Jess King knew she wanted to work with animals from the first time she went to the zoo at four years old. She spent her early childhood training her pet dogs, cats, and even rats!

Jess began training dogs professionally in high-school and continued throughout college where she earned her Bachelor’s in Animal Science from Clemson University. In college, she focused on the science behind animal behavior, genetics, and training. She spent most days working with horses, dairy cattle, and chickens for behavioral research.

After college, Jess went on to train a variety of animals in different zoo, sanctuary, and aquarium settings; she’s had the opportunity to work with everything from manatees, to chimpanzees, to red pandas!

Alongside her zoo and wildlife experience, Jess has continued to train dogs using positive, science-based techniques in both a private training and board & train capacity.

Outside of work, Jessica shares her home with her wild dog named Dasher, and her two cats Cheddar and Buttons.

Jess is a lead trainer at our Gainesville board and train location.