Dr. Hartman studied at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale on a football scholarship, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 1994. Later, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Sciences and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. After graduating veterinary school, Dr. Hartman was a mixed animal, small animal and relief practitioner. He also owned a one doctor small animal practice for 12 years. His hobbies include boating with his family and waterfowling. Dr. Hartman, his wife, and their daughter share their home with a Cock-a-doodle named Frank.