A Florida man is facing multiple charges after a woman accused him of pretending to be a veterinarian and refusing to return her dog after it died under his care. Kenneth D. Wade Jr., 33, was arrested on Thursday and charged with grand theft and practicing veterinary medicine without a license, according to court documents filed in Leon County.

Pet Owner Seeks Cost-Effective Treatment

The investigation began when a woman called the Tallahassee Police Department on August 27, 2023, stating that a man refused to return her pit bull named Gucci. She provided proof that she had purchased the dog in February 2021. In August 2023, when Gucci became sick, the woman initially took her dog to Quincy Animal Hospital, where medical professionals diagnosed a stomach obstruction requiring surgery or passing through a bowel movement. Finding the treatment too expensive, she sought alternatives. A friend recommended Wade, known as PitGod Wade on social media, who posted frequently about his work with animals.

The dog’s owner contacted Wade, who offered to help for $350, requiring $175 upfront. She agreed, and on August 17, 2023, she dropped off her dog at Wade’s home with a kennel, food bowls, and a leash. Observing other healthy dogs at his apartment, she felt reassured.

Suspicions Rise as Communication Fades

Wade provided updates, initially claiming the dog was improving but later stating it had contracted parvo disease, a serious infection. On August 23, 2023, Wade told the owner that Gucci’s condition had worsened and that he was taking the dog to a veterinary facility for life support. Communication became sporadic, and when he finally responded, he claimed the dog had miscarried, which puzzled the owner as the dog had not been around any males and had not been diagnosed as pregnant by Quincy Animal Hospital.

The owner repeatedly asked for photos or videos of Gucci, which Wade promised but never delivered. Suspecting he was avoiding her, she went to Wade’s house on August 27, 2023, but found no trace of her dog. Wade claimed the dog was at a veterinary facility without specifying the location.

Police Investigation Uncovers Fraudulent Activity

After Wade texted the owner that Gucci had died and sent a video as proof, she involved the police. An officer accompanied her to Wade’s home, but his girlfriend said he was not there. Wade communicated via his doorbell camera, eventually revealing the dog was at Oakwood Animal Hospital. However, when questioned about his parvo diagnosis, he couldn’t provide a clear answer.

A detective assigned to the case found discrepancies in Wade’s story. Oakwood Animal Hospital staff confirmed Wade did not work there, and Quincy Animal Hospital doubted the parvo diagnosis. Wade admitted he had buried Gucci on his family’s property in Gadsden County and had taken the dog to a friend’s house for treatment.

During the investigation, it emerged that Wade had been posting about his purported veterinary work on social media, claiming to have created parvo medicine and sold it to veterinary clinics in 30 states. He also shared stories of helping clients, including one post on June 11, where he boasted about assisting a classmate’s mother with her dogs.