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Dr Harry

Born and raised in Sydney, 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 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 has 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!

In 2012, Better Homes and Gardens was awarded a record 10th Silver Logie for Australia’s Most Popular Lifestyle Program. The series is now in its 18th season.