Dr. Richard Starke was born and raised in the city of Edmonton, Alberta.  He completed two years of pre-veterinary courses at the University of Alberta before transferring to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon where he graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1983.

He joined Lloydminster Animal Hospital in 1983.  Dr Starke and his wife, Dr. Chiswell have two sons, Roland and Alastair. Outside of practice Dr. Starke is involved with a variety of community organizations. He is currently serving as Chairman of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation and Assistant Governor for Rotary International District 5370. He is the Director of Coaching and Programs for the Lloydminster Border Blades Speed Skating Club,  Chairman of the Board of Elders of First Lutheran Church, and is a founding member of the Lloydminster German Heritage Society. In his spare time Dr. Starke enjoys playing golf, hockey, downhill skiing, and walking his Bernese Mountain Dog Liesl.