As the youngest of six children growing up in the Netherlands, Jan Pol lived among dairy cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, geese, turkeys, rabbits, dogs and Friesian horses. From age 12 when he helped deliver a litter of piglets on his family’s dairy farm, Jan knew he wanted to become a veterinarian. A year-long study abroad program in high school took him to Mayville, Michigan, USA. There, he met Diane, who after years of friendship and blossoming love, would become his wife. The couple have now been married for over 50 years. He graduated from the prestigious Utrecht University Veterinary program in 1970 and immigrated to the United States in 1971.

Ten years into his career working with a local vet, Dr. Pol was eager to begin his own practice. He moved to Weidman, Michigan in 1981 and founded Pol Veterinary Services out of his garage with his wife Diane. With a down-to-earth, practical approach to veterinary medicine, Dr. Pol grew his practice from a humble start to one with over 25,000 clients. Thirty-eight years later, Dr. Pol and his clinic staff continue to care for their rural Michigan clientele.

Never Turn Your Back on an Angus Cow

Dr. Pol is the author of the best-selling book, Never Turn Your Back on an Angus Cow—My Life as a Country Vet, a memoir that recounts amusing, and often poignant, tales from his illustrious and incredible 45+ year veterinary career.

He has taken his stories to the stage, headlining tours of sold-out shows throughout the Netherlands.

In December of 2019, Dr. Pol launched his first line of branded products including Dog, Cat, Horse, Chicken, Goat and Rabbit food, with more exciting announcements on the way.