Nicole Smith MSc, JKL-CPGT

Nicole is an animal behavior and welfare specialist with over 10 years of experience in animal care. She began her career volunteering with various service dog organizations as a puppy raiser and trainer. Her career then evolved into one focused more on exotic animals, working with many incredible species from big cats to giraffes. After earning a graduate degree in applied animal behavior, she went on to work with primates in a research setting. There she ran the unit's positive reinforcement training team, focusing mainly on cooperative care and behavioral education. Most recently she has transitioned to become a certified groomer to help provide pets and their caretakers with a less stressful grooming experience, emphasizing choice, cooperative care, and force free handling.