Dr. Brenda Grettenberger has been a quiet yet steady force in the world of veterinary medicine. Best known for her role on the hit Nat Geo Wild series The Incredible Dr. Pol, she built a reputation for being not just a skilled veterinarian, but also a relatable and grounded presence on screen. But after more than a decade in the spotlight, many fans are now asking the same question: what is Dr. Brenda doing now?
Born on February 23, 1967, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Brenda Grettenberger was raised on her family’s dairy farm. Her love for animals began at a young age, and it was clear early on that she had a calling. Unlike many of her peers who shied away from rural animal work, Brenda was fascinated by large farm animals. That interest would eventually shape her entire career.
After graduating high school, she pursued veterinary medicine at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, one of the most prestigious veterinary programs in the country. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1992 and quickly began working in rural mixed-animal practice.
Shortly after graduating, Dr. Brenda joined Pol Veterinary Services in Weidman, Michigan. At the time, she was one of the very few female veterinarians working in rural practices, a role that came with its fair share of challenges. But her skill, work ethic, and calm nature helped her win over clients and become a trusted figure in the community.
Her career changed forever in 2011 when she became part of The Incredible Dr. Pol, a reality show centered around the life and work of Dr. Jan Pol and his team. From the very first episode, Dr. Brenda stood out for her steady hand, dry humor, and dedication to her patients.
Over the years, she became one of the show’s most beloved cast members. Viewers appreciated her no-nonsense attitude and ability to handle even the most difficult cases with grace and determination. She remained a key figure on the show for over a decade.
After 24 seasons, The Incredible Dr. Pol ended in mid-2024. Though the show had a successful and long run, changing audience trends and the natural cycle of reality TV brought it to a close. While Dr. Pol remained the face of the show, longtime fans always had a soft spot for Dr. Brenda, who was known for staying out of the limelight while still delivering expert care.
Interestingly, Dr. Brenda’s appearances on the show had become less frequent in the final seasons. This led to speculation that she may have already been winding down her time at the clinic.
According to multiple unverified sources, Dr. Brenda has since left Pol Veterinary Services and is currently working at a smaller local veterinary clinic, closer to her hometown. The move is believed to be an effort to slow down after decades of hard work in a physically demanding profession.
More recently, Dr. Brenda reportedly shared that she is planning to take a break from veterinary work altogether due to health issues. While she hasn’t made a public statement, rumors suggest that she is dealing with arthritis—something that would make her day-to-day responsibilities as a large-animal vet increasingly difficult.
Though these claims have not been officially confirmed, they align with what many fans had noticed in recent years: her quiet step back from the public eye.
While fans may miss seeing her on television, Dr. Brenda Grettenberger’s legacy in veterinary medicine remains strong. She inspired countless young women to pursue careers in rural veterinary care and proved that strength doesn’t always need to be loud. Her calm, capable presence made her a role model not just for aspiring vets, but for anyone who watched her work.
For now, Dr. Brenda appears to be focusing on her health and well-being. Whether she returns to the veterinary field or chooses a quieter life away from the camera, she has certainly earned the right to take a well-deserved break.
Recently, it was reported that Dr. Brenda injured her hand while treating a horse. The animal kicked out unexpectedly during an exam, resulting in a cracked bone in her hand. Thankfully, the injury was not serious and did not require surgery—just rest and a supportive cast. Despite the setback, she remains in good spirits and is taking the necessary time to recover fully.
