Dr Chris Brown: An Interview with the ‘bondi Vet’

“Growing up with Dad as the local vet meant we didn’t have your ‘usual’ pets. Our suburban backyard played home and hospital ward to chickens, cows, koalas, sheep, pelicans and even a penguin that used our swimming pool as his exercise area.”

Australian TV vet Dr Chris Brown is known for his charisma, compassion, and love of animals. From the clinic to the camera, he’s helped inspire a new generation of aspiring veterinarians and pet lovers. In this interview, we ask Chris about studying to become a vet, what it’s really like to work with animals—and their humans—and why good communication matters just as much as medical skill.

“Was becoming a vet always your dream career?”

I grew up around animals and veterinary work—my dad was the local vet—so our backyard was anything but typical. It doubled as a rehab centre for all kinds of creatures. But funnily enough, I tried to avoid following directly in my dad’s footsteps. I was determined to be original. Still, I was obsessed with animals from a young age, so I think becoming a vet was probably inevitable.

“Who’s harder to deal with—animals or their owners?”

I often say that being a vet means treating people as much as animals. Not physically, of course, but emotionally. That connection is vital—especially when you’re guiding someone through a really difficult moment with their pet. Communicating clearly and compassionately is what sets a great vet apart from an average one.

Sometimes it gets… complicated. I once removed a G-string from a Labrador’s stomach. The awkward part? The owner’s wife didn’t wear G-strings. Let’s just say the dog revealed more than anyone expected that day.

“Is veterinary science a tough course to study?”

Absolutely. Getting into vet science is hard—and staying in the course can be even harder. The volume of information you have to absorb is intense. Long hours, minimal sleep, and unpredictable cases prepare you well for real-life practice.

If you’re serious about a career in animal care, my best advice is: keep up and stay passionate. You’ll need to absorb concepts fast and stay focused. But if you love animals, it’s incredibly rewarding.

“What animal superpower would you choose for work?”

There are days when I wish I had a gecko’s ability to stick to ceilings—especially when dodging overly enthusiastic dogs. But honestly, a horse’s “stay apparatus”—that tendon system that lets them sleep standing up—would be incredibly helpful during long clinic shifts!

Australia’s Pet Culture and the Future of Animal Care Careers

Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. According to the Animal Medicines Australia 2022 report, nearly 69% of Australian households have a pet. And with pets treated like family, demand for qualified vets, vet nurses, and animal care specialists continues to rise.

But the industry is also competitive and emotionally demanding. Graduates must balance their love for animals with clinical expertise and communication skills. If you’re considering studying veterinary science, zoology, or vet nursing, start by exploring entry-level and pathway options such as:

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
• Animal Care short courses
• Bachelor of Science (Zoology/Biology)

You can also check out FEE-Help for info on government-supported places and HELP loans to fund your studies.

What We Can Learn from Dr Chris Brown’s Journey

Whether it’s wrangling a wayward wombat or comforting an anxious pet owner, the world of animal care is as dynamic as it is rewarding. And if Dr Chris Brown has shown us anything, it’s that a great vet blends heart, humour, and resilience—along with a knack for surviving the occasional surprise surgery.

Thinking about a future in animal care? Explore animal care and veterinary courses and start your journey today.