Kevin Fitzgerald is a veterinarian, author, educator, comedian, and television personality.
Latest by this author
As marijuana use grows, accidental intoxication in animals is becoming more common, raising questions about safety, regulation, and the need for better research.
Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald is best known for his 11 seasons as one of the veterinarians featured on Animal Planet’s popular “Emergency Vets” and “E-Vet Interns”. He has been staff veterinarian at the VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver for nearly 30 years. He is the author of It Started With a Turtle: One Man’s Life on a Blue & Green Planet (Archway Publishing, 2024).
Since receiving his PhD in comparative endocrinology from the University of Colorado in 1978 and his veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 1983, he has published more than 150 scientific journal articles and 41 veterinary textbook chapters. He has also written columns for American Kennel Club Family Dog Magazine, and Police K9 Magazine.
He has taught his well-attended “Perspectives in Veterinary Medicine” class at the University of Denver to hundreds of students since 1985. In 2006, he was awarded the “Spirit Award” of the Specialists in Private Practice and Hills Dog Food for Specialist of the Year in private practice.
Since 2007, Fitzgerald has assisted in 10 animal expeditions ranging from Antarctica to Mongolia to Manitoba focusing on conservation and endangered species. During college and graduate school, Fitzgerald worked as a bouncer on rock band tours for promoters Barry Fey and Bill Graham. During this time he did security for such diverse acts as Willie Nelson, The Who, Parliament-Funkadelic, and the Rolling Stones.
He is also an accomplished stand-up comedian who performs nationally. His credits include opening for Bob Hope, Jeff Foxworthy, and George Lopez, as well as multiple appearances with Joan Rivers, Kevin Nealon, and Dennis Miller. He believes that none of us laugh enough and that we are all stewards of animal life on this planet.External
My Dog Ate My Pills! 10 Most Dangerous Human Medications For Pets
American Kennel Club | November | 2024
If your dog ever does happen to ingest human medication, bring the original container to the veterinarian. The original bottle or package can tell you which drug is involved, what strength, how many pills or tablets were in the container, and possibly the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning poisoning.
American Kennel Club | November | 2024
Dental disease, also called periodontal disease, is a particular problem for toy breeds. Fitzgerald explains why and what human companions can do to counter it.
Animal Kennel Club | April | 2021
Fitzgerald explains what cataracts are and how you can care for an older dog with this condition.
Publications by this author
One Manʼs Life on a Blue & Green Planet
Co-authors: Dana Gould | Archway Publishing | December | 2024
Veterinarian, comedian, and devoted conservationist, Kevin Fitzgerald, has written a moving memoir about a life well-lived. His has been a very full life with an almost Forrest Gump-like quality for “being there at the right time.” Join him as he describes being a child of the 50s, doing security for rock bands, and practicing small animal veterinary medicine in a major American city for over 40 years. Come along as he is featured in one of Animal Planet’s first hit television shows, performs stand-up with many of the biggest names in comedy, and comes of age during one of the most exciting and turbulent times in our history.
Writing chapters for numerous veterinary textbooks, publishing multiple scientific papers, and penning animal columns for various popular magazines has left Fitzgerald a skilled and graceful essayist. He is easy to read. His book is funny but no doubt you also will be moved by the topics covered and the people and animals you will meet. Journey with him to the Arctic and iconic polar bears, to the solitude of Antarctica, and the wilds of Mongolia. Tag along with him to the stages and green rooms of America’s comedy clubs and meet some of our funniest people. Fitzgerald has written a very charming and readable book. His stirring memoir captures the essence of his time, the spirit of his generation, and is an unblinking glimpse at an extraordinary life.
Media by this author
Interview | April | 2024
London Lyle interviews Kevin Fitzgerald about his interesting and varied career. They are joined by a feisty three-and-a-half-month-old canine correspondent, Daphne
Feature | December | 2023
The world's funniest veterinarian might be Dr Kevin Fitzgerald, and his full Special from Dry Bar Comedy is here to prove it. In this full Dry Bar Comedy special from Dr Kevin Fitzgerald, Kevin talks about everything from Veterinarian stories to telling knock knock jokes to missionaries. Whether youʼre someone who wishes they had a funny veterinarian or you're just someone looking for a good laugh, this full special from Dr Kevin Fitzgerald is sure to have everyone laughing from start to finish.
Interview | June | 2022
Working security for The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Wu Tang, and Billy Graham, getting his veterinary license on Keith Richards advice, starring in an Animal Planet series with 200 million viewers, opening for Joan Rivers, Betty White, George Lopez, and others, surviving a stalkerʼs attempt to murder him with a sword and coffin and oh so much more! Check out our wild conversation with Dr Kevin Fitzgerald.
