Tomahawk Animal Hospital is a full service Veterinary Hospital located in Prairie Village,KS, serving the greater Kansas City Metro
​and Johnson County Areas. We are dedicated to your pet's total well being through all of their life stages by offering
comprehensive​​ pet health care services. With our state of the art on site diagnostics, anesthetic, and surgical capabilities,
Tomahawk Animal Hospital is able to provide a total health care solution for your pet.

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Meet the Team
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Dr. Kent Kraus: Veterinarian/Practice Owner
Dr. Kent Kraus is from Wichita, KS and is the youngest of three children. His father, a German immigrant, and his mother, a native of Wichita. Dr. Kraus’ father worked for Boeing Military as an engineer, but also had the desire to live the American Dream of owning land. In 1969 they purchased 80 acres of farmland, which Dr. Kraus was raised on. In some ways, one could say Dr. Kraus has been working with animals since four years of age, but it wasn’t until after helping in various veterinary clinics that he decided to change his career choice from wanting to be a dentist to pursuing a career in Veterinary medicine.
A decision he has never regretted. Dr. Kraus graduated from Kansas State University in 1991. He began his veterinary career working for a large veterinary hospital and in June, 2001, purchased Tomahawk Animal Hospital. Dr. Kraus served on the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association (KCVMA) for eight years. He was also on the board of directors for Pets for Life.
​Dr. Kraus was also a contributing author for the Paw Prints paper. For his veterinary school internship, Dr. Kraus worked in his father’s hometown in Germany and has many, many interesting and funny stories. Dr. Kraus has stated, “Veterinary medicine is extremely unique. A Veterinarian has to be proficient in many aspects from surgery, medicine, radiology, dermatology, and the list goes on. Most importantly is the Triad of Veterinary medicine. This unique dynamic must include not only the patient and the doctor, but very importantly, the client as well.” Also of great importance to Dr. Kraus is something he learned early in his career “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” -- a lesson he learned early in his career and lives by today. Dr. Kraus has a vast interest in hobbies which include anything outdoors and traveling. As he puts it, “Put me on a tractor or a chainsaw in my hand and I’m happy.” He has traveled abroad extensively, particularly through Europe, which he absolutely loves. However, his trip to Dubai left him thinking it was nice, but too much like Las Vegas. 

Dr. Heath Brown: Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Brown is from Mission, KS. Dr. Brown’s adventure in veterinary medicine all started with a 9th grade career report and the rest is history. Dr. Brown has a Beagle mix named, Rose and a cat named, Smokie. His favorite hobby is reading. Dr. Brown’s favorite things about working in veterinary medicine are seeing his patients recover illness or injury and for them to be happy and healthy.

Dr. Paula Vale: Associate Veterinarian
(Photo & Bio Coming Soon)

Brooke: Hospital Manager
Brooke is from Kansas City, MO. She first started in veterinary medicine in Nashville, TN at a mobile vaccine clinic. Brooke does not currently have any pets, but Labrador Retrievers are her favorite. Her favorite hobbies are watching movies, training for triathlons, and eating great food. Brooke’s favorite things about working in veterinary medicine are client education, helping to train new technicians, and that each day in vet med is different.

Samantha: Veterinary Technician
Samantha is from Page, AZ. She first started in veterinary medicine after a friend got her a job at a surgical practice 10 years ago. Samantha has two dogs, Beau an Australian Shepherd and Phantom a Sheltie. Samantha’s favorite hobbies include painting and training for triathlons. Samantha’s favorite things about working in veterinary medicine are helping our furry friends feel better and educating clients.

Tyler: Veterinary Technician
(Photo Coming Soon)
Tyler is from Kansas City, KS. Tyler was first introduced to veterinary medicine by a friend and the rest is history! He has a "mini zoo" at home with Havoc, a pit mix, Yuki, a long haired kitty,  and quite a few reptiles. Tyler's favorite hobby is martial arts and he even teaches classes in the area. His favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is helping the sick and injured animals get well.

Susan B: Receptionist
Susan is from Overland Park, KS. Susan has three cats, Mack, Trucker, and Snoop. Susan’s favorite hobby is chasing tornados and loves all things Wizard of Oz! Susan’s favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is all of the animals.

Terry: Receptionist
Terry is from Overland Park, KS. Terry has two rescue Chihuahuas, Tia and Tony. Her favorite hobby is her hanging out with her dogs. Terry’s favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is all of the animals that come to see us.

​David: Kennel Attendant
​David is from St. Louis originally, but moved to Kansas City in 1980 after 6 years at Mizzou. He started in veterinary medicine after spending time at a local clinic with his first cat after retiring in 2004. David has three cats, Leona, Allie, and Esther Olivia. In his free time, he  plays every Saturday in a locally famous jam session at BB’s Lawnside BBQ. David’s favorite things about working in veterinary medicine are helping care for our clients most valuable companions and learning about veterinary medicine.

Susan W: Receptionist
(Photo Coming Soon)
Susan is from Prairie Village, KS. She is new to the veterinary medicine field, but very excited to learn all things Vet Med! Susan has three pets, Charley a 6 year old cat, Oswin Oswald a 10 year old Main Coon, and Rosie a 15 year old dachshund mix. Susan’s favorite hobby is camping, but she has also gone sky diving! Susan’s favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is the pets and the people.

​Gwen: Kennel Attendant
​Gwen is from Pasadena, CA. She has always loved animals and has had an appreciation for what vets do and how they can help the animals. Gwen has 2 chihuahuas, Athena and Yuna, 1 cat named Kiki, and a jungle carpet python called Snakey. Gwen likes to do art in her free time and is currently a freelance artist that takes commissions. Gwen’s favorite things about working in veterinary medicine are interacting with all the different breeds and their own individual personalities. She also enjoys learning the different habits of specific breeds.

Tamara: Kennel Attendant
(Photo & Bio Coming Soon)

Cindy: Groomer
(Photo Coming Soon)
Cindy is from Kansas. Cindy was first introduced to veterinary medicine when she applied for a kennel position when she was 19 years old and she has stayed in the field since then! Cindy has 6 dogs and 5 cats. She enjoys collecting action figures! Cindy's favorite thing about working in veterinary medicine is getting to work with all of the different animals.​

Hazel: Clinic Cat
Hazel is from Prairie Village, KS. She enjoys head boops and gentle pets from all of the humans that come to visit. Hazel loves her privacy and space. Her favorite things to do are make biscuits and sleep all day.