Dr Bruce Fogle MBE DVM MRCVS is one of the world’s most respected voices in veterinary medicine and the best-selling author of more than 40 books, translated into over 35 languages. Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, he has dedicated his life to advancing veterinary care, improving animal welfare, and strengthening the bond between people and their pets.
Born and educated in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Bruce graduated in 1970 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.
Following graduation, he moved to London, England, on a fellowship to work as a veterinarian at the Zoological Society of London’s Regent’s Park Zoo. After gaining further experience in private practice in Knightsbridge, he founded the London Veterinary Clinic in 1973.
That same year, he married actress Julia Foster. Together they have three children: Emily, an art director; Ben Fogle, the writer, journalist, and broadcaster; and Tamara, a fashion accessories designer.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Bruce has become internationally recognised as an authority on companion animal care. He has been an active member of leading veterinary organisations, authored numerous scientific articles and review papers, and lectured in more than 24 countries.
His commitment to animal welfare extends far beyond clinical practice. Bruce served as co-founder and vice-chair of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and as Chair of Humane Society International. He has also acted as a consultant to major pet-care companies and served as veterinary adviser to Microsoft Encarta and Encyclopaedia Britannica.
An accomplished veterinarian, author, educator, and animal welfare advocate, Dr. Bruce Fogle continues to inspire pet owners and veterinary professionals around the world through his lifelong dedication to veterinary science, animal welfare, and the human–animal bond.
Over the course of an extraordinary career, Bruce Fogle has been recognised with two of the most prestigious honours in Britain.
In the 2004 New Year Honours List, he was appointed MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to deaf people. The award reflected his work as a co-founder of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a charity that has helped thousands of deaf people across the UK gain greater independence, confidence, and companionship through specially trained assistance dogs.
Nearly twenty years later, in 2023, Bruce received the Queen’s Medal from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the highest honour awarded by the College. The medal recognised his outstanding contributions over more than 50 years as a veterinarian, bestselling author, educator, and advocate for animal welfare. Bruce has made a lasting impact he has made on both the veterinary profession and the lives of countless animals and their owners.
These two honours tell the story of a man whose life’s work has been dedicated to helping others—both human and animal. They reflect Bruce’s compassion, commitment, and the remarkable difference he has made through a lifetime of service.
Bruce is the co-founder and vice-president of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the Buckinghamshire and Yorkshire based charity that for over 40 years has helped people living with deafness and hearing loss rebuild their confidence through new connections provided by their Hearing Dog partners. Their superbly trained companions alert them to sounds they would otherwise miss such as alarms and doorbells. For more information visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk
Bruce is involved in confronting animal cruelty worldwide and for 10 years was Chair of the Board of Directors of Humane World for Animals, previously called Humane Society International. Through advocacy and active interventions Humane World tackles animal cruelty and abuse at factory farms including dog meat farms, puppy mills and elsewhere. For more information visit www.humaneworld.org/uk
Bruce is President of the RSPCA’s West Sussex Animal Centre, Mount Noddy Animal Centre located near Chichester in West Sussex. Mount Noddy rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes dogs and cats. They have a canine hydrotherapy centre available for local vets to use and provide training sessions for pet carers. Mount Noddy receives no funds from the RSPCA and is totally self funding. For more information visit www.rspcasussexwest.org.uk
The Fogle family’s contributions extend far beyond Bruce’s achievements, and several members of the family have become familiar faces in their own right through television, journalism, and design.
Bruce’s son, Ben Fogle, is an award-winning broadcaster, adventurer, and writer, known for inspiring audiences through his travels and challenges around the world. He also serves as Co-Patron of Child Bereavement UK. To learn more about Ben and his latest projects, visit www.benfogle.com.
His latest adventure is purchasing the Sheffield-based products for the wild maker Buffalo Systems, visit www.buffalosystems.co.uk.
Ben’s wife, Marina Fogle, is Co-Patron of Child Bereavement UK and a respected writer who contributes regularly to both The Times and The Telegraph. She also shares her thoughts and experiences through her popular Substack newsletter, available on marinafogle.substack.com, where her latest articles can be found.
Bruce’s daughter, Tamara Fogle, is a designer celebrated for her beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind coats, jackets, and summer linen collections. Her work combines timeless style with exceptional craftsmanship, and her latest designs can be viewed on her website www.bytamarafogle.com.
Together, Ben, Marina, and Tamara continue the family’s tradition of creativity, service, and making a positive impact in their respective fields.