We recently connected with Jackie Audette and have shared our conversation below.
Jackie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had experiences that some might call unusual, or even paranormal. I could often see and hear things that other people couldn’t. This wasn’t limited to people either. From a young age, I had a strong connection with animals. I could sense their emotions, pick up on their energy, and even “hear” them in a way that felt as natural as having a conversation. I never understood why other people couldn’t hear the animals speaking to them or feel their energy as easily as I could. To me, it was just how the world worked. But as I got older, I realized that not everyone shared this ability. By the time I was in my 20’s I understood that what I had was a unique gift. And yet, I kept it to myself, afraid of being seen as odd or different.
For years, I built my career as a traditional dog trainer, at first helping shelter dogs needing behavioral rehabilitation, then guide and service dogs for those with visual and physical impairments, and then helping family pet dogs learn basic obedience, manners and the skills they needed to thrive in their homes. It was rewarding work, and I loved seeing the progress my clients, both human and canine, made. But there was always that part of me that I kept hidden, the pet psychic side of my abilities that I was afraid to share with the world. For a long time, I pushed it aside, worried about how people would react or whether they’d even believe me. But there came a point when I realized I couldn’t move forward in my career while hiding this part of myself. The turning point came during a training session with a young dog who pushed me to take a risk.
The dog had been brought to me for basic obedience training, but from the moment I met him, something felt different. As I worked with him, I started getting flashes of images. These were vivid, emotional scenes that didn’t make sense at first. I saw the dog witnessing a tragedy, something deeply traumatic that involved the death of his owner. It was intense and unsettling, and I wrestled with whether or not to say anything. Normally, I would have kept it to myself, afraid of being judged or offending someone. But something about the way the conversation was going with the dog’s new caregiver gave me the courage to speak up.
I gently shared what I was picking up on, describing the images I’d seen and asking if they resonated with the dog’s history. To my surprise, the caregiver confirmed that the dog’s previous owner had indeed passed away, and the dog had been there when it happened. I was even able to describe the layout of the home where it had occurred, which completely convinced them that what I was experiencing was real. Instead of being weirded out or skeptical, they were appreciative, open, and intrigued. They thanked me for helping them understand what the dog had been through and for providing the emotional support he needed to heal.
That moment was a game changer for me. It was the first time I had fully embraced my ability to communicate with animals in this way and it showed me just how powerful and transformative it could be. I realized that this wasn’t just a hidden talent… it was a calling I should not keep to myself any longer. From that day forward, I made the decision to pave a new path, one that bridged the world of traditional dog training with the less understood realm of animal communication. I began to integrate telepathic and energetic methods into my work, helping animals not just with their behavior but also with their emotional and spiritual well-being. I have been able to deliver messages to their owners regarding their physical and emotional health and well being, along with tackling behavioral concerns in a unique approach.
Taking that risk by opening up to that client and sharing what I had sensed was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done as a business owner. But it paid off in ways I never could have imagined. It gave me the confidence to fully step into my gifts and to create a unique approach that combines the practical, hands-on methods of modern dog training with the intuitive, heart-centered practice of animal communication. It hasn’t always been easy, and there are still people who don’t understand what I do. But the clients who do understand, the ones who see the profound impact it has on their pets, are the ones who remind me why I took this leap in the first place.
Looking back, I’m so glad I took that risk. It’s allowed me to help animals and their humans in ways I never thought possible, and it’s given me the freedom to be fully myself in my work. Sometimes, the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding paths and for me, this was the risk that changed everything.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Jackie Audette and my life’s mission has always been to help as many people and animals as possible. From a young age, I felt a deep connection to animals of all kinds, whether it was the family dog, a barn cat, or even the goats and chickens I’ve cared for throughout my life. I’ve always had an innate ability to understand and communicate with them, though it took me years to realize that not everyone experiences the world the way I do. Alongside this connection, I’ve also had profound, unexplainable experiences that some might call supernatural. These gifts, psychic and intuitive abilities, have been a part of me for as long as I can remember, though I spent much of my life not understanding them and then keeping them hidden. It wasn’t until 2020 that I began to fully embrace and integrate these abilities into my work, blending them with my extensive background in animal training to create a unique approach to helping animals and their humans.
I graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s in Animal Science and a minor in Companion Animal Science. During college, I spent my free time teaching dog training classes at a local pet store. After graduation, I worked at the largest no-kill animal shelter in the United States, specializing in training hard-to-handle dogs and cats. Later, I completed a rigorous three-year apprenticeship to become a certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, training and placing guide dogs for individuals with visual impairments. I also had the privilege of working with veterans and first responders, providing mobility and PTSD service dogs to those in need. Eventually, I became the Apprentice Program Manager, mentoring new trainers to become certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructors. Since 2018, I’ve been working in the private dog training sector, supporting families and service dog applicants in the Metro Atlanta area and beyond through both in-person and remote training sessions before I fully shifted into working as a pet psychic and medium full time.
Today, I offer a range of services that combine my traditional training expertise with my intuitive and psychic abilities. As an animal communicator/pet psychic, I provide remote readings that help pet parents better understand their animals’ needs, emotions, and behaviors. These readings are for any species, alive or in spirit. I also offer wellness check-ins, where I perform a body scan to identify areas of discomfort or tension in a pet’s body that they show me telepathically. Additionally, I conduct channeled readings, where I connect with higher sources or loved ones who have crossed over to deliver messages of guidance and wisdom. For those in the North Metro Atlanta area, I still offer in-person dog training lessons, but I also provide virtual training sessions for clients anywhere in the world. My dog training approach is rooted in positive reinforcement, and I believe training should be fun for both the dog and the whole family.
I’m a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with a certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and hold an additional certification as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. But beyond my formal training, I bring a unique perspective to my work, one that bridges the gap between the physical world and the spiritual one. I believe that every animal has a story to tell and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to help them share it. Whether I’m working with a family pet, a service dog, or even a horse, my goal is always the same: to strengthen the bond between animals and their humans and to help them live their best lives together.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The last two years of my life have been a whirlwind of challenges, growth, and unexpected transformation. As a small business owner and professional dog trainer, I’ve always thrived on being hands-on, working directly with animals and their families in an active way. But life had other plans for me. Over the course of 21 months, I faced a series of health issues that required four major surgeries, each one demanding 8 to 10 weeks of bed rest. For someone whose career was built on physical mobility, this felt like an insurmountable obstacle. But as I lay in bed, healing and reflecting, I realized this was not the end of my business, it was an opportunity to pivot, to think creatively, and to fully embrace the gifts I had been hesitant to share with the world.
From my bed, I began offering virtual training sessions and leaned into my gifts as a pet psychic. From my experiences during COVID I knew how effective virtual training could be. I was able to help people train their dogs remotely, offering the same level of support and expertise as I would in person. But it didn’t stop there. My physical limitations forced me to lean into my intuitive abilities in a way I never had before. I started offering telepathic animal communication readings, connecting with pets energetically to understand their needs, emotions, and even their physical discomfort. I also began performing wellness check-ins, using my intuitive abilities to scan an animal’s body and identify areas of tension or pain.
Pivoting my business during this time wasn’t easy. It required me to think outside the box, to let go of old fears, and to trust in my abilities in a way I never had before. But it also taught me the power of resilience and adaptability. I learned that even in the face of adversity, there is always a way forward, only if you’re willing to get creative and embrace change.
Looking back, I can see that this challenging chapter was also a gift. It forced me to step into my full potential, to trust my intuition, and to create a business model that truly reflects who I am. Sometimes, life doesn’t go as planned, but those unexpected pivots can lead to the most beautiful destinations. For me, this pivot wasn’t just about surviving; it was about getting into alignment and thriving in a way I never thought possible.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
When you’re in a field as unique as animal communication and mediumship, skepticism is inevitable. Not everyone understands or believes in the ability to connect with animals or loved ones in spirit on a deeper, intuitive level. And in a space where there are many practitioners with varying levels of accuracy and authenticity, building trust can feel like an uphill battle. But for me, the most powerful tool for growth has been word of mouth and referrals.
When I first started offering my services, I knew I needed to practice and refine my skills in a professional setting. I began by offering free or low-cost sessions to clients who were open to exploring this work with me. These early sessions were invaluable. Not only did they help me hone my abilities and shape my business model, but they also allowed me to build genuine connections with my clients. When people experienced the accuracy and depth of the insights I provided, they were often amazed and deeply moved. They were always shocked when I told them something their pet said that they knew I would have no way of knowing. Many of them walked away with a newfound understanding of their pets or a sense of closure and guidance from loved ones who had crossed over.
Clients who had a positive experience with me became my biggest advocates and started telling their friends. They shared their stories with others who were curious, skeptical, or in need of similar support. These referrals became the foundation of my business, and they continue to be my most reliable source of growth.
In a field where trust is everything, word of mouth has been my greatest asset. When someone hears about my work from a friend or family member who had a meaningful experience, it carries far more weight than any advertisement ever could.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jackiethechannel.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jackiethechannel
