Zack Mills, DVM Veterinarian, Owner

With an entrepreneurial spirit, Zack worked his way through vet school by purchasing an ice cream truck and selling frozen treats throughout the Athens business and residential communities. One year after earning his DVM, Zack purchased the practice at which he worked near Charleston, S.C. Over the next 10 years, Zack grew the practice and added a satellite clinic. He credits his early success in practice for his ability to understand and respond to his customers’ needs.

At his Charleston practice, Zack conducted clinical trials for new pet medicines, an experience which ultimately led him to enter that industry. Zack spent the majority of his corporate career with Merial, a Duluth-based company that manufactures veterinary vaccines and pharmaceuticals, including Frontline® and Heartgard®. There he held several positions including Director of Global Marketing; Executive Director of Veterinary Medical Affairs; and Vice President of U.S. Pet Sales.

Zack is recognized as an industry influencer in wellness programs for pets. While at Merial he was influential in the development and launch of many canine and feline vaccinations. In addition, he provided input for vaccine guidelines established by the American Animal Hospital Association.

During his corporate career, Zack visited hundreds of practices throughout the U.S. and abroad. As he likes to say, “It gave a small-town vet the chance to travel the world and learn alongside many talented people.” Eventually, the appeal of practice drew Zack back. His return to practice stemmed from a desire to apply the management skills and knowledge he gained in the pet medicine industry to build a successful practice that meets the needs of the pet owner, the pet and the practice team. Today, Tiger Tails Animal Hospital is a thriving practice with nearly 60 dedicated team members and two hospitals.

Zack and his wife, Susan, are members of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Zack participated in the Leadership Gwinnett class of 2012-2013. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Zack and Susan have four adult children, Heath (and wife Liz), Ross (and wife Erin), Grant and Brett. Chocolate Labs River and Sloopy, and cats Tiger and Tails round out the family. Dr. Zack enjoys spending time with his furbabies, children and grandchildren.