Dr. Jan Pol, the star of the long-running reality series The Incredible Dr. Pol, has been a household name for over a decade. Known for his no-nonsense, old-school approach to veterinary medicine and his unwavering dedication to rural farm animals, Dr. Pol became an unlikely television icon. With 24 seasons and countless animal cases, fans have developed a deep affection for the Dutch-American veterinarian.
But as the show has aged and Dr. Pol himself has grown older, many viewers are now wondering: Is The Incredible Dr. Pol still alive? This article answers that question and offers a comprehensive update on his current status, the show’s legacy, and the future of veterinary television.
Is Dr. Pol Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Dr. Jan Pol is still alive as of 2025.
Despite circulating rumors over the years and confusion due to the age of reruns, Dr. Pol continues to be active and involved in his practice and show. Although he is now in his early 80s, Dr. Pol shows no signs of slowing down completely. He continues to appear on the show, offer veterinary consultations, and connect with his audience.
He remains a beloved figure both in the veterinary community and among fans of educational reality programming. His continued health and energy serve as a testament to his passion for the work.
Who Is Dr. Jan Pol?
Dr. Jan Harm Pol was born on September 4, 1942, in the Netherlands. He grew up on a dairy farm and developed an early interest in caring for animals. He later moved to the United States and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Utrecht.
In 1981, Dr. Pol and his wife Diane founded Pol Veterinary Services in Weidman, Michigan. The practice focused on large farm animals and quickly earned a reputation for hands-on care, fast response times, and compassion.
Over the years, the practice expanded to include small animals and became known throughout Michigan’s farming community as a reliable and affordable source of veterinary support.
The Launch of The Incredible Dr. Pol
In 2011, Nat Geo Wild premiered The Incredible Dr. Pol, a reality series centered around Dr. Pol’s veterinary practice. The show featured his daily interactions with farm owners, pet owners, and a wide variety of animals—from cows and horses to cats and dogs.
The series quickly found success thanks to Dr. Pol’s unique personality, straightforward advice, and genuine care for animals. His accent, sense of humor, and quick problem-solving skills helped build an international fanbase.
The show’s format—mixing real veterinary work with personal stories—proved both educational and entertaining, making it one of the most-watched programs on Nat Geo Wild.
The Show’s Success and Longevity
Since its debut, The Incredible Dr. Pol has completed 24 seasons and aired hundreds of episodes. It has become one of the longest-running reality veterinary series on television.
Some key elements of its success include:
- Real-life medical cases
- Behind-the-scenes family moments
- A strong supporting cast of veterinarians and staff
- Emphasis on rural veterinary work, often overlooked by mainstream media
Viewers are drawn not only to Dr. Pol but also to his wife Diane, son Charles (who serves as a producer), and other veterinarians who work alongside him. The show offers a rare, unscripted look at the real challenges faced by animal healthcare professionals.
Dr. Pol’s Approach to Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Pol is known for his practical, old-school approach to veterinary care. He often avoids unnecessary technology, preferring hands-on diagnosis and experience-based treatment.
This approach has brought him both praise and criticism. Supporters admire his efficiency and affordability, especially in rural areas where farmers struggle to access veterinary services. Critics, however, have questioned his compliance with modern veterinary protocols.
Despite occasional controversy, Dr. Pol has always stood by his methods, arguing that decades of experience and success speak for themselves.
His approach remains grounded in common sense, empathy, and dedication to both animals and the people who rely on them.
Legal Challenges and Regulatory Scrutiny
Over the years, Dr. Pol has faced multiple regulatory investigations related to his medical practices. Some of the complaints involved issues like sterilization protocols, surgical techniques, or recordkeeping.
Most of the disciplinary actions resulted in minor penalties or fines, and none led to a suspension of his license or practice. In many cases, his legal team successfully appealed the decisions.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Pol has continued to operate his clinic and appear on television. Support from his loyal fanbase and the rural communities he serves has remained strong throughout.
Family and Support System
A central part of The Incredible Dr. Pol‘s appeal is the Pol family dynamic. Dr. Pol and his wife Diane have been married for decades and raised three children—two of whom were adopted.
Their son, Charles Pol, serves as a producer on the show and often appears on camera. Charles provides insight into the filming process and helps narrate the family’s behind-the-scenes experiences.
The couple’s strong partnership and shared dedication to the clinic have become an emotional cornerstone of the series. Fans appreciate the authentic portrayal of family, work ethic, and generational cooperation.
How Old Is Dr. Pol in 2025?
As of 2025, Dr. Jan Pol is 82 years old. He continues to make occasional appearances at veterinary conferences, public events, and media interviews.
While his on-screen activity may be slightly reduced compared to earlier seasons, he remains an active presence on the show and within the clinic.
Dr. Pol has stated in past interviews that he has no desire to retire fully, as veterinary medicine is his passion and purpose. His dedication serves as inspiration to veterinarians, animal lovers, and rural professionals alike.
Influence on Veterinary Television
The Incredible Dr. Pol helped pave the way for a new genre of educational reality TV focused on veterinary work. Before the show’s success, most veterinary programming was limited to urban pet clinics or dramatized animal rescue shows.
Dr. Pol’s emphasis on farm medicine, real-life emergencies, and human interaction brought authenticity to the screen. It shifted attention to the underserved world of rural veterinary care and helped highlight the unique demands of working with livestock.
His show’s success also inspired other veterinary professionals to document their work and educate the public about animal care.
FAQs
Is Dr. Pol still alive?
Yes, Dr. Jan Pol is alive in 2025. He continues to be involved in his clinic and the television show.
How old is Dr. Pol?
Dr. Jan Pol was born on September 4, 1942, making him 82 years old as of 2025.
Is The Incredible Dr. Pol still on air?
Yes. The show has aired 24 seasons and continues to release new episodes on Nat Geo Wild and associated platforms.
What happened to Dr. Pol’s license?
Dr. Pol has faced regulatory scrutiny in the past, but he continues to hold a valid veterinary license and practice legally in Michigan.
Who are the main people on The Incredible Dr. Pol?
The main cast includes Dr. Jan Pol, his wife Diane Pol, their son Charles Pol, and various associate veterinarians who work at Pol Veterinary Services.
Conclusion
Dr. Jan Pol—The Incredible Dr. Pol—is still alive and continuing to live out his passion for veterinary medicine in 2025. Now in his 80s, he remains a fixture of American television and a respected figure in the veterinary world.
His no-frills style, dedication to animals, and love for his community have earned him a loyal following and a place in TV history. As the show continues, so too does the influence of a man who turned rural animal care into a national story of compassion, resilience, and service.
Whether he’s delivering a calf, performing surgery, or sharing a laugh with a client, Dr. Pol reminds us that experience, humility, and heart never go out of style.