Police say the suspect treated dogs and cats despite never holding a Tennessee veterinary license, and investigators are reviewing at least seven cases.
NASHVILLE, TN — A 45-year-old man was arrested Tuesday on a felony charge of impersonating a veterinarian at an East Nashville animal clinic after police said he performed procedures on dogs and cats despite never being licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Tennessee.
Metro Nashville Police identified the suspect as Prashant Pandya, who worked at Caudle Veterinary Clinic on Gallatin Pike. Police said their investigation began in September after pet owners reported serious problems following procedures performed at the clinic. Detectives, representatives of the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration agents searched the clinic Tuesday as part of the investigation.
Police said detectives are aware of at least seven reported cases between August 2025 and September 2026 involving animals treated at the clinic. Authorities described the outcomes as adverse but have not publicly provided details about each case. Police said additional charges are anticipated as investigators continue reviewing the allegations.
Investigators allege Pandya presented himself as a doctor of veterinary medicine even though he had never received a Tennessee veterinary license. Police said he used the title “Dr. Pandya” and wore a white coat marked “Dr. P.F. Pandya DVM.” State records reviewed by local news organizations showed that Pandya had applied for a veterinary license but had not passed the examinations required for approval.
NewsChannel 5 reported that licensing records showed Pandya failed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination at least 10 times. The examination is part of the licensing process for veterinarians seeking to practice in Tennessee. The Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners oversees veterinary licensing and says practicing on an expired license violates state law and board rules.
The investigation followed months of complaints and public scrutiny surrounding Caudle Veterinary Clinic. NewsChannel 5 previously reported that two dogs died after receiving treatment there and that another survived serious complications. The owners of those animals questioned Pandya’s licensing status after the procedures. Those reports helped draw attention from law enforcement and state regulators.
One family said its dog, Wunjo, died after undergoing surgery at the clinic. Another family said its dog, Reggie, developed severe complications after surgery and was later euthanized. A third dog, Gill, survived after complications prompted its owner to seek treatment elsewhere. Those accounts are allegations from the animals’ owners and do not establish criminal responsibility for the outcomes.
Police have not said that every reported adverse outcome was caused by Pandya’s actions, and the criminal charge does not amount to a finding of guilt. Authorities also have not publicly announced the results of the clinic search, what evidence was collected or whether other people associated with the clinic are under investigation. The DEA’s presence was confirmed by police, but authorities had not detailed the federal agency’s specific role.
The case remains under investigation by Metro Nashville Police in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office and federal agents. Police said additional charges against Pandya are expected as detectives examine the reported cases. Court scheduling and other case details were not immediately included in the information released Tuesday.
Author note: Last updated November 3, 2026.