Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Lionell Smith
I grew up in the beautiful countryside of Central Kentucky, where I was exposed to a variety of animals. I was always bringing home some critter, or trying to nurse one back to health. We opened our home to a motley crew of stray cats who became family. The special connection I developed with these pets made becoming a veterinarian a natural choice.
I attended the University of Kentucky, and then graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout my years of practice in small animal medicine, I witnessed the beauty of the human-animal bond every day. I’ve been honored to help families from their first puppy or kitten visit through the difficulty of saying goodbye. When it was time for my own dog, Dharma, to transition, I was able to help her pass peacefully at home, surrounded by love and with a belly full of her favorite treats. That experience made me decide to devote the rest of my career to end-of-life care, to give every pet the peace, love, and dignity they deserve.
Outside of work, I enjoy painting, making jewelry, reading crime novels, watching detective shows and nature documentaries, and spending time with my pets Fiona, Guinness, Fernando, and Westley.