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INTERVIEW: Dr. Pol celebrates 100 episodes

Photo courtesy of National Geographic Channels.

Dr. Jan Pol, the star of Nat Geo WILD’s The Incredible Dr. Pol, has celebrated a lot of anniversaries in his 74 years. The veterinarian has helped thousands of pets at his clinic in rural Michigan. Plus, he has endured professional challenges, like working a round-the-clock schedule, and enjoyed personal rewards, like the satisfaction of saving a dog’s life.

Pol’s latest milestone is the 100th episode of his successful reality series. That special, which will feature highlights from the entire series, will air Saturday, March 25 at 9 p.m. The episode serves as the season 10 finale, and there’s no end in sight. Although Pol often considers retirement, but at this stage, it’s only a consideration.

Hollywood Soapbox has interviewed Pol numerous times about pets, veterinary care and the challenges of working nonstop. Readers can check out those interviews here. Recently, on the occasion of the 100th episode of The Incredible Dr. PolHollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with the doctor. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

Can you believe you’ve reached 100 episodes? Did you ever think the series would run this long?

No, of course not! Never thought we’d reach 100 episodes, but I’m glad we did. I never thought I’d still be working at 74 either, but you have to take life as it comes and keep going. I don’t know how many more we’ll do, but I hope there is a lot more.

Why do you think The Incredible Dr. Pol has been so successful?

I guess I’m an old Dutch man who doesn’t take orders from anyone, including my wife! The reality of this show is important for people. From day one this was Charles’ [Dr. Pol’s son] idea, and he always told me, ‘Dad, don’t do anything for the cameras. Look like there is no camera.’ That’s what we do.  Nothing is scripted. When there’s an animal involved, it is the real thing. They film what we’re doing. Nothing is done for the cameras.

Dr. Jan Pol juggles a number of vials and syringes after being called out to perform blood tests at Susanne and Ray Kirklin’s boer goat farm. Photo courtesy of National Geographic Channels / Michael Stankevich.

Do you ever see cases in which it’s clearly the owner’s fault that the pet is hurt or in pain? Is neglect common?

Not in the clinic, but yes, we see that. I work with animal control in six counties. They don’t bring the animals to us, but neighbors sometimes contact us. And I go out on calls with animal control. People can get overwhelmed, too many things going on in their lives, and they can’t properly take care of their pets. Many times they surrender the animals, and we re-home them. I’ve done this with cows, dogs and horses. It’s how we ended up with our Saint Bernard.

What do you say to clients who may resist spaying or neutering their pet?

I don’t say too much. I can’t force someone to spay or neuter, but I always suggest it. I keep my spaying and neutering prices low, to make it affordable for pet owners. I always ask, ‘Do you want a pet or a pest’? Male or female, if you keep them intact, they will become a pest because they are always trying to find a way to reproduce.

What was the first pet you remember having as a child? I know you grew up on a farm in the Netherlands.

Iwan, a Saint Bernard. I was 4 when he passed away. Then it was Saint Bernards for years. I can’t remember how many we had. The last one lived with my mom after my dad died, and we built a fence for her.  Diane and I have a Saint Bernard now named Killian as well as a Newfoundland and a Grand Dane.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

The Incredible Dr. Poll will air its 100th episode Saturday, March 25 at 9 p.m. Click here for more information.

John Soltes

John Soltes is an award-winning journalist. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Earth Island Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, New Jersey Monthly and at Time.com, among other publications. E-mail him at john@hollywoodsoapbox.com

5 thoughts on “INTERVIEW: Dr. Pol celebrates 100 episodes

  • Scott Dumas

    I’m 64 male I absolutely love the Dr. Pol show I watch the show any time that it comes on no matter how many times I’ve seen the episode. I can’t get enough of the show! Thank you very much for the show. I watch many of your programs,Dr. Pol is my favorite!! Thank you very much for the best programing on TV!

    Reply
  • I like the common sense approach to the animal care.
    No fluff or expensive unnecessary treatments. My vet retired
    & it took years to find a vet with this approach.
    Tater is adorable.

    Reply
  • Judi Albertson

    I wonder what happened with the St Bernard that Dr Pol rescued on season 4 episode 57

    Reply
  • Dobrý den. Ráda bych napsala Dr.Pol e-mail, jak moc rádi sledujeme s dětmi jeho seriál. Sledujeme sice Dr.Pol krátce ale za to pravidelně a syn se vždy ptá už dávají Dr.Pol? Chtěla bych aby věděl, že má 3.velké fanoušky zde v České Republice. A přejeme celému týmu a rodině samé zdraví a štěstí. S pozdravem Czech Republik.

    Reply
  • Carol Sharpe

    I have learned quite a lot about animal care of all kinds.
    What happened to the St Bernard they fostered ?
    By the way due to watching a lot about meat cows, milk cows, COW cows, I will never have one. Too many stomachs, too much illness. Chickens, goats, mule, donkey for me if I had the land. Thank you Dr Pol, Dr Brenda, Dr Emily,Diane and all the staff.

    Reply

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