Florida Man Charged After Posing as Veterinarian, Refusing to Return Dog That Died in His Care

by Saleen Martin (saleenmartin@usatoday.com)

A Florida man is facing criminal charges after a woman accused him of pretending to be a vet and refusing to return her dog that died under his care. The man, Kenneth D. Wade Jr., was released on condition he stays away from the victim and doesn't offer vet services online. The investigation began when the dog owner called police, saying Wade refused to return her pit bull, Gucci. She paid Wade $350 for treatment, but he later dodged her calls and avoided returning the dog. Wade claimed the dog died and sent a video as proof, but he never worked at a vet facility as claimed. Wade admitted to burying the dog on his family's property and posting about treating parvo on social media. Charges include grand theft and practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

A Florida man is facing criminal charges after a woman accused him of pretending to be a veterinarian and refusing to return her dog that died while in his care. Kenneth D. Wade Jr., 33, was arrested on Thursday and charged with grand theft and practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

Wade was released from custody with the condition that he stay away from the victim and refrain from offering veterinary services online, per [court documents](https://apps.leonclerk.net/Occ irrelevant text herea/occa_public/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=2022CT002655). He is also prohibited from having any animals.

Woman sought more affordable treatment for her dog

The incident began when the dog owner called Tallahassee Police on August 27, reporting that a man refused to return her pit bull, Gucci. The woman shared proof of purchasing Gucci in February 2021. When Gucci fell ill in August 2023, a vet at Quincy Animal Hospital diagnosed a stomach obstruction, recommending surgery, which the owner deemed too costly.

In search of alternatives, the woman turned to Wade, known as "PitGod Wade" on social media, sometimes posting about his work with animals. For $350, Wade offered treatment. The owner paid $175 upfront and dropped off Gucci with supplies on August 17.

"They entered the apartment and noticed there were other healthy, happy dogs there," a warrant read. "(The owner) did not have any concerns of leaving her dog with Wade."

Wade later claimed Gucci had contracted parvo, a canine infection.

Dog owner's concerns grow as Wade becomes evasive

Days later, Wade reported Gucci's condition as improving. But on August 23, he claimed a sudden change, saying he was taking Gucci to a veterinary facility and putting her on life support. Despite his promises to update the owner, Wade became elusive. When he finally responded, he claimed Gucci had miscarried, puzzling the owner, as Quincy Animal Hospital never mentioned a pregnancy.

The owner's concerns grew as Wade failed to send promised photos and videos of Gucci and dodged further contact. On August 27, the owner went to Wade's house, only to learn Gucci wasn't there, and Wade refused to disclose his workplace. He later texted, claiming Gucci had died, and sent a video as proof, citing paperwork and clinic issues for his unavailability.

When an officer went to Wade's home with the owner, Wade communicated through his doorbell camera, claiming Gucci was at Oakwood Animal Hospital. Pressed on his parvo diagnosis, Wade gave unclear answers.

Investigation reveals Wade's deception and false claims

The investigation uncovered more discrepancies. Wade admitted people sought his help for affordable vet care, claiming expertise in artificial insemination and dog breeding. He denied wrongdoing, but Oakwood Animal Hospital staff refuted his employment claim. A previous vet at Quincy Animal Hospital deemed parvo unlikely.

Wade later admitted to burying Gucci on his family's property in Gadsden County, never working at Oakwood, and taking Gucci to a friend's for treatment. In social media posts, Wade boasted about a self-made parvo medicine, speaking at seminars, and helping classmates' mothers with their dogs.

Saleen Martin (@SaleenMartin; saleenmartin@usatoday.com) is a reporter with USA TODAY's NOW team. Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, she's a proud 757 native.