Dr Bolu Eso has taken on a brand new challenge starring in ITV's The Joy of Pets. We've taken a look at his astonishing career so far09:22, 23 Aug 2026Dr Bolu Eso has combined his career as an experienced vet with a growing profile on television, becoming a familiar face to animal lovers across the UK.‌Known for appearances on the BBC's Pooch Perfect and Channel 4's Fur Babies, Bolu uses his veterinary expertise to help audiences understand everything from pet health and pregnancy to responsible ownership. His television career is continuing to grow, with the vet also set to appear in ITV ’s new show The Joy of Pets.‌Alongside his work on screen, Bolu remains committed to veterinary medicine. Specialising in small animal medicine and working towards specialising in surgery.‌With years of experience behind him, he has found a way to combine his passion for animals with his talent for educating and entertaining viewers. But for those who areEarly beginningsBolu's decision to become a vet began when he was a child. From an early age, he was fascinated by the natural world and wanted to understand more about the animals around him. Television personalities and wildlife experts also played an important role in shaping his ambitions.‌Speaking to Vet Record, he said: “Growing up, I was fascinated by the diversity of animals. I spent hours with my nose buried in encyclopaedias, learning about different species and their magnificent adaptations."I knew that I wanted to become a vet, despite not having any immediate family members or close role models who worked with animals."The doctor went on and said: "I enjoyed watching television presenters –particularly Steve Irwin and David Attenborough – passionately describing wildlife. Ironically, it was Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of Dr Dolittle that really triggered my ambition – it was was the first time I’d seen an individual from an ethnic minority practising veterinary medicine.”‌For Bolu, veterinary medicine offered the perfect combination of his fascination with animals, science and his desire to keep learning. The vet added: “It was the evolutionary science behind veterinary medicine that became my anchor, while the challenge of constantly learning drew me towards the veterinary profession.“My desire to belong and ambition to communicate with animals meant that by the age of seven I was set on my future vocation. The more I experienced or learned, the greater my passion grew.”Education‌Bolu studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest, where he spent six years learning overseas. His time in Hungary offered more than just a veterinary education. It also gave him the opportunity to immerse himself in the local culture and language while travelling extensively around Europe.After graduating with Honours and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and an Intercalated Master of Science, Bolu joined a veterinary practice in rural Kent before later moving on to London.He specialises in small animal medicine and has completed externships in the United States, India and the UK. He is also working towards specialising in surgery.‌His professional memberships include the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the British Veterinary Association.Sad deathBolu's childhood dog, Chelsea, was a Bichon who lived to the age of 14. She was more than simply a family pet, she helped shape Bolu's understanding of the bond between people and their animals.‌Asked about his pets and lifelong favourites, Bolu told ITV: "The dog that changed a lot of things for me was my own dog, Chelsea. She was my childhood dog that I grew up with, and she passed around five years ago. She was a Bichon and reached 14 years old."She was great and it was partly her that gave me my passion for pets. How I handle things as a vet, it's through the lens of my relationship with Chelsea. "Bolu went on to share that he spent a lot of time with his childhood pup. He added: "We spent a lot of time together and I would wake up super early to take out for walks; I would take her everywhere. I would have pictures of her on my phone, and she was always there when I came back from school.Article continues below"That was the kind of relationship I had with Chelsea, and I had to let her go a few years ago when she got old. She’s like my heart dog and I always think about her."After her, I haven’t really been able to replace her – and I can’t really get to that stage of replacing her but I spend so much time with everyone else’s pets, and that gives me such fulfilment. But when I am ready and have the time, and my life has a bit more of a slower pace to it, I can add my own pet to it."The Joy of Pets airs Sundays at 11.30am from August 23 on ITV1