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.

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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
I’m living out my dream of being a Vet through Dr Pol! Love them!!
Love ❤️ you I your show
I WANT TO COME MEET YOUR FAMILY
DIANE WAS DIANE POL’S BEST FRIEND FROM SCHOOL’S DAUGHTER. THE REASON SHE HAS THE SAME NAME DIANE IS BECAUSE DIANE POL’S BEST FRIEND NAMED HER AFTER HER. AND WHEN DIANE’S MOTHER DIED, DIANE AND JAN ADOPTED HER
Anyone who watched the series would know this. The op obviously does not
Dr. Pol brings back memories when I live on the farm. Dr. Rhodes of Fort Dodge, Iowa often came to the farm.Thanks for bring back wonderful memories. Eileen Nelson, Ruskin, Florida.
My whole family are die hard Pol watchers, from age 73-5 yrs…Some days my great grand and I only watch Dr. Pol..
Never lived on a farm, but did see a breach birth calf while visiting a farm in Connecticut in the 1960’s..our family has had rabbits, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, turtles, fish, hamsters..always a love of the pets…
When this show appeared it was kismat, the birth of a cow or horse some might say was gross, but the children had compassion for the procedures being performed.. One of the best shows out there and the Pol family will always remain a good place in our hearts…Patricia Jones and family Jacksonville, Fl
we LOVE Dr pol watch him every day he Is on.He can do no wrong when it comes to animals and loves people also
Love Dr Pol, wish I could bring my dog to him, he nvmis a 10 year old Golden with a dozen lumps on him some ,,size of golf balls and larger, been told they are just fatty lumps, but concerned about two of them, one under her neck and one wraps around back rear leg. Neither seems to bother him, runs and plays as usual. Was wondering if we could get some advise from Dr Pol. Our Boomer is like our child, we are both 75 yrs old and he is our family.
Thank you for listening,
Helen & Tom Guigliano
There is something so good, pure..and yes..Godly about this family that NOT watching is not an option!
Animals are the only reason I have cable and of course Dr Pol is number 1 .Love watching as it also reminds me of taking care of our Animals on tour hobbies farm we had growing up .God Bless them all
Animals are the only reason I have cable and of course Dr Pol is number 1 .Love watching as it also reminds me of taking care of our Animals on tour hobbies farm we had growing up .God Bless them all
I record The Incredible Dr Pol. It is always my first choice among my recordings. i supper from being burned on my hand and arm. I went thru bouts of depression. My love for animals runs deep..always has.. I would love to visit and help in any way i could to help you and your family and team..I am a GREAT PA dutch cook and love to can and prepare for the winter..I live alone in Rebersburg (amish country) I am nearing retirement and am extremely bored. i would Larry and Otis are yorkie rescues and one very bad Golden Retriver pup…Please consider me!
Love,
Colleen Barry
126 W Main Street
Rebersburg PA 16872
.
Just found out Dr Emily has left Dr. Pol.. I miss her already..She made me laugh and was so inventive and talented…and her husband was a big help to her and Dr Pol…Hope she is happy in Virginia..
where in Virginia
Joan Caserta, what a life changer your show is. As a child this was my wish but at that time females were not vets. You see I am 85years young and right now my biggest wish is to meet Doc Pol. I know this is only a dream, but if we didn’t have dreams we would not have life May God bless you for all you do for animals and there care givers.
I adopted all my children. Two boys and a girl. All grown giving me two small grand children. Love the show. Watch it all the time. Keep up the good work.
Hi all dr pol admirers from Melbourne Australia I am constantly checking tv networks to see if the series shall continue here in aus. I’m originally from Cortona Italia ( yes, where UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN” was filmed). At 55 now I relive my farm days in Italy as I immerse myself into the pol family and their lives. Dr pol is exactly like my dear father now in Heaven. The work ethics. Many uni degrees. Most caring loving family man. Dr pol and my dad are the same so I crave for next series to start in Aus but cannot find out WHEN OR IF? Series 5 eps seen but only a few and have saved them to re watch over and over. What an incredible man. What a perfect name” incredible dr pol and family staff all. You inspire us to be better people. I’m not a fan of anyone but admire this man for his trials and tribulations as a child so similar to my own dads. We cannot begin to comprehend what that era went thru and to be able to schive such goals from truly humble beginnings and remain humble tho so so successful is a rarity. Cmon n send us more series of the incredible dr pol here DOWN UNDER. Congratulations to this incredible man and family all. Doc Brenda. An inspiration to all women. Thank you. Mari from Melbourne Aus.
What happened to Adam, the grandson? I noticed a tribute to him at the end of the show..he was so young!! Also, is Dr. Emily really leaving? I’ve been watching this show for years & just love it!
DR pol I love your shoe
I just love this show ive been in a wheelchair for eight years suffer with RA an this show helps takes my mind off what im dealing with Thank you
Im addicted to watching the?show and have been for years. I have never owned an animal but have learned a lot. The family and staff are awesome. I am watching the marathon and it’s mostly all I have watched in over a week. Can’t wait for new season. Makes me want to be a vegetarian though. Almost. Love the empathy of the staff and owners. Adore them all. Charles hangs in there even when he gets kicked! A fan forever!
I watch Dr. Pol every chance I get. I am 70 years old and having alot of time on my hands, I discovered Dr. Pol on the National Geographic channeL You are such amazing people and do so much for all the animals that visit you. The love that Dr. Pol and his family have shown is truly an inspirational to all of us. Keep on doing your increible work…therefore the name of The Incredible Dr. Pol!
What a wonderful family. I watch all the time Nd since the recent marathon started I have been watching since Dec 24 with my tv locked on ngwhd . I tell my friends here at my age 80 I could even help pull a calf lol
…THANKS FOR A GREAT SHOW, FAMILY AND STAFF.
Love watching Dr.Lol and his large family. Loved on farm. I now suffers from multiple myeloma and I feel great watching Dr. Lol because it brings back memories of my My Dad and how he did a lot of natural care with our cattle and horse’s. Thank you Charles for pushing Nat Geo for doing the show. Cathy Molitor
When Dr. Pol meets the Lord he will say ” Job Well done”. Dr. Pol has done so much good with his life, I am so glad we are privileged to see part of it. Congratulations to Charles and the whole Pol family for the birth of Charles daughter, Abigail. I also want to send my condolences for the loss of Dr. Pol’s grandson, Butch. Such a loss for the family and especially for his mother, Kathleen who also lost her husband and Butch’s father in 2016 to cancer. I love everyone on the show, Dr. Brenda, Dr. Pol, Dr. Emily, Diane Pol, Charles Pol, Beth Pol, Dr. Emily’s family, the customers and the ANIMALS! THANK YOU DR. POL
Iwatch your show whenever Ican, even if they`re reruns. I`m 77 and from Ontario, Canada. My father was a farmer, my grandfather a working blacksmith. I love your family and I think Dr. Brenda has the best approach to life. Keep up the good show. love you all.
We live in Portland, Oregon. Bruce was my next door neighbor, when i moved next to after leaving an abusive marriage with my two young sons, I had no interest in love, just raising my boys, but I found a friendship and then a love. We adopted 7 more children, and 6 cats. Adoption is a garden of love where children grow! We taught adoption classes, shephering hundreds of other families finding their families.
I’m disabled now and in bed with migraines so fill my days with Dr. POL and love the love they have for each other and their animal patients, as the example of how to live; touching and being touched, Live, Love and be at peace, as God intended!
I just don’t have the words to express this wonderful family. Dr Pol you are God’s Angle sent to earth to care for our Animals. Diane is his Angle wife. Charles, Kathy And Diane jr you are so lucky to have such wonderful Parents. God Bless and keep you all. Love Donna
I absolutely LOVE this show. I have seen every episode, and look forward to this new season. Dr. Pol, his wife, their children and staff are truly wonderful people. I really like all the veterinarians too, especially Dr. Brenda.
I love animals and I worked for two veterinarians in Houston it was a fantastic job so many different livings came into that clinic at Post Oak and Katy Road.
I love this show. You all do great things and take great care of the animals. I would love to come out and meet dr pol and his staff. I think it is great seeing how they interact with all the animals.
I have a 13 year old retired race horse his name is Donta. He has been having problems with absest on his feet all the time. Do you think I should put shoes on his front feet? It is costly for a horse.
I love Dr Pol and his team. Greetings from Serbia.
I live in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. We need vet doctors like the Incredible Dr. Pol. I love watching the show and seeing what he coaxes Charles into doing. Love watching them and the great family ties.
“Obviously many might look at the shortcoming of their marriage”?
Many? Anybody who does has an issue. Sonce when is infertility a shortcoming in a marriage?
I just love watching Dr .Pol andDiane, he completes the end of my day,Ihope to see them many more years.We live in Creston B.C Canada, soweget alot of reruns, enjoy them also.I was born in Apeldoorn in 1945 came Can. 1953 married happily 1966 still doing good. lol hendrika (helen
holy moses! aw, come on!
: ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : )
love you dr. pol & co! <3
Me gusta el show de Dr. Pol,, admiro que siga trabajando con su esposa Díane a su lado.
Felicidades y sigan los éxitos.
I love watching Dr. Pol, it is my favourite show. When I moved home to Canada, I chose the tv provider that aired this showed. Also Dr. Pol, when my NY roommate’ s dog was very ill and they couldn’t figure out what was wrong, my roommate said, “ Where is Dr. Pol when you need him. We love you!
I love Dr.Pol! I watch his show all day long on the weekend and when it’s on any other day and nothing good on TV on NATGO channel. Binge much? Lol!
It’s on my bucket list to meet Dr.Pol. He is truly Amazing. I love everyone on the show really! Great show!
I am watching dr Pol show and i think that Charles Pol is handicapped. Almost all his life with parents, he talkes like handicapped.
I don’t like the way Dr. Pol treats his son Charles. Charles obviously loves his father a lot and would do anything for him but Jan talks to him very snidely and doesn’t appreciate all Charles does for him. He treats animals better than he does Charles.
Charles, thank you for your idea of making the Incredible Dr. Pol reality series. It is my favorite show and it convinced me that vet medicine is not an easy job! I’m a senior who lost my dog a couple of years ago. I just love the attention and care you guys give to the entire animal population. Dr. Pol, if I can have half your energy at your age I will be thankful. You are only as young as you think was my beloved grandmother’s belief! I hope to see new episodes in the future. Best Wishes
I’ve been binge watching Dr Pol for the last month on Nat Geo, reruns and all…
Next week I’ll be watching the last few reruns on the History channel and then it looks like that’s it for binge watching Dr Pol for a while..
Just can’t get enough happy feelings and Knowledge from watching The Incredible Dr Pol show!
Such a long and beautiful Marriage Dr Pol and Diane have, as well as their fun working relationship!
And I enjoy seeing the great working and personal relationship Dr Pol has with his Son Charles, when he comes to help his Dad.
I wish Diane Jr and Kathlene would be on the show more, but I do understand..
It’s funny bcuz, before learning that Charles was adopted, I swear I could see a resemblance between his Daughter Abigail and his Mom Diane.
But then, I’m adopted and people always said that I looked like my Mom and 1 of my adopted Sisters. I strongly believe we take on the traits of those around us!
Anyway, The Incredible Dr Pol show is a beautiful show about the Pure LOVE and Devotion between Man and Animal and how $$$ is Secondary to Saving any and all Animals, whether big or small and no matter what…
I only wish we had Vets up here in Kelowna BC Canada, who Not only put the Animal FIRST over $$$ in their bank account, but who were alot More HONEST!!
It’s pretty Sad when Vets Pretend that they Care about the Animal, yet they WON’T help that Animal unless they Know that the $$$ is going to be there First!!
The World needs a heck of alot More Dr Pols in it, as well as more Dr Brenda’s, Dr Nicole’s, Dr Lisa’s and so on…
All of Dr Pols resident Vets, past and present, have been nothing but absolutely truly Amazing and Wonderful!!
Their showing of the Love and Caring that they all have for All Animals, absolutely Melts ones Heart!
Thank You for 22 Seasons of pure amazingness and knowledge Dr Pol, Pol Staff and Pol Family…
What would be even more amazing is IF you came to Kelowna BC Canada for a visit .
Cheers and Ciao for now ♀️