The wait is finally over for animal lovers and fans of one of television’s most beloved veterinarians. Netflix has officially announced the release of a brand-new documentary centered on Dr. Jan Pol, the star of the long-running hit series The Incredible Dr. Pol. The documentary, titled Dr. Pol: A Life of Care, will debut worldwide on the…
The wait is finally over for animal lovers and fans of one of television’s most beloved veterinarians. Netflix has officially announced the release of a brand-new documentary centered on Dr. Jan Pol, the star of the long-running hit series The Incredible Dr. Pol. The documentary, titled Dr. Pol: A Life of Care, will debut worldwide on the streaming platform later this year, giving viewers unprecedented access to the man who has become a household name through his tireless dedication to animals.
For more than a decade, Dr. Jan Pol has charmed audiences with his straightforward, no-nonsense approach to veterinary medicine. Known for his thick Dutch accent, compassionate bedside manner, and unshakable work ethic, the Michigan-based veterinarian has built a global following. While The Incredible Dr. Pol on Nat Geo Wild gave fans a glimpse into his daily life at his practice, the new Netflix documentary promises to dig much deeper, offering a personal, emotional, and unfiltered portrait of the man behind the stethoscope.
A Story Beyond the Clinic
According to Netflix’s press release, Dr. Pol: A Life of Care will go far beyond the barnyards and exam rooms that viewers are used to seeing. The documentary will trace Dr. Pol’s remarkable journey, from his upbringing in the Netherlands to his decision to pursue veterinary medicine, and eventually, his move to rural Michigan in the 1970s. There, he and his wife Diane started a small practice that grew into a lifeline for local farmers and pet owners alike.
The film will also feature never-before-seen interviews with Dr. Pol, his family, and longtime staff, who reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices that shaped his life. From dealing with brutal winters on farm calls to adapting to the fame that came with television, the documentary explores the resilience and passion that have kept him working well into his 80s.
“People know me from the show, but there is so much more to my story,” Dr. Pol said in a statement. “I wanted to share where I came from, why I do what I do, and what it really means to dedicate your life to animals. I am grateful to Netflix for giving me the opportunity to tell my story in a way that feels authentic.”
A Global Audience Awaits
The decision to stream the documentary on Netflix is a significant one. With its global reach, Netflix will bring Dr. Pol’s story to millions of households across continents, far beyond the viewership of his cable television series. Fans in countries where The Incredible Dr. Pol was not widely broadcast will now have the chance to discover the veterinarian who has been hailed as “America’s favorite vet.”
Industry analysts suggest that Netflix’s move reflects the growing appetite for real-life, feel-good stories about people who make a difference in their communities. With a rise in documentary content focused on inspirational figures—from chefs and athletes to activists and healthcare professionals—Dr. Pol’s story fits seamlessly into the platform’s expanding nonfiction library.
Balancing Fame and Humility
One of the documentary’s central themes is how Dr. Pol has handled fame without losing his grounding in the small-town values that define him. Despite becoming a television star, Dr. Pol has continued to work long hours in his practice, often performing back-to-back farm visits and emergency calls. Colleagues and clients describe him as someone who never puts fame before his patients, whether that patient is a family’s beloved dog or a farmer’s prize dairy cow.
“Fame never changed Dr. Pol,” said one longtime client featured in the film. “He’s the same person who showed up at my farm in the middle of a snowstorm 20 years ago, and he’s the same person who will still show up today. He cares about the animals, and he cares about the people behind them.”
The documentary also touches on moments of controversy—such as the criticisms Dr. Pol has faced from some veterinary boards and organizations. Rather than shy away, the filmmakers reportedly address these challenges head-on, showing how Dr. Pol has remained steadfast in his belief that practicality, experience, and compassion often outweigh theoretical perfection in veterinary medicine.
Diane Pol: The Quiet Force
No portrait of Dr. Pol would be complete without highlighting the role of his wife, Diane, who has been his partner in both life and work for over five decades. The documentary features touching accounts of their relationship, from the early days of building their practice together to Diane’s quiet but steady support as Dr. Pol’s career expanded into television and now global streaming.
Viewers will also get to see more personal moments between the couple, shedding light on the sacrifices they made and the teamwork that has sustained them through both hardships and successes.
A Legacy in the Making
As Dr. Pol continues his work, now in his 80s, the documentary also looks to the future. It raises questions about legacy, succession, and how his philosophy of care will live on through younger veterinarians. His son Charles, who has played a central role in producing The Incredible Dr. Pol, is also featured, reflecting on his father’s influence not only as a veterinarian but as a father and mentor.
“Dad has always believed in hard work, kindness, and doing the right thing, no matter what,” Charles says in one clip. “That’s his legacy, and I think it will inspire people long after the cameras stop rolling.”
Release Date and Anticipation
Netflix has set the premiere date for December, just in time for holiday viewing. The announcement has already sparked a wave of excitement across social media, with fans flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to share their anticipation. Many have praised the timing, noting that families gathering over the holidays will have the perfect opportunity to watch together.
Veterinary professionals, animal lovers, and longtime fans alike are calling the documentary a must-watch. For many, it is not only a chance to celebrate Dr. Pol’s remarkable career but also an opportunity to reflect on the universal themes of compassion, perseverance, and the human-animal bond.
At 82, Dr. Jan Pol shows no signs of slowing down. And now, thanks to Netflix, his story will reach further than ever before—reminding viewers around the world that a life dedicated to animals is a life well-lived.
