Dr Harry Cooper graduated with second class honours from Sydney University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in December 1965 aged 21. He practised for several years across Sydney and the UK before his burgeoning media career became a full-time commitment.

Dr Harry’s love of animals began at a young age. His father had started out in veterinary science (when it was an apprenticeship, not a degree) but withdrew after 12 months. A young Harry and his brother, Neil followed in their father’s footsteps and both went on to become veterinary scientists. “It was really our father’s unfulfilled dream. “I knew I wanted to be a vet from when I was 12 or 14.” Harry grew up surrounded by animals and watching his parents breed and show a variety of animals. With the assistance of his father, he began showing budgerigars and poultry, which sparked his interest in animals.

Dr Harry began his media career on breakfast television as the veterinary expert on a local Sydney chat show. He also had a spot on Don Burke’s radio program, and joined Burke on his long-running TV series for the Nine Network, Burke’s Backyard.

Dr Harry moved to Channel Seven in 1993 to helm his first series, Talk To The Animals. In 1997, Dr Harry returned to his veterinary rooms to film the new series Harry’s Practice which ran for six years.

Dr Harry joined the team of Better Homes and Gardens in 2004 and has been providing pet information and advice to viewers ever since. In late 2007, Dr Harry was diagnosed with prostate cancer and he underwent intensive radiation treatment throughout 2008 to treat the disease. Dr Harry’s “annus horribilis” also saw him suffer through a hernia operation and a hip replacement – all within the space of a few months.

After these major health battles, Dr Harry realised it was time to make some big life changes. So after 21 years at home in Tasmania, he moved to the mid-north coast of NSW in 2011 where he scaled down the size of the property he is responsible for. It’s also much easier for him to transport his livestock, primarily fowl and Welsh Mountain Ponies (his pride and joy), to shows and sales. And he doesn’t mind the warmer weather up there either!
Then in August of 2019, Dr Harry up and moved everything again to a larger property in NSW to accommodate his horses and let us tell you, the move was no mean feat.

Dr Harry was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) honour for his services to veterinary science and animal welfare as part of the Queen’s Birthday 2014 honours.

In 2014, Better Homes and Gardens was awarded a record 12th Silver Logie for Australia’s Most Popular Lifestyle Program.

In addition to his television work, Dr Harry has authored four books, Dr Harry Cooper’s Pet Care Guide in 1991, Anecdotes and Antidotes in 2000, Remedies and Memories in 2001 and Stethoscopes and Calving Ropes in 2002. He is also an ongoing financial contributor to the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University. His work has been recognised previously with a Centenary Medal in 2001, a Service Award from the Australian Veterinarian Association in 2006 and an Alumni Award from the Veterinary Faculty at the University of Sydney.

Dr Harry is an advocate for children growing up with animals and said it is a scientific fact that children who grow up with animals have higher self -confidence, can mix with people well and are far higher achievers. “It is also a known fact that patting a dog can help reduce your blood pressure by 10 per cent. “I can’t understand people not wanting a pet.”