Dr Jan Pol From The Incredible Dr Pol On Nat Geo Wild

Published: Sept. 3, 2021, 5 p.m.

In this season of The Incredible Dr. Pol, the doctor and his team tackle a caseload like no other. The action is non-stop as they treat the large and the small—from hustling to save a flailing Arabian horse to caring for a tiny Chihuahua left immobile after a major car accident. A variety of critters, including chinchillas, guinea pigs and geckos keep the vets busy. The crew’s dedication is far-reaching, from customized house calls to around-the-clock critical care. There’s never a dull week, especially one that includes back-to-back emergency treatment for two dogs from the same home—a lab with a mangled leg on one day, followed by life-threatening labor complications just days later for their other dog.


Dr. Jan (Ya-n) Pol was born in the Netherlands and raised on a family dairy farm. With more than 50 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Pol is a pioneer in treating animals. He began his career working for a local veterinarian in Harbor Beach, Michigan. However, eager to begin their own practice, in 1981 Dr. Pol and his wife, Diane, started their own animal clinic out of their home. The business continued to grow, and they have serviced over half a million animals since their doors opened. Specializing in large farm animals, Dr. Pol treats horses, pigs, cows, sheep, alpacas, goats, chickens and even an occasional reindeer. A true friend of the farmer, he works tirelessly to ensure that the diminishing population of family farmers remains in business. He plays an integral role in keeping farmers’ livestock healthy and their businesses profitable. Dr. Pol is also an advocate for affordable veterinary care. With his thick Dutch accent, signature mustache and vintage 1981 “Back to the Future” DeLorean car, Dr. Pol is nothing short of a local legend.