
Originally hailing from Atlantic, Iowa, Dr. Henning attended Iowa State University and graduated from veterinary school in 1985. He practiced small animal medicine and surgery in Elgin, Illinois from 1985 to 1992. In 1992, Dr. Henning and a partner purchased two facilities in Des Moines—Starch Pet Hospital and University West Pet Clinic. In 2016 they sold the hospitals, and Dr. Henning worked for the new owner until June 2020. With all his years of experience in medicine and surgery, the OR is where Dr. Henning is the happiest, having performed almost all forms of orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries.
Dr. Henning very much enjoys veterinary medicine and surgery, but chooses to work part time so he can enjoy his hobbies—mainly farming and gardening. He gardens as organically as is possible and his backyard no longer has a lawn, only a garden and fruit trees! On the farm, he mainly grows corn and soybeans but tries to farm in “nature’s image.” Soil health and wildlife conservation are top priorities, and he uses as little chemical herbicides and fertilizers as possible.
With its holistic approach to pet health, Iowa Veterinary Wellness Center is a natural fit for Dr. Henning and his belief that human and animal health are directly connected to soil and plant health.