an organization that shares our deep commitment to animal welfare.
The idea for the event began when Ryan Guldenpfennig, Research and Development New Technology Manager at Kemin and long-time partner of the ARL, noticed a professional photo of a colleague with their dog. It sparked a thought — why not combine the professional and the personal by creating quality profile photos that include the pets who make our work so meaningful?
Working with the ARL team, we arranged for a photographer to come on site to capture employees with their own pets — or with adoptable animals brought by the ARL. The result was a day full of laughter, wagging tails, and heartwarming moments that perfectly captured the spirit of Kemin.
Capturing a Community of Pet Lovers
More than 30 team members signed up for the event, bringing along dogs, cats, and even one kitten who briefly stole the show. Rowdy and Penny, the first pair of pets to arrive, quickly set the tone for the day. Rowdy insisted on exploring every corner of the room before settling into the perfect family photo. Penny, ever the professional, posed patiently — until Rowdy decided he didn’t want to be left out of the attention.
Two colleagues from the same R&D team, each without their own pet that day, opted to be photographed with the same tuxedo kitten from the ARL. The kitten’s calm yet curious personality made him the perfect co-star for both photos — proof that great minds think alike. And while one team member hoped to feature her horse, she ultimately charmed the camera alongside a kitten instead.
The day was filled with laughter, creativity, and moments that highlighted the shared love for animals that unites our Kemin community.
A Longstanding Partnership with the ARL
Kemin’s collaboration with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa is not new — it’s part of a relationship that has grown stronger over the years. Dr. Ryan’s personal connection with the ARL began long before this event. As a veterinarian, he has adopted pets, volunteered his time, and donated supplies to animal shelters throughout his career.
That spirit of compassion has carried into Kemin’s partnership with the ARL. Whenever project diets are left over and remain in their original commercial packaging, our team donates them to the ARL to help feed animals in need. Several years ago, when a project shift resulted in surplus canned diets, the donation sparked a closer connection between Kemin and the ARL.
Since then, our partnership has flourished — from attending ARL fundraisers to welcoming their team at the grand opening of Kemin’s new Pet Food Pilot Lab. Kemin also donates probiotics to support digestive health for animals in ARL’s care. Each effort underscores a shared purpose: improving the quality of life for animals, both in our community and beyond.
The Photos That Tell the Story
The professional portraits from the day beautifully capture the bond between our employees and their pets — a reflection of the dedication and heart behind every innovation at Kemin. From loyal dogs and curious cats to adoptable animals posing proudly, each photo tells a story of connection, compassion, and care.
