Dr. Art Wirtz grew up in Forest Hills, and knew from the time he was in high school, that he wanted to be a veterinarian. At that time he worked part time for Dr. John Putnam, a veterinarian in Penn Hills. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1974. He married Dr. Sharon (Bradley) Wirtz in 1973.

After working for a few years in Philadelphia and Baltimore, Drs. Art and Sharon purchased Allegheny North Veterinary Hospital in 1981. They have twin daughters, Elaine and Andrea, born in 1981.

Dr. Art is a volunteer with Animal Friends, Americans for Native Americans, and Global Links, a non-profit organization that distrubutes medical supplies to third world countries.  He is currently Secretary/Treasurer of the Western Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association.  His outside interests include kayaking, bicycling, bowling, and digital photography.