Speaker Details

Dr Harry Cooper has been associated with the Seven Network for more than 11 years. Dr Harry first appeared as host of Talk to the Animals in 1993 and was host of Harry’s Practice from 1997 up until 2003. Since 2004, Dr Harry has been part of the experienced and well respected Better Homes and Gardens team giving viewers advice on their pets as well as his familiar house calls.

Dr Harry is a typical country vet - living on a picturesque property in Relbia, in northern Tasmania, with his wife Janine, daughter Heidi and an extended family of four-footed friends and winged creatures.

At last count, Dr Harry’s animal population included 27 horses (including Arabian stallions and a Welsh Riding Pony), eight dogs, 27 breeding cats, five house cats, 20 fantail pigeons, eight rabbits, four guinea pigs, seven coloured sheep and lambs, one peacock, a cockatiel, nine ducks and ducklings, 2 rats, Polly the Possum, Daisy the pet pig, and the latest additions MalteseXShih Tzus- Buddy and Holly.

Born and raised in Sydney, Dr Harry graduated with second class honors from Sydney University; Faculty of Veterinary Science in December 1965, aged 21. After graduating, he spent several years working at the Gladesville Animal Hospital in NSW before moving to Europe where he spent most of his time working in the English countryside

On his return to Australia, Dr Harry joined a partnership in Gladesville, NSW, specialising in horses, greyhounds and cage birds. As well as being a judge and show organiser, he also bred more than 1,000 birds and raced greyhounds with some success. In 1980, he set up his own practice in Annangrove, NSW - still specialising in greyhounds and birds. Five years later, in June, 1985, Dr Harry married Janine and their daughter Heidi was born in May 1986.

Dr Harry began his media career on breakfast television as the vet expert on a local Sydney chat show. He also had a spot on Don Burke’s radio program, and in 1987 joined Don on Burke’s Backyard.

Dr Harry joined Channel Seven in 1993 to host Talk To The Animals, which ran for four years. During these years, he had to ‘prune’ his vet practice to concentrate on his television career, although he never gave it up completely.

“One of my main aims in life is to teach children a love, understanding and respect for animals – knowing they’ll carry that through to adult life and hopefully translate that into a love and understanding for their fellow man.”

In 1997, Dr Harry returned to his veterinary rooms to film the first series of Harry’s Practice, the Seven Network’s family animal program in which he stared with fellow vet/ reporter Dr Katrina Warren.

Harry’s love for animals began at a young age with his mother Linda breeding Pomeranians and his father Harold breeding ducks, chooks, dogs and birds at their Linley Point home. His first pet was a duck called ‘Squeaker’ - who lived in the house! And Harry’s earliest childhood memories are of falling asleep in the straw while his father was showing dogs.

Known for his trademark caps, Dr Harry has a collection of more than 60 - and never leaves home without one!

Dr Harry was ranked the 5th most trusted Australian (1st Australian male) in a Readers Digest poll in 2005.

For more information please contact
Saxton on +61 3 9811 3500 or email us at speakers@saxton.com.au

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