Dr. Paula Schuerer Owner / Veterinarian
Paula was born and raised in Huntsville, AL. She attended Mississippi State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/Animal Science (1992), a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (1995) and a Master’s in Business Administration (1995). While attending MSU, Dr. Schuerer participated on the track and field team throwing the discus. She actively supports her alma mater by sponsoring several scholarships, serving as a board member for the MSU Foundation, and currently is involved on the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Dean’s Council. In 2010, Dr. Schuerer received the Alumna of the Year award for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Schuerer successfully passed the exam for becoming a specialist in Canine/Feline Practice granted by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2009 and has maintained her credentials to keep her specialty status. In 2017, she received a Master’s of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Missouri with her project focused on the fracture points of teeth relative to common chew toys for dogs. Dr. Schuerer enjoys all aspects of general practice with special emphasis on surgery/oral surgery, dermatology and exotic mammals. Animal Ark Animal Hospital was opened by Dr. Schuerer in 2002.
When not involved with veterinary medicine, Dr. Schuerer enjoys exploring local small towns in the middle Tennessee area with her husband as well as mountain biking, canoeing, sports and woodworking along with welding. Although not necessarily originally creative with the industrial arts, she does enjoy crafting decorative wooden boxes, picture frames, squirrel feeders and birdhouses. She is active in Brentwood Baptist Church where she “makes a joyful noise” in the choir and volunteers on the church’s mobile Medical Dental Unit serving the dental needs of those in the greater Nashville area. She enjoys the company of her Boston Terrier, Zippy, adopted from Alabama Boston Terrier Rescue. You may see her commonly walking Zippy or riding her bike with Zippy in a special “dog backpack”.