About EVS and

Dr. Jackie Kucskar

Bio

A Capital District native, I grew up in Colonie. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Russell Sage College, then graduated from Cornell with my DVM degree in 2008 (pictured with my dearly missed kitty Cirrus, the first cat I ever neutered!).

I spent a total of 11 years in general practice, then decided to make a change and work in the shelter setting. It is there that I unexpectedly fell in love with High Quality/High Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) surgery, and really felt like I made a difference in the area pet overpopulation problem. I also was able to perform many life-improving (and life-saving!) surgeries on loved pets.

A love for teaching surgery emerged after a trip to Guatemala with some veterinary students, and I was thrilled to welcome more vet students and new graduates into my surgery suite and see their skills and confidence blossom.

I’m thrilled to be starting this new career chapter with Ember Veterinary Services, and hope to help many area practices, clients, and of most importantly, pets!

Outside the Office

I tend to keep myself busy with some common hobbies such as wildlife photography, playing with my pets, hiking, snow skiing, weight lifting, travel, spending time with my family…

But I also like to get a bit more…extreme…and do some adrenaline-inducing activities! You can catch me in the middle of a human pyramid on the Mohawk River with the Electric City Water Ski Show Team, or in Africa working with wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, and lions (I’ve directly worked with all of the African Big 5, as well as other species)! I successfully summitted Mt. Kilimanjaro in September 2025, and went sky diving in October 2024.

Did You Know?

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  • I have a Silver Certification through the Low Stress Handling Course (Sophia Yin) as well being a certified Fear Free Practitioner.

  • I have taken extra courses in dentistry, surgery, behavior, and rabbit care.

My Pets

People always want to know what types of animals I have! Along with my husband and daughter, I share my household with:

  • Camden: a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (my heart dog and old man)​

  • Ember: also a NSDTR (my silly fun youngster, and namesake of EVS!)

  • Enzo: my sweet but not very bright buff-colored cat