The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast now: What happened to them?

You can’t go wrong with Dr. Pol—the veteran veterinarian behind Pol Veterinary Services—who became a beloved figure on television through his dedication to animals and his no-nonsense approach. For years, he catered to the needs of both farm and domestic animals in rural Michigan, earning widespread recognition for his work. His adventures were chronicled in the long-running series The Incredible Dr. Pol, which offered viewers a unique look into the life of a country vet. Premiering on Nat Geo Wild on October 29, 2011, the show ran for 24 seasons and inspired several spin-offs. During its run, it received numerous accolades, including the Critics’ Choice Real TV Award for Best Animal/Nature Show in both 2019 and 2020. Balancing humor, drama, and heartfelt moments, the show struck a chord with audiences by showcasing the real-life challenges and rewards of veterinary practice.

The series introduced viewers to a dynamic and ever-evolving cast, both human and animal. Among the most familiar faces were members of Dr. Pol’s own family—his son Charles, wife Diane, and daughter-in-law Beth—who helped keep the clinic and the show grounded in family values. The veterinary team was a mix of seasoned professionals like Dr. Pol and Dr. Brenda, and newer faces like Dr. Lisa Jones and Dr. Nicole Arcy, who brought fresh perspectives and energy to the practice. Over the years, viewers also got to know former cast members such as Dr. Emily Thomas, Dr. Michele Sharkey, Dr. Elizabeth Grammar, and Dr. Sandra Wisniewski, many of whom left to pursue new career paths or personal goals. Rather than relying on celebrity replacements, the show continued to evolve by mentoring emerging talent, allowing new veterinarians to grow into their roles and connect with fans in their own right.

In this article, we will explore the cast of The Incredible Dr. Pol, who worked at Pol Veterinary Services in the Michigan countryside. We will also revisit the journeys of those who have since bid farewell to the series—looking at where they are now and what they’ve been up to since their time on the show.

Dr. Jan Harm Pol:

Jan Harm Pol, better known as Dr. Pol, is the founder and owner of Pol Veterinary Services, a veterinary clinic that has long served the rural community of Weidman, Michigan. Born in the Netherlands in 1942 and raised on a dairy farm, Dr. Pol developed a deep love for animals early on. He moved to the United States in 1971 with his wife Diane, whom he met as a foreign exchange student. After earning his veterinary degree from Utrecht University, he worked with another practice for 10 years before launching his own in 1981.

Following the end of his television series after 24 seasons, Dr. Pol has continued his hands-on work at the clinic. Even in his 80s, he remains actively involved in animal care—often treating both farm animals and pets with his signature no-nonsense, practical style. Beyond clinical work, he now engages with fans through social media and offers pet-care advice through his online platform, Dr. Pol Care. His mission of educating and serving the public remains strong, whether in person or online.

Dr. Pol has three adopted children and several grandchildren. With 248 episodes to his name, he stands as the most featured and recognizable cast member of The Incredible Dr. Pol.

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.”

-Jan Pol, Never Turn Your Back on an Angus Cow: My Life as a Country Vet

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.

-Jan Pol, October/November 2016 issue of Nat Geo WILD magazine.

“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.”

-Jan Pol, on his show “The Incredible Dr.POl”

“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, but also his longtime partner in running Pol Veterinary Services. Born on February 6, 1944, in Mayville, Michigan, Diane first met Jan as a high school student in 1961. She earned a master’s degree in special reading and worked as a teacher before transitioning full-time into managing the family’s veterinary business.

Throughout the 24-season run of the show, Diane was a constant presence—often behind the scenes—as the office manager and administrative backbone of the clinic. She oversaw operations, managed finances, coordinated staff, and ensured client care, playing a critical role in the clinic’s continued success.

Following the show’s conclusion in July 2024, Diane has continued to support day-to-day operations at the clinic while also focusing more on her personal well-being. Now in her 80s, she balances her time between managing office duties and enjoying a quieter life. Although she rarely appears on camera, Diane remains an active and respected part of the Pol Veterinary team and still makes occasional public appearances through social media updates and fan messages.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years Active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Diane Pol	2011–2024	227	No

Quotes

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

-Diane POl, Interview with The Advertiser

Dr. Brenda Grettenberger

Dr. Brenda Grettenberger is a senior staff veterinarian at Pol Veterinary Services in Weidman, Michigan, and one of the most recognizable faces from The Incredible Dr. Pol. Born on February 23, 1967, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Brenda was raised on a dairy farm—an early experience that sparked her passion for large animal care. She pursued veterinary medicine at Michigan State University, graduating in 1992, and shortly after joined Dr. Pol’s clinic by answering a help-wanted ad in a veterinary journal.

With over three decades of experience, Dr. Brenda has become a cornerstone of the clinic. She specializes in treating large animals such as cows, pigs, and horses and is admired for her calm, no-nonsense approach in high-pressure situations. As a pioneering female veterinarian in a traditionally male-dominated field, she earned respect through determination and consistent excellence in her work.

Since the conclusion of The Incredible Dr. Pol in July 2024, Dr. Brenda continues to work full-time at Pol Veterinary Services. Though no longer in front of the cameras, she remains deeply committed to rural veterinary care and the community she has served for decades. She also mentors new veterinarians joining the clinic, passing on her knowledge and ensuring continuity in the clinic’s mission.

True to her private nature, Dr. Brenda avoids social media and rarely shares personal details. While it’s unknown if she is married or has children, she is known to lead a quiet, content life focused on her patients, her professional growth, and her close-knit bond with the Pol family.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Brenda Grettenberger	2011-2024	232	Yes

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.Brenda Grettenberger

Dr. Nicole Arcy:

Dr. Nicole Arcy  is a mixed-animal veterinarian who became a fan favorite on The Incredible Dr. Pol for her enthusiasm, expertise, and compassionate care. Born in Dearborn, Michigan, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Michigan State University and later completed both her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Missouri in 2018.

She joined Pol Veterinary Services in July 2018 and made her television debut in early 2019 during Season 14 of The Incredible Dr. Pol. With her natural on-camera presence and strong veterinary skills, Dr. Nicole quickly became one of the show’s most recognizable and admired cast members. Over her five-year tenure, she appeared in 78 episodes, handling everything from routine farm calls to complex surgeries.

After the series concluded in July 2024, Dr. Nicole began a new chapter in her professional and personal life. She joined the Clare Animal Hospital in Michigan in early 2024 and continues to practice as a full-time veterinarian. In addition to her clinical work, she also embraced a new role as a mother, having welcomed her son, Noah, in late 2023.

Dr. Nicole remains active on social media, sharing educational insights, family moments, and glimpses of her life beyond the show. While she is no longer on television, she continues to inspire aspiring veterinarians and animal lovers through her ongoing contributions to animal care and advocacy.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Dr. Nicole Arcy	2019-2024	86	No

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.”

-Dr. Nicole Arcy

Charles Pol

Charles Pol is a television personality, and executive producer best known for his work on The Incredible Dr. Pol. Raised in rural Michigan, Charles spent his early years helping his father, Dr. Jan Pol, on farm calls and emergencies—experiences that shaped his understanding of both animal care and storytelling.

After earning his degree from the University of Miami in 2003, Charles worked in Los Angeles before returning home in 2011 to launch The Incredible Dr. Pol. He co-created the show and served as its executive producer, appearing in over 200 episodes. As Dr. Pol’s sidekick, Charles brought humor, heart, and a relatable dynamic to the series, often assisting with cases and injecting levity into tense situations.

In early 2024, Charles launched the spinoff series The Incredible Pol Farm, which documented the Pol family’s journey in developing a 350-acre farm in Weidman, Michigan. The show ran for one season and concluded before the final episodes of The Incredible Dr. Pol Season 24 aired. The spinoff highlighted Charles’s growing interest in sustainable agriculture and hands-on farm management.

Following the end of both series in 2024, Charles has fully embraced life on the farm. He currently manages day-to-day operations on the family’s 350-acre property—overseeing livestock care, crop management, and seasonal projects. Charles also engages with fans through social media and livestreams, including Facebook and Instagram Live events, often hosted alongside his father. One of the unique ventures under his leadership includes selling blown emu eggs through their online farm shop.

Charles continues to share weekly farm updates through the “Footage From the Farm” video series, offering insights into rural life, family routines, and agricultural challenges. His work reflects a shift from television storytelling to authentic, community-oriented farming.

Married to Beth since 2018, Charles is a proud father to two children, Abigail and Silas. He remains an active voice in promoting sustainable agriculture and preserving the Pol family legacy.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years Active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Charles Pol	2011–2024	200+	No (TV), Yes (Farm Life)

Beth Pol

Beth Pol (née Oakes) is the wife of Charles Pol and a familiar face to fans of The Incredible Dr. Pol. A Michigan native, Beth and Charles were childhood friends who reconnected as adults. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they were married in 2018.

Beth became a recurring cast member on The Incredible Dr. Pol, often seen assisting Charles during farm calls or supporting family events. She brought warmth and charm to the show, endearing herself to viewers with her natural ease around animals and her down-to-earth personality.

Since the series ended in 2024, Beth has embraced life on the family’s 350-acre farm. She plays an active role in daily farm routines—caring for animals, tending the garden, and supporting new initiatives such as the Pol Farm’s emu egg business. In addition to her farm work, Beth devotes herself to raising their two children, Abigail and Silas, often sharing special family moments through behind-the-scenes photos and updates.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Beth Pol	2018-2024	27	No

Dr. Lisa Jones

Dr. Lisa Jones began her veterinary career at Pol Veterinary Service in July 2019 as an associate veterinarian, joining Dr. Ray Harp. Having been homeschooled through high school, she later graduated from Cornell Veterinary School. In 2020, Dr. Lisa joined The Incredible Dr. Pol, showcasing her expertise and professionalism across 80 episodes until 2024. During her time at Pol Veterinary Services, she learned from Dr. Brenda Grettenberger, a seasoned vet who had worked with Dr. Pol for over two decades. Dr. Grettenberger, as the only female veterinarian in the area, faced numerous challenges from skeptical farmers but proved her skills through determination and excellence.

Since the show concluded in 2024, Dr. Lisa has remained committed to veterinary medicine. She continues her work as an associate veterinarian at Pol Veterinary Services in Weidman, Michigan. Outside of her clinic work, she shares her veterinary insights and personal moments with followers on Instagram, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her life as a rural veterinarian.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Lisa Jones	2020-2024	83	Yes

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.”

-Dr. Lisa Jones on what it was like being homeschooled until highschool.

Abigail Pol

Abigail Pol, the daughter of Charles and Beth was born on October 19, 2019, and her parents had no qualms about letting her into spotlight. She has been featured in 25 episodes from 2020 to 2024. She is the first grandchild of Dr. Jan Pol and his wife Diane, who are overjoyed to have her in their family.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Abigail Pol	2020-2024	25	No

Silas Pol

Silas Pol, born on July 12, 2021, is the younger brother of Abigail Pol. A joyful and healthy baby, Silas appeared in 14 episodes of The Incredible Dr. Pol. He was often seen in his crib or held by his parents, and occasionally joined his father on farm calls or visited his grandfather at the clinic. Known for his curiosity and adorable personality, Silas brought smiles to his family and fans

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Silas Pol	2021-2024	14	No

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 Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Ari Rubin	2012-2024	235	No

The cast who left “The Incredible Dr. Pol

Over the years, The Incredible Dr. Pol has seen many beloved team members depart for new opportunities, family priorities, or personal transitions. The Pol Veterinary family has also weathered heartbreaking losses, including the passing of Dr. Elizabeth Grammer’s husband, Robert, in 2016—a tragedy that led her to step away from the spotlight. The show also mourned the loss of Dr. Michele Louise Sharkey, DVM, whose quiet passion for animal care began decades earlier—as a young client at the clinic, holding the reins of her horse.

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.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episode Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Ray Harp	2020-2021	17	No

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.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Emily Thomas	2015-2019	95	No

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 201.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Tony Thomas	2016-2019	20	No

Dr. Michele Sharkey:

Dr. Sharkey’s connection with Dr. Jan Pol’s clinic began long before she wore a white coat. In a full-circle moment, she first appeared in the show’s very first episode in 2011 as a young horse owner seeking treatment for her beloved Scout. Years later, after earning her veterinary degree from Ross University, she returned to the clinic in Season 13 (2018) as a licensed DVM. Over the course of 11 episodes, fans watched her handle cases with calm confidence, from farm emergencies to festive pet crises in episodes like “Meow-y Christmas” and “You Can’t Handle the Tooth.”

In 2019, Michele left Michigan to follow her heart to Missouri, working at Jones Animal Clinic, before eventually making her longtime dream a reality: relocating to Colorado. By 2022, she had joined SouthPark Animal Clinic in Littleton, where her new colleagues welcomed her with a themed “Shark Week” celebration—a fitting nod to her sense of humor and surname.

Away from the clinic, Michele lived a quiet, joy-filled life. She loved hiking, puzzles, and doting on her four cats—Luna, Leo, Loki, and Lila. Her friends fondly remembered her love for Beyoncé, her spontaneous road trips, and above all, the kindness she showed in every part of her life. Unfortunately, Dr. Sharkey passed away on July 30, 2024, at the young age of 34.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Michelle Sharkey	2011-2019	11	No

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.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Sandra Wisniewski	2012-2017	14	No

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.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Dr. Elizabeth Grammar	2016-2018	9	No

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.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Dale Lehnert	2011-2019	26	No

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.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Dave Aldrich	2014-2022	14	No

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.

The Incredible Dr. Pol Cast	Years active	Episodes Appearance	Currently Active (Yes/No)
Marty Fox	2012-2019	10	No