The truth about Dr. Pol children: Diane Pol Jr., Kathy Pol, Charles pol.

Before The Incredible Dr. Pol became a household name, Dr. Jan Pol and his wife Diane were already living out an extraordinary story—one not just about animals, but about building a family out of love, compassion, and purpose. While millions have tuned in to watch Dr. Pol race between farm calls and emergency surgeries, fewer know the deeply personal journey behind the scenes: the story of three adopted children, each raised with care, independence, and unwavering support.

Kathy, Charles, and Diane Jr. weren’t born into the Pol family, but their bond is as real and resilient as any. Together, they’ve navigated life’s joys and tragedies, forged their own paths, and—whether in front of the camera or far from it—continued to reflect the values their parents instilled. Their lives tell a story that’s just as incredible as the clinic they helped grow.

Dr.Pol wedding

Let’s meet the Pol children—not just as supporting characters in a beloved TV show, but as individuals with stories that stand on their own.

In this article, we reveal the truth about Dr. Pol’s children and how they are connected to both his personal life and work. You might be surprised by some of the facts we uncover. For example, did you know that Dr. Pol adopted all three of his children? Or that his son Charles co-created and produces The Incredible Dr. Pol? Or that his daughters, Kathy and Diane Jr., pursued careers in healthcare and hospitality, respectively? These are just some of the fascinating details we’ll uncover. Read on to discover how Dr. Pol’s children continue to carry forward the values he and Diane instilled in them—and how they’ve each built remarkable lives of their own.

Table of Contents

  • → 1. Inside the Pol Household: How Dr. Pol Raised His Adopted Children
  • → 2. Meet the Pol Children
  • • Kathy Pol: A Life Marked by Strength
  • • Diane Pol Jr.: From Tragedy to Triumph
  • • Charles Pol: From Barn Calls to Hollywood Sets
Expand All

Inside the Pol Household: How Dr. Pol Raised His Adopted Children

Dr. Jan Pol and his wife Diane have been married since 1967—a union that stands as a testament to enduring love and partnership. Though they didn’t have biological children of their own, the couple opened their hearts and home to three adopted children: Kathy, Charles, and Diane Jr.

The family built their veterinary clinic, Pol Veterinary Services, out of their home in 1981. From those humble beginnings, it has grown into a bustling practice in Weidman, Michigan, serving over 20,000 clients. As the clinic flourished, so did the Pol family—each child growing up among farm animals, emergency calls, and a whole lot of love.

Dr. Jan Pol, the beloved star of The Incredible Dr. Pol, has often said: “You are somebody—make something of yourself.” That simple but powerful philosophy guided how he and his wife Diane raised their three adopted children—Kathy, Diane Jr., and Charles. In a special Father’s Day interview titled Live with Dr. Pol – Dr. Pol and Family Talk All Things Fatherhood, premiered on the Dr. Pol Presents YouTube channel on June 22, 2020, the Pols gave an honest and intimate look into their journey as parents.

Dr.Jan Pol Kids
Dr. Pol’s three Children growing up in Michigan: Charles Pol, Kathy Pol wearing the red, Diane Louise Pol Jr, Diane Pol in white 

From the beginning, Dr. Pol and Diane embraced a parenting philosophy rooted in love, honesty, and independence. Their approach was straightforward yet profound: they never pressured their children to follow a particular career path—not even veterinary medicine. Instead, they encouraged their kids to become “somebody,” to discover their own talents and ambitions. “Let the kids do their own,” Dr. Pol said, believing strongly in raising free thinkers.

Raising daughters came with its own set of challenges. Dr. Pol openly acknowledged that his daughters were headstrong and independent, which often tested his patience. But when Charles, their youngest, came along, experience made the parenting journey smoother. Charles was introduced to hands-on farm life early—pitchforking hay, mowing the lawn, and even riding along on farm calls. Dr. Pol gave him responsibilities suited to his personality and interests, not out of tradition, but out of trust.

The Pols worked from home, which allowed them to remain deeply involved in their children’s lives. Whether it was attending football games or simply being around during the day, Dr. Pol made time for his family. He reflected fondly on rarely missing important milestones, a luxury afforded by blending home and work life.

Now a father himself, Charles Pol has embraced parenthood with the same sense of authenticity his parents modeled. On his first Father’s Day, Charles reflected on how deeply fatherhood had changed him. Known for his single-minded determination—nicknamed “The Hammer”—he found himself learning patience through his daughter, Abigail. “You feel an instant responsibility,” Charles explained. “And the love grows as you begin to get to know your daughter and as her personality is developed—it really has grown.”

Charles cherishes the nightly ritual of reading stories to Abigail, especially her favorite book I Am Kitten, once adored by her own mother. These quiet, tender moments reflect the same kind of emotional presence Dr. Pol valued while raising his own children. Charles acknowledged the challenges, including sleep deprivation and stress, but also expressed a profound appreciation for the support system around him—a modern reminder that it still takes a village to raise a child.

For Dr. Pol, being a grandfather is joyful but not without responsibility. He recalls the early days of fatherhood—checking on Kathy ten times during her first night to make sure she was breathing—and admits that the instinct to care and protect never fades. While he enjoys the perks of grandparenting, like handing the baby back during diaper duty, he remains emotionally invested in both his children and grandchildren.

Dr. Pol often returns to a core lesson: live by the golden rule. “Do unto others as you want to be treated,” he told Charles. It’s a simple message, but one that reflects the deeper values he and Diane instilled in their children—kindness, empathy, and resilience.

Meet the Pol Children

Kathy Pol: A Life Marked by Strength

Born on August 21, 1973, Kathy Pol—full name Kathlene Pol—was adopted when she was around ten months old. As the first child to enter the Pol household, her arrival marked the beginning of Dr. Pol and Diane’s journey into parenthood. Though not a newborn, Kathy still brought with her all the emotional intensity that comes with first-time parenting. That first night, Dr. Pol was filled with deep concern and care, checking on Kathy frequently to ensure she was safe and comfortable in her new home. Her adoption set the tone for how the Pols would raise all their children—with attentiveness, protection, and love. Raised on a rural Michigan farm, Kathy grew up surrounded by animals and the daily bustle of veterinary life. As a child, she eagerly assisted her father during farm calls.

kathy pol
Kathy Pol

After graduating from Chippewa Hills High School in Remus, she went on to study at Delta College in Bay City, Michigan. Kathy later pursued a career in healthcare and worked as a phlebotomist at McLaren Bay Region. While it’s unclear if she is still active in the role, her dedication to helping others has been a consistent theme throughout her life.

Kathy’s personal journey has been marked by both love and heartbreak. In 1995, she married Gregory Butch, a chemical technologist, and together they built a life in Bay City, Michigan. The couple had two children—Adam James Butch, born in 1996, and Rachel Butch.

Tragedy struck when Greg was diagnosed with cancer. After a four-year battle, he passed away on February 20, 2016, at just 50 years old. As Kathy grieved the loss of her husband, another unimaginable blow followed—her son Adam passed away at the age of 23 on September 18, 2019. Adam, a Michigan State University graduate and certified pharmacy technician, had a bright future ahead of him.

Kathy Pol children

In the face of such loss, Kathy found strength. Her daughter Rachel has occasionally stepped into the spotlight, appearing in two episodes of The Incredible Dr. Pol, giving fans a glimpse of the next generation. In 2022, Kathy updated her Facebook cover photo with a touching illustration that included Adam with angel wings, herself, and Rachel—capturing the enduring bond they shared and the emotional imprint Adam left behind.

Kathy Pol Dr Pol daughter
Clockwise from top left: Kathy Pol with her late husband; Kathy with her children, Rachel and James; Dr. Pol and Diane at a public event; Kathy wit Thomas.

Today, Kathy continues to live in Bay City. After years of facing grief alone, she appeared to find companionship again, sharing a family photo with Thomas Rakowski and her son Adam on Facebook in 2018. In the following years, her relationship with Thomas was made public on Facebook. However, their current status is unknown, as the relationship post has since been removed. Whether they are still together remains unconfirmed—a private matter that Kathy has chosen not to address publicly.

Diane Pol Jr.: From Tragedy to Triumph

Born on March 27, 1973, Diane Louise Pol Jr. was the third child to join the Pol family and the eldest by age. Her entry into the Pol household came from a place of love and loss. She was the biological daughter of JoAnn, Diane Pol’s close friend, who was diagnosed with cancer in 1981. Knowing her time was limited, JoAnn entrusted Diane with the care of her young daughter. At the age of 9, Diane Jr. was welcomed into the Pol home—a home already full with Charles and Kathy—but never short on love.

Mother and daughter Diane Pol and Dianne Louise Pol Jr
Diane Pol and her daughter Diane Louise Pol (Diane Jr.)

Diane Jr. has often reflected on her unique childhood, remembering how she was raised by two mothers—one who brought her into the world and one who raised her after tragedy struck. In emotional posts shared over the years, Diane Jr. has expressed deep gratitude for JoAnn, while reserving the word “Mom” for Diane Pol, who embraced her without hesitation. She has described herself as a broken child with many challenges, but one who was fully loved and accepted by the Pol family. In a heartfelt Mother’s Day message, Diane once said the greatest compliment she ever received was being told she resembled her mom, Diane Pol—proof of a bond that transcended biology.

Diane Pol Jr. celebrating mothers day

Her memories of JoAnn are few and precious. In a childhood photo from 1980—taken about six months before JoAnn’s diagnosis—Diane was 7½ years old. She confessed that, had she not been told, she might not have recognized her birth mother in the image. Most of what she knows about JoAnn comes from the stories and memories shared by her adoptive parents and birth family.

Though not legally adopted until she turned 18, Diane Jr. had always been treated as one of their own. She grew up in the same nurturing, animal-filled environment and attended Chippewa Hills High School, just like her younger sister Kathy. and attended Chippewa Hills High School, just like her younger sister Kathy. After graduation, she went on to earn her degree from Central Michigan University in 1996, followed by further studies in Technical Writing & Communication at Northeastern University.

Diane Pol Jr biological mother

Professionally, Diane Jr. built a strong career in both the tech and hospitality industries. She worked as a technical writer for Oracle Hospitality before joining Holiday Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant. Over the years, she climbed the ranks from a sales role to Assistant General Manager and then Manager. However, as of 2025, she no longer works at Holiday Inn & Suites. Her journey there showcased her leadership and communication skills, and marked an important chapter in her professional life.

Though not a regular face on screen, Diane Jr. has appeared in four episodes of The Incredible Dr. Pol between 2013 and 2023, giving fans an occasional look into her life.

Diane has also been candid about her personal health journey. After struggling with obesity for years, she took bold steps toward improving her well-being. Her approach included surgery, a disciplined diet, and consistent medication. In January 2023, she shared a heartfelt post about restarting her stalled weight loss efforts, with short-term goals like fitting into her wedding dress and long-term hopes of living a healthier life.

Her motivation was clear—on April 3, 2023, Diane married her longtime partner Ryan Lapham. After several years together and an engagement in December 2020, the couple made it official in a ceremony that marked a new beginning.

Charles Pol: From Barn Calls to Hollywood Sets

Born on March 6, 1979, Charles Pol was the second child to be welcomed into the Pol family. Growing up in Central Michigan’s farm country, Charles was immersed in the world of veterinary care from a young age. By the time he was five, he was already accompanying his father on farm visits—pitchforking hay, tending to animals, and absorbing life lessons along the way. While he shared his parents’ compassion for animals, Charles was also encouraged to carve out a path of his own.

Charles Pol turned his girlfriend Beth Oakes into fiancee
Charles Pol & his girlfriend-turned-wife Beth Oakes 

That path eventually led him far from the barns and fields of Michigan to the bright lights of Hollywood. After earning a communications degree from the University of Miami in 2003, Charles pursued a career in entertainment. He gained valuable experience through internships at major studios like Paramount Pictures and Mirage Enterprises, where he learned from industry veterans, including the acclaimed director Sydney Pollack.

Eventually, Charles found a way to merge his roots with his passion. Drawing on his media background, he helped pitch the idea that would become The Incredible Dr. Pol, the now-iconic Nat Geo Wild series that captures the daily workings of the Pol veterinary clinic. Charles served as co-creator and executive producer, playing a crucial role in shaping the show’s format and bringing his father’s practice to television. While he is known for his work behind the scenes, Charles has also appeared regularly on camera throughout the 24-season run of The Incredible Dr. Pol and its spinoffs, offering viewers his lighthearted charm and steady presence as both son and colleague. In addition to his work on the flagship show, he contributed to related series like Calling Dr. Pol and The Incredible Pol Farm, as well as the short film The Legend of Sheriff Gus Skinner.

Off-screen, Charles built a fulfilling personal life. He married his childhood friend Beth, and together they have two children: Abigail, born in October 2019, and Silas, born in July 2021. Fatherhood has added a new dimension to Charles’s life, echoing the lessons he learned from his own parents about presence, patience, and unconditional love.

Charles’s journey from farmhand to filmmaker is a testament to the Pols’ belief in nurturing individuality. His life beautifully balances tradition with creative ambition—a legacy of love, freedom, and trust that continues to thrive in the next generation.

Editor’s Note

This article has been thoroughly updated for 2025 to reflect the most accurate and current information available about Dr. Jan Pol’s children—Kathy Pol, Charles Pol, and Diane Pol Jr. The content expands on their personal and professional journeys, including new milestones, updated career roles, and their involvement in the The Incredible Dr. Pol series and beyond.

If you’ve read the older version of this article published in 2023, you’ll find additional insights, clarified timelines, and enriched storytelling in this revised edition.

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