Elena Smith, CVA founded ATL TAILS PET RESORT in 2015. She started this company due to the high demand and request from pet owners wanting a hands on, trustworthy, less stressful home-like setting for their fur babies while being away. Her goal was to ease pet owners worries while saving them stress, time and money. Now while you are away for a quick overnight trip or an extended family vacation your pet can get proper care, medications, bathing, training, etc in your own home or in a home-like setting.



As a kid, Elena would visit her great-grandparents on their farm to see them caring for hogs, chickens, horses, etc. Although, growing up she was around animals and even had pet turtles and fish of her own, Elena had an interest in Computer Information and Systems. She took that interest to technical school while incorporating her love for animals by house and pet sitting for friends, family and church members.

After some time in the IT field, Elena took a part time position at a pet resort. During her time there she became an animal care certified technician caring for the basic daily necessities and grooming needs of canines, felines, birds, pigs, ferrets, goats, etc. Eventually, she became a full time employee resort manager and began to lead socialization groups for large breed and small breed canines. This position encouraged and enhanced her ability to read and understand animal behavior and body language.

Following some time at the resort she took a part time job with a mobile veterinary clinic administering vaccines and blood draws. This was only the beginning of her journey in animal medicine.

Fun Facts:

I was shy around the animals at my Great-Grandparents farm animals as a child.

Became a Veterinary Certified Assistant in 2017.

Built internet racks for a Google outsourcing company.

Fell into grooming due to having two schnauzers and a Yorkshire terrier with rapid hair growth.

Received command and behavior training from two top graduates from The Tom Rose School.

Became an ordained minister in 2019.

Cared for 11 ferrets at one time.

Re-homed 16 animals since ATL Tails opened.

Placed a catheter in a goats ear to administer fluids.

Kayaking and playing basketball are my most favorite hobbies.

I have an 11 yr old Schnauzer + 1 DSH cat.

I am currently fostering two amazing guinea pigs named Ozzie and Cosmo.