Jeff Werber

Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM is an renowned American veterinarian and veterinary medical journalist. An established veterinary physician, Werber has become renowned for his time spent as host of the television series "Lassie's Pet Vet," as well as frequently appearing as a pet-topic contributor on such programs as "The Dr. Oz Show," "Rachael Ray," and "Fox & Friends," offering his expertise on a variety of pet health topics.

Early life

Werber first developed a passion for veterinary medicine during his high school days, volunteering at a local animal clinic. This experience led Werber to pursue a bachelor's degree in Zoology, which he earned from the University of California, Berkeley in 1976. He went on to earn his Veterinary degree as a top graduate of the University of California, Davis in 1984.^[1]

Werber's academic excellence earned him induction into Phi Zeta, the only honor society for veterinary medicine in the United States, in 1983. The following year, he was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, the national academic honor society.

Veterinary career

Werber established Century Veterinary Group in 1988, a Los Angeles, California animal hospital that is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. Presently, Werber remains President, Hospital Director, and Chief of Staff at the facility.

He has served on the board of the national spokesperson for the American Humane Society and was a founding officer of the Association of Veterinary Communicators.^[2] He also served as a member of the legislative committee for the California Veterinary Medical Association.^[3]

As a committed defender of animal rights, he has been known to devote a great deal of time to volunteerism. He frequently donates his time to pet stores, examining pets to ensure they are properly cared for. He has also extended his philanthropic efforts to the Delta Society and Canine Companions for Independence, among others.^[4]

Celebrity Clientele

Having developed a star-studded clientele over his career, Werber has often been referred to as a "Veterinarian to the Stars." Past and present celebrity clients of his include Britney Spears, Julia Roberts, Ben Affleck, Eddie Murphy, Paula Abdul, Rod Stewart, Mark Wahlberg, Patrick Dempsey, Mandy Moore, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Drea de Matteo, Ron Perlman, Lori Loughlin, Emmy Rossum, and Judy Greer.^[5][6]

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Greer revealed her fondness of Werber's work. "I drive very far out of my way to take my dog to him because it’s worth it, and I have a feeling that everyone in the waiting room feels the same way,” adding that Werber is "interested in the least invasive and most natural remedies first.”^[7]

Media career

Dr. Jeff Werber (left) discussing gum disease in dogs on The Dr. Oz Show.^[8]

As one of a select few media-savvy veterinarians in the United States, Werber began his venture into veterinary journalism in 1987, making his television debut in as a contributor to "Hour Magazine", a syndicated talk show hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor Gary Collins. He continued on as a frequent pet-topic contributor on ABC's "Home Show" in the early 1990s.^[9] Since then, Werber has gone on to serve as a frequent contributor to many broadcast outlets across the nation. He has served as the Pet Medical editor on multiple radio programs, and has appeared on Oprah, CNN, Fox News Channel, and MTV, among others.^[10]

Television Host

Being recognized for his on-camera skills, Werber has been selected to host several pet and animal-themed television programs during the course of his career.

Petcetera

In 1996, Werber gained notoriety as host of the popular Animal Planet series "Petcetera." The program included segments about dogs, cats, birds and other more exotic animals. Werber often welcomed other animal experts for in-studio visits, as well as other animals.^[11] His excellence in hosting earned him a nomination for a CableACE Award in 1996.^[12]

Lassie's Pet Vet

Werber landed a new hosting opportunity in 2007 as the main personality of the PBS program "Lassie's Pet Vet", a 30-minute program about pet health, lifestyle, and communities. The program often included on-location stories as well as tips from Werber that covered helpful information on topics such as traveling with your pet, pet grooming, and occasional trivia.^[13]

The Vets

In 2012, Werber was slated to serve as a host on a new television series titled "The Vets," a program hosted by a panel of veterinary experts that included Werber, along with veterinarians Ernie Ward, Ruth MacPete, and Justine Lee. The program was designed to raise the awareness of pet owners about pet health issues, similar in style to the popular daytime television show The Doctors. A pilot episode for the series was filmed; however, the series has yet to air.^[14]

Other Appearances

Werber has often been sought-after by media outlets seeking his pet expertise. In 2012, Werber appeared on "The Dr. Oz Show" to discuss dental hygiene in dogs. Since the beginning of 2013, Werber has appeared on local network affiliates of ABC,^[15] CBS,^[16] and Fox^[17] in Los Angeles to discuss various pet health topics. On a national level, Werber has appeared on television programs such as "The Better Show"^[18] and "Fox & Friends."^[19] He has also been a useful resource for national news websites, including The Associated Press's Big Story^[20] and Disney's Babble.^[21]

Media Awards

During his time as a contributor for pet-related stories for the CBS Morning News in Los Angeles, Werber was honored for excellence in pet coverage, winning an Emmy Award in 1997.^[22]

References

External links

• Jeff Werber at the Internet Movie Database