Dr Tara Harrison was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She earned her DVM from Michigan State University in 2000 and a MPVM from UC Davis in 2002. Her research involved infectious agents in Kenyan hyenas.

Dr Harrison's interest in zoo medicine has led to employment in a number of different zoos, she is currently a tenured Professor in zoo and exotic medicine at North Carolina State University. She is board certified in zoo medicine, veterinary preventive medicine, and zoo health management. She was certified in acupuncture by Chi University in 2017 and has been an instructor for Chi since that time.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr Harrison is the co-founder of the Exotic Species Cancer Research Alliance and is a board member for the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture.