Honoring a Lifetime of Service: Dr. Emil Baukert Reflects on a Career of Compassion and Commitment
Dr. Emil Baukert, a proud University of Illinois alumnus, has spent his career not only healing animals but shaping the veterinary profession through service, innovation, and leadership.
After earning a B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Illinois in 1971, Dr. Baukert began his professional life in the classroom before answering the call to serve in the National Guard as a military policeman. That same sense of duty and care would define his path when he returned to U of I to pursue veterinary medicine. In 1974, he married fellow U of I alumna Mary K. Tenczar Baukert, DVM ’77, and earned his DVM in 1976.
Early in his veterinary career, Dr. Baukert found a professional home at Riser Animal Hospital, first as a student and later as an associate veterinarian. In 1983, he became a partner alongside his mentor, Dr. Thomas Russell, whose dedication to organized veterinary medicine inspired him to become actively involved with the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA).
His commitment to the CVMA spans more than 45 years, including 15 years on the Board of Directors and service in nearly every leadership role. Among his most notable achievements was co-founding the Human-Animal Bond Committee and the CVMA Pet Loss Helpline in 1993 with his wife, Dr. Mary Baukert. Their shared passion for supporting both animals and the people who love them also led to the collection and delivery of 21 tons of pet food and over $5,000 in relief during the Mississippi River Floods of 1993.
Chicago Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Baukert demonstrated longstanding commitment and leadership within the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), serving on the Board of Executive Directors for 14 years (1987–2001). During his tenure, he held all officer positions, including Treasurer (1986–1988), President Elect (1989), and President (1990).His service to the CVMA also included: Judicial Committee Member: 1981–1987, 1991–1993, Veterinary Service Committee Chairman – Tech/Practice Personnel Program: 1984–1987, Vacation Seminar Chairman: 1991, Nominations Committee Chair: 1991, and Human/Animal Bond Committee: Co-founder and member (1991–present), Co-chairman (1990–1999).
Committee accomplishments:
- Developed a comprehensive program to provide boarding and veterinary care for pets of Gulf War soldiers during deployment.
- Co-founded and have directed the first veterinary association-operated CVMA Pet Loss Helpline since 1993.
- Created donation cards that fully fund the helpline and associated support group.
- Launched the CVMA “Wings” Pet Loss Support Group in 2000.
- Assisted the University of Illinois in establishing a student-staffed helpline (Careline) and a companion animal grief course.
Dr. Baukert was instrumental in establishing SEVNET, a statewide disaster response system created to aid animals in emergencies. He also founded the ACTS Awards (Animals Contributing to Society) which honors the extraordinary contributions of animals each year. Among his proudest accomplishments was serving on a national evaluation panel for veterinary care at the Lincoln Park Zoo under the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
In 2015, Dr. Baukert passed the torch, selling Riser Animal Hospital to trusted associate veterinarians. He retired in 2018 but remains deeply engaged in the profession by managing the Pet Loss Helpline and mentoring others.
When not advocating for animals, Dr. Baukert enjoys gardening, woodworking, fishing, and, above all, spending time with his beloved grandsons.
It is with deep appreciation and admiration that we recognize Dr. Emil Baukert for his years of dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the field of veterinary medicine.