MEDIA
About Dr. Ernie Ward – Media Bio & Background
Dr. Ernie Ward is a nationally recognized veterinary media expert and trusted on-air veterinarian, with over two decades of experience providing pet health insights across television, radio, and digital media.
A 1992 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Ward is known for combining clinical expertise with compelling communication—making him one of the most credible and visible voices in animal health today.
He began his broadcast career in 1999 as the host of Pet Wise with Dr. Ward on WWAY TV3 (ABC). In 2003, he appeared on Animal Planet’s hit series King of the Jungle, and from 2007 to 2014, he served as the recurring “house vet” on The Rachael Ray Show, reaching millions with his engaging and accessible veterinary advice.
Dr. Ward has been featured on leading national media outlets, including:
The Today Show
Good Morning America
NBC Nightly News
CNN
FOX News
Nightline
NPR and numerous pet-focused and health-related radio shows
Regional television and radio news programs across North America
He is the host of the award-winning weekly podcast Veterinary Viewfinder and a regular columnist for Today’s Veterinary Business, where he writes the popular “Opening Shots” column. Dr. Ward frequently speaks at national and international conferences on topics related to veterinary communication, pet obesity, and clinic wellness culture.
Dr. Ward covers a wide range of topics with clarity, compassion, and credibility, including:
Pet obesity prevention and nutrition
Exercise, weight and body condition management, and wellness
Veterinary team training and client communication
Veterinary medical advancements and innovation
Animal behavior and welfare
Public education and health policy
His ability to connect with audiences—whether on-screen, on-air, or in-person—makes Dr. Ward one of the most trusted voices in veterinary media today.
Click here for a complete list of available video appearances by Dr. Ward
Get in Touch
Interested in collaborating with Dr. Ward for media, speaking engagements, consulting, or educational opportunities? Please complete the form below, and a member of our team will be back in touch shortly.
Please note: While Dr. Ward is passionate about helping pets, he is unable to respond to individual medical or personal veterinary inquiries. For concerns about your pet’s health, please contact your local veterinarian.
How Hot Does It Get in a Parked Car?
This informative and provocative video has been viewed over 3-million times, translated into several languages, and spawned many copycat videos, including one by PETA.
Dr. Ernie Ward’s YouTube channel and was one of the first veterinarians to create vlogs detailing his life and sharing opinions. Here are a couple of examples:
"Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward addresses the recent "New York Magazine" "The Cut" parenting column that claims people who call themselves "pet parents" are "delusional." Dr. Ward discusses the controversy, similar terminology debates within the animal professions, and offers his solution to the dilemma."
"Veterinarian Dr. Ernie shares why he became a veterinarian and how veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary support staff can find inspiration every day."
Dr. Ward served as the resident "house-veterinarian" for the Rachael Ray Show from 2007-2014 an has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, Nightline, CNN, and many more.
Dr. Ernie discusses pet obesity, diet, and weight loss.
Dr. Ward takes on hidden sugar in pet treats, high-calorie pet foods, and pet obesity on this ground-breaking Nightline expose.
Harry and Dr. Ernie September Surf Break
Dr. Ernie and his surfing sidekick Harry enjoy some playful waves during a lunch break.