Daryl D. Hartman

Medical Director

One of Dr. Daryl Hartman's most memorable veterinary experiences took place at a client's home. Many years ago, Daryl had an elderly client who lived alone with her cat, and wasn't able to get to the hospital for her cat's medication and prescription-diet food. The woman considered her cat a treasured friend, and Daryl wanted to make sure the cat received the proper care. He often stopped by the woman's apartment with the cat's medication and food, keeping an eye on the cat and enjoying a pleasant visit with his client. While Daryl's client was grateful for his personalized attention, he feels honored that he could help the woman and her cat have an improved quality of life!

Growing up in a family of 11 children, Daryl was born in Nebraska and moved to Iowa when he was 12 years old. During Daryl's teenage years, he spent every summer on his sister's farm, where he received a well-rounded introduction to animal care. His sister's animals included pigs, cattle, a milk cow, two horses, one dog, and numerous cats. Looking back, Daryl values those farm experiences as some of the best times in his life.

After Daryl graduated from high school, he began college as a biology major. After spending some time with his pre-vet program friends, Daryl realized he would enjoy the challenges and rewards of a veterinary career. Through working with each client, and healing their beloved pet, he could make a difference in that family's life.

After Daryl graduated from veterinary school, he opened a practice in Richfield in 1978. He joined Anoka West Pet Hospital in 1980, becoming a partner in 1981. Daryl and his team built Pine Ridge Pet Care Hospital and Wellness Center in 2001, and he's pleased that the hospital has continued to grow and become a valued part of the community. After all these years, Daryl still loves interacting with his patients and their pet parents. He feels a sense of satisfaction when he can bring joy to pet owners' lives by keeping their beloved pets healthy and giving them a comfortable, longer life.

During Daryl's many years in practice, he has seen many common patient problems, along with some unusual occurrences that made him stop and think twice. In one memorable case, Dr. Daryl's client called about his black Labrador retriever, who had recently begun rattling when he walked. Sure enough, the happy, well-fed dog rattled as he walked into the hospital lobby. While the owner didn't know it, the Lab had swallowed quite a few rocks, which were now grinding together deep in the dog's stomach. After a successful surgery, the Lab was three pounds lighter, and the owner vowed to watch him a bit more closely.

In addition to working at his successful practice, Daryl leads a group of small-animal veterinarians who meet every two months, assisting each other with practice challenges. He likes to continue to learn and is a member of the Mn. Academy of Veterinary Medical Practices. Membership requires 30 hours of continuing Education per year. He also enjoys spending quality time with his wife. Married for 40 years, the couple has raised two daughters and one son, who fortunately live close enough for regular visits. In his spare time, Dr. Daryl likes to dive into a book or magazine; and he generally gravitates to mystery, business, and religious topics. He also takes pride in fixing up his 1885-vintage home, adding a picket fence and keeping the home's nostalgic flavor.

As confirmed animal lovers, Daryl and his wife have kept many pets throughout their marriage. Currently, their canine family members include Libby, golden retriever; and Sophie, a Bernese Mountain Dog. Even though Libby has some allergy problems, Daryl keeps them under control and Libby thoroughly enjoys life. Sweet Sophie thrives on attention and loves cold weather, which makes her an ideal pet for Minnesota's legendary winters.