Dr. Hanks is a native of Ruston, Louisiana. After receiving his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University in 1974, he practiced veterinary medicine in Houston before moving to Austin in 1986 where he founded West Lynn Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Hanks is a Diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners-certified specialists in Travis County.

He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and Capital Area Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Hanks is involved in the community in many ways, as a past member of the Advisory Boards of KLRU, the Producer Board of the Paramount Theater, as a member of Leadership Austin, and providing pet care advice to Austin children in their elementary classes.