Unlicensed Man Arrested for Practicing Veterinary Medicine in Nashville

Metro Nashville Police arrested a 45-year-old man Tuesday afternoon on a felony charge of impersonating a veterinarian at Caudle Veterinary Clinic, 3607 Gallatin Pike, in East Nashville. Police identified him as Prashant Pandya, who has never held a veterinary license in Tennessee and, according to investigators, failed the required licensing exams when he applied.

The case matters to every practice that verifies credentials — and to every client who assumes the person in the white coat holds a license. Here is what the record shows.

How did the investigation start?

Pet owners contacted authorities in September after their dogs and cats developed complications following procedures at the clinic. Detectives with the Metro Nashville Police Community Crimes unit documented at least seven cases spanning August 2025 to September 2026.

The department confirmed the arrest on November 3, 2026, writing: "Prashant Pandya, 45, has been arrested and charged with the felony offense of impersonating a veterinarian at Caudle Veterinary Clinic. The investigation is continuing."

Earlier reporting by NewsChannel 5 had already raised concerns about the clinic. Two dogs died there, and a third suffered serious complications after treatment, according to that reporting. The station also found records showing a veterinarian connected to the clinic had failed a required licensing exam at least 10 times.

What did Pandya allegedly do?

Investigators say Pandya presented himself as a veterinarian despite lacking any license. He used the title "Dr. Pandya," according to police. He also wore a white coat labeled "Dr. P.F. Pandya DVM." That title and that coat, detectives contend, signaled qualifications he did not hold.

He had tried to gain the credential legitimately. Police say Pandya previously applied for a Tennessee veterinary license and failed the required exams. He then allegedly proceeded to practice anyway.

Which agencies are involved?

The investigation reaches beyond local police:

• Metro Nashville Police Community Crimes detectives lead the case and made the arrest.
• Representatives of the District Attorney's Office are participating.
• Drug Enforcement Administration agents are involved, a detail that typically signals scrutiny of controlled-substance handling at the clinic.

Detectives executed a search warrant at the clinic on Tuesday, the same day as the arrest.

Police say additional charges against Pandya are expected as the investigation continues.

What does this mean for practitioners and clients?

For companion-animal practices, the case is a reminder that credential fraud reaches veterinary medicine, not just human health care. A man who failed his licensing exams allegedly treated dogs and cats for more than a year while wearing a coat embroidered with "DVM."

Seven complication cases, two reported dog deaths and one serious injury form the known clinical toll. Clients who used the clinic between August 2025 and September 2026 — and whose animals showed post-procedural problems — may wish to confirm their animal's records and consult a licensed practitioner.

For the profession, the case exposes a gap between title and verification. State licensure status is a public record in Tennessee. Clinics that hire, and hospitals that refer, can check it. Pet owners can too.

Felony impersonation charges, DEA involvement and an open search warrant suggest prosecutors are treating the matter seriously. Whether further charges widen the case — and whether the clinic itself faces regulatory action — will depend on what investigators found, and find next.