Three years into Doctor Chris Brown’s career as a vet, he was spotted by a talent agent while in a Mosman pub, telling stories over a few beers. Chris began filming as the new vet on Harry’s Practice and television audiences loved him – earning him a nomination for Most Popular New Talent at the 2004 TV Week Logie Awards.

He gained further TV experience on Burke’s Backyard, The TODAY Show and Talk to the Animals, as well as releasing his first book, The Family Guide to Pets.

In 2008 he catapulted to fame with Bondi Vet, chronicling his everyday adventures dealing with the characters and crises along one of Australia’s most famous pieces of coastline. Nowadays you can catch Chris on The Living Room.

I grew up in ... Newcastle, NSW.

The first thing I do when I wake up is ... check my phone. After 10 years on call, it’s an old habit I can’t kick. Plus, I like to check in on all the latest animal and human news.

If I could be better at anything it would be … surfing. Improvement is always slow in that department. I’ve always blamed being nearly 2m tall for my surf skills, but now some of the pros are getting that size unfortunately.

I am at my happiest when ... I’m in the vet clinic. Even without the cameras, it’s just nice to chat with pet owners and hear what’s important to them. Being that trusted person in their pet’s life is a role I’ve always taken seriously.

When I am not working I am ... usually thinking about photography. It’s my secret obsession that takes my mind off work. My reward for working hard all year is usually a trip somewhere in the world to live out a photo dream of mine.

I wish I could ... find the 25th hour in the day. It would be handy so I’ll keep on searching.

My biggest fashion blunder was ... I recently climbed Mt Gower on Lord Howe Island for an episode of The Living Room. Unfortunately in the first 10 minutes I split my pants climbing up a rock. Over the next seven hours the split got even bigger to the point where I was basically climbing in my undies.

When I was growing up I wanted to be ... a pilot. I’ve always loved animals, but because Dad is also a vet, I was determined to find my own career and I decided flying was going to be it!

I couldn’t live without … the beach. Put me near the water and I’m relaxed. I need to get in for a swim, surf or paddle every day to feel normal.

My most annoying habit is … saying yes to everything. It makes my calendar a little too full sometimes.

My hidden talent is … I can hypnotise animals.