Tom Schmar, DVM


Dr. Schmar was born in Minnesota to a Polish immigrant father and homesteaded Minnesota farm girl. Raised by parents who were both Master’s level nurses, Dr. Schmar has lived in many different places throughout the United States, Canada, and South America, with childhood homes in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Arizona, and Kansas.

Dr. Schmar graduated from Wichita High School Southeast in 1980. He attended Wichita State University (WSU) from 1981 to 1983 before transferring to Kansas State University (KSU), which he attended from 1981 up to his graduation in 1987. He graduated with Honors in Nutrition, receiving a B.S. in Animal Science and Industry.

Even without his education, Dr. Schmar has had a long history with animal care. While growing up he spent many summers on his maternal grandparents’ farm in Northern Minnesota, where they raised Angus cattle and crop farmed. Coincidentally, veterinary practice runs in Dr. Schmar’s family, as he would later learn that his step-paternal grandfather was a large animal vet during WWI.

In Dr. Schmar’s free time, he can be found treasure hunting, fishing, hiking, and working out 5-6 days in the gym. After turning 52, Dr. Schmar started running for the first time. Since then, he’s participated in innumerable 5K’s, 10K’s, and three half marathons (at 13.1 miles each). When asked about it, Dr. Schmar responded: “It turns out old dogs CAN learn new tricks!”

Dr. Schmar’s Experiences Include:

  • Published from Honors Research in Nutrition Reports International
  • Zoo Docent Manhattan Sunset Zoological Park, 1983-1989
  • Behavioral Rehabilitation Intern, Jungle of Peru, South America with the Quabaug Bird Conservation Foundation, Summer 1984
  • Attended and graduated from KSU College of Veterinary Medicine, 1985-1989