Dr. Jessica (Jebe) Szabunio
Dr. Jessica Szabunio (affectionately known as Dr. Jessica) joined the team at Tates Creek Animal Hospital in June 2025, bringing with her a passion for feline medicine, preventative care, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery. Originally from Germany, she earned her veterinary degree from the prestigious Ludwig-Maximilians-University in
Munich in 2019. Her journey to Kentucky began during her clinical rotations, when she spent time in Lexington and met her now-husband, Alex. That connection—and her love for the Bluegrass—led her to make Lexington her permanent home after graduation.
Dr. Jessica’s story is anything but ordinary. She originally pursued physics and considered engineering, but a year-long backpacking trip through Australia changed everything. While working with animals on farms and riding horses along the southern coast, a simple suggestion—”Why don’t you go to vet school?”—sparked a revelation. It turned out the perfect career had been hiding in plain sight.
To practice in the U.S., Dr. Jessica completed a rigorous series of licensing exams, becoming certified to practice veterinary medicine in both Germany and Kentucky. Before joining Tates Creek, she served patients and families in Georgetown, KY. Dr. Jessica is known for her thoughtful, compassionate care and her enthusiasm for lifelong learning. She’s particularly excited to be part of the collaborative, upbeat environment at Tates Creek Animal Hospital, where everyone shares a commitment to excellence.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Jessica enjoys gardening, baking, and woodworking—especially when it involves a new DIY project around the old house she and Alex lovingly refer to as “the money pit.” They have a son named Henry, and the family also includes three sassy cats—Whiskey, Oliver, and Mama—who
keep things lively.
