Jessica Bukovinsky

Jessica brings over 20 years of diverse experience (and plenty of enthusiasm) to the animal training field. Throughout her career, Jessica has worn many hats, from Marine Mammal Trainer, Shelter Behavior Manager, Necropsy Tech, to Petting Zoo Supervisor; always with animal behavior at the forefront. Her experience has given her a unique perspective on animal care, leading her to specialize in Cooperative Care training. Because if you can train a seal to brush their teeth why not a dog too? A professional dog trainer since 2010, Jessica is certified through CCPDT and a Fear Free Certified Trainer. She has taught group and private classes and serves as an evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program. She holds an AAS degree in Animal Management and a BS in Psychobiology. Jessica has been a professor at SUNY Cobleskill in the Canine Training and Management Program since 2023, where she combines her passion for behavior with her love of teaching; helping prepare the next generation of skilled, thoughtful, and compassionate trainers. She’s created two new courses, Animal Sheltering and of course Canine Cooperative Care. Jessica’s career proves that when curiosity, science, and a love of animals come together, every day offers something new to learn – usually with a little fur!