Cooper graduated with second-class honours from Sydney University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in December 1965, at the age of 22.

Cooper began his media career in a veterinary segment on a morning TV talk show in Sydney.

In 1997, he began presenting the veterinary series Harry's Practice, assisted by fellow vet Katrina Warren.

[3] As part of the Queen’s Birthday 2014 honours, he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to veterinary science and animal welfare.

[6] In 2022, he married long-time partner, Sue Sheeran, on their property at Port Macquarie, New South Wales.