The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast and Who Left the Show?

You can not go wrong with Dr. Pol, the veteran veterinarian who manages Pol Vet Services is a beloved figure on television. For years, the man has catered to the needs of animals and has built quite a reputation in the process. His adventures are captured in the popular TV show “The Incredible Dr. Pol”, which gives viewers a glimpse into his life and work in rural Michigan. The show has been airing on Nat Geo Wild since October 29, 2011, and has 24 seasons and several spin-offs. It has also won many awards, including the Critics’ Choice Real TV Award for Best Animal/Nature Show in 2019 and 2020. The show is not only informative, but also entertaining, as it blends humor, drama, and emotion, showing the highs and lows of being a veterinarian.

The show features a diverse and dynamic cast of characters, both human and animal. Some of the staff members are from Dr. Pol’s own family, such as his son Charles, his wife Diane, and his daughter-in-law Beth. The show also showcases a range of veterinarians, from experienced professionals like Dr. Pol and Dr. Brenda to newcomers like Dr. Arcy and Dr. Lisa Jones. Over the years, some of the cast members have left the show, such as Emily Thomas, Michele Sharkey, Elizabeth Grammar, and Dr. Sandra Wisniewski. They have moved on to pursue other opportunities or enjoy their personal lives. The show has not tried to replace them with big names but rather introduced new talent who are learning from the best and becoming stars in their own right.

In this article, we will explore the cast of “The Incredible Dr. Pol”, who works at Pol Veterinary Service, a clinic in the countryside of Michigan. We will also look at the cast members who have bid farewell to the show until now.

“The Incredible Dr. Pol” Cast Member

Dr. Jan Harm Pol:

Jan Harm Pol, better known as Dr. Pol, is the star of the reality TV show The Incredible Dr. Pol on Nat Geo Wild. He is also the founder and owner of Pol Vet Services, a veterinary clinic that serves rural Michigan. Dr. Pol was born in the Netherlands in 1942 and grew up on a dairy farm. He moved to the US in 1971 with his wife Diane, whom he met as a foreign exchange student. He graduated from Utrecht University with a degree in veterinary medicine and worked for another practice for 10 years before starting his own in 1981. Despite being over 80 years old, Dr. Pol still works tirelessly on the farm, treating thousands of animals with his unique and practical approach. He has three adopted children and several grandchildren. He is the most featured cast member on his show, with 239 episodes from 2011 to 2024.

Quotes by Dr. Pol:

“I’ve never known an animal to hurt another animal for absolutely no reason. Animals might be protecting themselves or their family, they might be hungry, or they might be territorial, but just to hurt another living thing? No, that doesn’t happen in nature. So I don’t think it’s correct for someone to refer to an awful person as an “animal.”

I always say, look in the animal’s eyes. It’s fantastic when you take time to read the animal. It makes no difference if it’s a horse, a cow, you know, anything, dogs and cats. They tell you what they want, if you just listen.

“I think a kid that grows up with dogs probably will make better adults, because the dog will teach the children empathy, compassion. You just have to teach them that they can trust you and you can trust them. There’s a breed for everybody! I cannot imagine life without a dog.”

“Animals can fill a big void in your life…I you can not live without a dog.”

Diane Pol:

Diane Pol is not only the wife of Jan Pol, the famous veterinarian and TV star of The Incredible Dr. Pol, but also his partner in running the Pol Vet Services. She was born on February 6, 1944, in Mayville, Michigan, where she met Jan as a high school student in 1961. She has a master’s degree in special reading and used to be a teacher before joining her husband’s practice. Diane is an animal lover who supports Jan’s work behind the scenes as the office manager. She handles the administrative and financial aspects of the clinic, as well as the staff and customer relations. Diane’s managerial skills are essential for the smooth operation of Pol Vet Services, which has grown to become one of the largest animal care facilities in rural Michigan.

Quotes

“I enjoy working with people,” she said. “Seeing all the animals. Helping the animals, therefore helping the people.”

Dr. Brenda Grettenberger:

Dr. Brenda Grettenberger is a senior staff veterinarian at Pol Veterinary Services, a clinic in rural Weidman, Michigan. She is also a TV personality who appears on the popular reality show The Incredible Dr. Pol, which follows the life and work of Dr. Jan Pol and his team. Dr. Brenda was born on February 23, 1967, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, where she grew up on a dairy farm. She developed a passion for animals and veterinary medicine at an early age and pursued her education at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1992. She joined Dr. Pol’s clinic soon after, answering a help-wanted ad in a veterinary journal. She has been working there ever since, becoming one of the longest-serving and most trusted members of the staff. Dr. Brenda specializes in large animal care, such as cows, horses, and pigs, and she is known for her calm and direct approach to challenging cases. She faced some difficulties at the beginning of her career, as she had to prove herself in a male-dominated field and earn the respect of the local farmers. However, she overcame these obstacles with her skill and professionalism, and she is now widely admired by her clients and colleagues. Dr. Brenda is very private about her personal life and does not have any social media accounts. She has not revealed if she is married or has any children, but she seems to enjoy her work and her friendship with Dr. Pol and his family. She occasionally takes some time off from the show to attend to other matters, but she always returns to the clinic and the screen. Dr. Brenda is an incredible veterinarian and a valuable part of the show.

Quotes

“Working with cattle, being involved with them, and having the 4-H commitments taught me many things that made me want to have cattle of my own.”

Dr. Nicole Arcy:

Nicole Arcy is a mixed animal veterinarian and a reality TV star who works at the Pol Veterinary Service, a clinic that treats farm animals in Michigan. She joined the clinic as an intern in July 2018, after graduating from the University of Missouri with a DVM degree and a Master’s degree in Public Health. She made her TV debut on the popular National Geographic show, The Incredible Dr. Pol, in late 2019, and quickly became a fan favorite for her passion and skill in caring for various animals. Since then, she has appeared in 78 episodes of the show, assisting Dr. Pol with surgeries and farm visits. At only 29 years old, Dr. Arcy has a bright future ahead of her as a veterinarian and a TV personality.

Quotes

“I have always wanted to work on multiple species of animals. Growing up and even in school, I was told that I had to pick one type of species, or maybe a group of animals like large animals, small animals, or exotics. I was told that I couldn’t do them all well. But look at me now, I’m doing them all and I’m very excited.”

Charles Pol:

Charles Pol is a producer and actor who has worked on The Incredible Dr. Pol. Charles grew up helping his dad (Dr.Pol) with farm calls and animal emergencies, and he developed a passion for storytelling and filmmaking. He convinced his dad to let him and his friends make a documentary about him, which led to the creation of the series. Charles often appears on the show as his dad’s sidekick, assisting him with various cases and providing comic relief. He is also the executive producer of the show, and he oversees the creative direction and production quality. Charles is married to Beth, and they have two children, Abigail and Silas. He loves his family and his animals, and he enjoys being part of the show that celebrates his dad’s incredible work.

Beth Pol:

Beth Oakes Pol is the wife of Charles Pol. Beth and Charles were childhood friends who reconnected in 2017 and started dating. They got engaged in 2018 and married in the same year. Since then, Beth has been a regular cast member of the show, appearing as Charles’s supportive spouse and occasional assistant on farm calls. She also helps him take care of their two children, Abigail and Silas, and their many pets. Beth is a loving and cheerful person who enjoys being part of the Pol family and their incredible journey.

Dr. Lisa Jones:

Dr. Lisa Jones joined the Pol Veterinary Service clinic in July 2019 as an associate veterinarian, along with Dr. Ray Harp. She had been homeschooled until the end of high school and then graduated from Cornell Veterinary School. She joined “The Incredible Dr. Pol” in 2020 and demonstrated her skills and professionalism as a new veterinarian in 75 episodes over four years. She also learned from Dr. Brenda Grettenberger, a veteran vet who had been working with Dr. Pol for over 20 years. As the area’s sole female vet, Dr. Brenda faced many obstacles and doubts from the farmers, but she proved herself with her diligence and skill. As of 2024, Dr. Lisa is not married and single.

Quotes

“I think it was a very unique experience. We had a lot more flexibility in our schedule. Like, if we had a really nice day outside, we could all go out and stare at flowers and identify birds for science class. We were able to go on some pretty cool field trips and see a lot of the country.”

Abigail Pol:

Abigail Pol is the daughter of Charles Pol and Beth Pol, who are reality television actors on “The Incredible Dr. Pol”, a show about Charles’s father, a veterinarian, and his practice in Michigan. Abigail was born into the spotlight on October 19, 2019, and her parents have no qualms about letting her be a child star. She has been featured in 21 episodes of the show from 2020 to 2023, charming the viewers with her adorable presence. Abigail is the first grandchild of Dr. Jan Pol and his wife Diane, who are overjoyed to have her in their family.

Silas Pol:

Silas Pol is the newest star of The Incredible Dr. Pol, He is the son of Charles and Beth, and the grandson of Jan and Diane. He was born on July 12, 2021, and he has a big sister named Abigail. He is a happy and healthy baby boy, who loves to smile and play. Silas Pol has appeared in 11 episodes of the show so far, He is often seen in his crib, or in his parents’ arms. He sometimes joins his dad on farm calls, or visits his grandpa at the clinic. He is curious and adorable, and he makes everyone smile. Silas Pol is a blessing to his family and to the fans of the show, He is growing up fast, and he has a lot to learn and explore.

Ari Rubin

Ari Rubin is the narrator of the reality television show The Incredible Dr. Pol. Ari Rubin is also a voice actor, writer, and producer who has worked on various projects such as video games, animation, and podcasts. He is based in Brooklyn, New York.

The cast who left “The Incredible Dr. Pol

The Incredible Dr. Pol has been airing on NatGeo Wild since 2011 and has captivated millions of viewers. However, the show has also seen some changes over the years. Some of the cast members who worked with Dr. Pol have left the show for various reasons. Some of them have moved to different states, while others have faced personal challenges. It is hard to say goodbye to them, but we respect their decisions and thank them for their contributions to the show. In this section, we will tell you the stories of some of the cast members who have left the show and what they are doing now.

Dr. Ray Harp:

Dr. Ray Harp was a new addition to the team of Dr. Jan Pol. Dr. Harp joined Pol Veterinary Services as an associate veterinarian on July 1, 2019, after being inspired by watching Dr. Pol’s show and deciding to pursue veterinary school. He was born and raised in Kansas, where he graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor of science degree in biology. He then worked at a dog daycare in Philadelphia, before going back to KSU to earn his degree as a vet technician. He later returned to school again to become a veterinarian. He made his debut on the show in 2020 and appeared in 17 episodes until 2021. However, he did not come back for the 20th season, nor the 21st season, of the show. According to the show’s executive producer Charles Pol, Dr. Harp left the clinic for family reasons. He has since moved to Colorado, where he works as a veterinarian. His departure from the show was not explained on air, and fans were sad to see him go.

Dr. Emily Thomas:

One of the most popular cast members who left the show was Dr. Emily Thomas. She joined the show in 2015 as an associate veterinarian at Pol Veterinary Services, where she impressed the viewers with her skills, compassion, and humor. She treated all kinds of animals, from cows and horses to dogs and cats, and had a great rapport with Dr. Pol and the other staff members. However, in 2019, after making her last appearance in season 15 episode 11, “Little Pol Peep”, she decided to leave the show and move to Virginia with her family. She wanted to spend more time with her husband and three children, and also find a less hectic work environment. Dr. Emily, who was born Emily Keene on April 1, 1984, in Georgia, now works at Virginia Warren County Veterinary Clinic. We hope she misses her camera days and returns to Michigan and the show “Dr. Pol” someday.

Tony Thomas:

Tony Thomas, the husband of Dr. Emily Thomas, was not a trained veterinarian, but he worked as a veterinary assistant on the show. He assisted his wife with farm calls and other veterinary tasks, and appeared in 20 episodes from 2016 to 20191.

Dr. Michele Sharkey:

Dr. Michele Sharkey is a veterinarian and a former cast member of The Incredible Dr. Pol, a reality TV show that follows the veterinary practice of Dr. Jan Pol in rural Michigan. She graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017 and joined Pol Veterinary Service as her first job. She worked as a mixed animal veterinarian, treating both pets and farm animals. She made her TV debut in 2018, during the 13th season of the show, as a DVM Veterinarian. However, she had already appeared on the show in 2011, as a horse owner who consulted Dr. Pol about her equine issues. She was a regular on the show until 2019 when she decided to leave the clinic and the show. She moved to Colorado, where she had always wanted to live, and now works at SouthPark Animal Clinic.

Dr. Sandra Wisniewski:

Dr. Sandra Wisniewski, also known as Dr. Sandra Shindorf, is a former cast member of The Incredible Dr. Pol. She joined the show in 2012 as a veterinary student and became a licensed veterinarian during her time on the show. She appeared in 14 episodes across 10 seasons, earning the admiration of many fans for her outgoing personality. However, she decided to leave the show in 2017 to focus on her family life. She had married her fiancé Chris Shindorf in 2014, and they had their first child, a daughter named Madilynn, in 2016. Her husband lived in Belding, Michigan, while she worked in Weidman, Michigan, which made it difficult for them to spend time together. She gave birth to her second child, a son named Sam, in 2019. She currently is an associate veterinarian for Greenville Animal Hospital in Greenville, Michigan.

Dr. Elizabeth Grammar:

Dr. Elizabeth, a DVM and former staff veterinarian at Pol Veterinary Service, was a fan favorite on the National Geographic show “The Incredible Dr. Pol” in 2016. However, her life took a tragic turn when her husband, Robert, died on December 30, 2016, after injecting himself with a medication prescribed by Dr. Elizabeth. Devastated by his death, Dr. Elizabeth attempted to take her own life and was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward at Macon Medical Center. She left the show and took a break from veterinary work to cope with her loss. She now works at “Animal Amour Veterinary Hospital and Pet Lodge” in Hampton, Georgia. The last time she appeared on “The Incredible Dr. Pol” was in 2018.

Dr. Erin

Dr. Erin was introduced as a veterinarian in the 10th season but was never seen again after one episode in 201. The reason for her departure is unclear, but some rumors suggest she had a disagreement with Dr. Pol or was unhappy with the working conditions at the clinic. 

Dale Lehnert:

Dale Lehnert is a local farmer and a friend of Dr. Jan Pol, the star of the reality TV show “The Incredible Dr. Pol”. He owns a small dairy farm called Clay Knob in Central Michigan. He has appeared in 26 episodes of the show, helping Dr. Pol and his staff with various animal cases.

Dale Lehnert is one of the recurring guests on the show and a loyal client of Dr. Pol’s clinic. He is known for his friendly and humorous personality and his love for his animals.

Dave Aldrich:

Dave Aldrich is a reindeer breeder who has appeared in 14 episodes of The Incredible Dr. Pol. He owns a farm called Roof Top Landing, where he raises and cares for his reindeer herd. Some of the reindeer that have been featured on the show are Angel, Ivy, Noel, Ole, Prince, and Sven. Dave Aldrich often calls Dr. Pol for help when his reindeer have health issues or need to be vaccinated. He is also involved in community events and education programs that showcase his reindeer.

Marty Fox:

Marty Fox is a dairy farmer who has appeared in 10 episodes of The Incredible Dr. Pol. He owns a farm called Fox Farms, where he raises and cares for his cow. Some of the cows that have been featured on the show are Chubby Bunny, Daisy, and Queenie. Marty Fox often calls Dr. Pol for help when his cows have health issues or need to be checked. He is also a friend of Dr. Pol and has known him for many years.

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