Dr. Pol’s veterinary television program, The Incredible Dr. Pol, realistically portrays veterinary practices as they occur and has developed a sizable fan base.
For several seasons, Dr. Emily Thomas, a beloved veterinarian, played a crucial role in the program until she abruptly left the show in 2019.
So why did Emily leave The Incredible Dr. Pol show? Read on to know why the former cast member left the show and whether she still gets paid for reruns.
What Made Emily Quit Dr. Pol’s Show?
Dr. Emily Thomas, born in 1984, is a native of Warner Robins, Georgia. She began appearing on The Incredible Dr. Pol in 2015.
So, why did Emily leave Dr. Pol’s show? The former TV personality explained that the show’s demanding nature was why she left in 2019. In her personal blog, she wrote:
Eventually, the stress of working there with three small children, being on-call all the time, new vets coming and leaving just as fast, leaving the on-call duties spread between mostly 2-3 of us. Being on call for me was not a matter of if I got called in, it was how many times – with no extra compensation.
Emily further explained the emotional and physical toll the work had on her. Her decision was influenced by emergency cases, on-call hours, and the extra strain of being videotaped.
In addition, she was highly burned out from the long hours she had to film the show, her heavy pregnancy, and her daily veterinary responsibilities.
Emily also wanted to work in an environment that supported a better work-life balance and spend more time with her family.
Life after Dr. Pol
Following retirement from The Incredible Dr. Pol, Dr. Emily relocated to Virginia with her family.
She started working at a local clinic, which provided a more flexible schedule and lower stress levels than her former position.
Dr. Emily is still a veterinarian but works in an environment that allows her to prioritize her family’s needs and well-being.
She has been transparent about her experiences on her blog and social media. She also has a YouTube channel where she posts animal-related videos featuring her husband, Tony.
Is Emily Paid for Re-Run Episodes of the Show?
Depending on her contract with the production firm, Dr. Emily’s continued payment for The Incredible Dr. Pol re-runs is uncertain.
Cast members typically earn residual payments when episodes in which they appear are re-aired.
These payments, meant to reimburse actors for continuous work usage, are often calculated as a proportion of the money made from repeats.
However, the specifics of Dr. Emily’s contract have not been made public.
Emily’s Departure’s Effect on the Show
The departure of Dr. Emily had a visible effect on The Incredible Dr. Pol. She had a different perspective and a great rapport with people and animals.
Other vets stepped forward to cover for her, forcing the show to modify. Even after she left, the show still has a devoted following and is still popular.
Dr. Pol’s clinic staff continues to provide excellent veterinary treatment, guaranteeing the show’s continued success.