HPD: Man posed as veterinarian to treat, vaccinate pets

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston police say they arrested a 26-year-man who posed as a veterinarian to charge customers for vaccinations and other treatment for their pets.

Investigators said in a news release Monday that Wilfredo Gutierrez was arrested last week and charged with unlawful practice of medicine.

"Since he was arrested, we have learned there were probably more than 50 known victims whose pets have been treated by this individual," HPD Officer Suzanne Hollifield said.

Harris County court records show Gutierrez pleaded guilty to the charge and was jailed for two days. He remains in the county jail on a separate charge of possession of a controlled substance, with bond set at $35,000.

Police say Gutierrez was using business names like DogSmart Veterinary Services to enter people's homes to treat their pets.

Authorities say they're concerned that many pets supposedly given vaccinations are in fact not protected from disease.

And Gutierrez could be in more legal trouble.

"We know some of the medication came from the clinic where he worked, he was also obtaining some from the Internet," Hollifield said.

Police say charges of theft could be pending, and they are still looking for more victims, though the ones they spoke with are shocked by it all.

"They really believed he was a vet, they said he had a lot of compassion for their animals. He seemed legitimate, and they were surprised," Hollifield said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report