Hanie Elfenbein, DVM

Dr. Hanie Elfenbein is a veterinarian whose medical philosophy centers around the pet as part of the family and working within that relationship to resolve medical issues and strengthen the human-animal bond. She shares her home with Loki, a "Heinz 57" dog she adopted in 2017. Loki goes to work with Dr. Elfenbein at her veterinary clinic, where he sits on anyone's lap who sits down (he's 50 pounds) and is the official taste-tester of all lunches.

Fast Facts

Emergency and shelter medicine veterinarian
Holds a Ph.D. in Animal Behavior
Specializes in treating the whole pet, not just the symptoms

Experience

Dr. Hanie Elfenbein brings a unique blend of clinical training and behavioral science to her work in emergency and shelter medicine. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she practices at both the Animal Emergency and Specialty Center and the Humane Educational Society. Her approach centers on treating pets as part of a larger family unit, addressing both medical and behavioral issues to support whole-animal well-being.

Education

Dr. Hanie Elfenbein earned her Bachelor’s in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University and her Master’s in Neuroscience from UC San Diego. She completed both her DVM and Ph.D. in Animal Behavior at UC Davis, where she studied the connection between stress, behavior, and physical health in rhesus macaques.