Visalia police say 24-year-old Amanahy Becerra Zepeda carried out illegal procedures that caused severe animal suffering and resulted in one death.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation across the Valley as graphic videos of the alleged operations circulate online.
"That's just barbaric," pet owner Bonnie Faraas said. "It makes me want to cry, really, animals don't deserve that, nobody deserves that."
According to police, Becerra Zepeda marketed herself as a legitimate veterinarian and offered procedures at prices significantly lower than licensed clinics.
Investigators say she performed unlicensed C-sections, spaying and neutering procedures, and ear-clippings, all of which are illegal without proper credentials.
"Detectives also discovered that proper anesthesia was not being used, leaving animals to endure intense and unnecessary pain. As a result, multiple animals suffered serious complications and required emergency veterinary care," Visalia Police spokesperson Liz Jones said.
Authorities said Becerra Zepeda was also administering vaccines, though it remains unclear where the medications were obtained.
Police further confirmed that, at times, pet owners were asked to hold their animals as the procedures were performed.
"I just think it's awful and I think she should be prosecuted to the fullest extent, and not allowed to be around animals ever again," Faraas said.
Clinics in Visalia told reporters they had been waiting nearly a year for an arrest in the case.
Now out on bond, Becerra Zepeda was contacted Friday about the allegations. She did not deny her involvement in the procedures but said she did not kill any dogs.
She stated that the one reported death involved euthanasia carried out by the owners days later.
As the case moves forward, investigators say the videos circulating online will be central to their investigation.
"It'll help us tremendously. I mean, it's physical evidence, it's video evidence, it's there on what she was performing illegally," Jones said.
Authorities have not yet announced the specific charges Becerra Zepeda may face. In the meantime, local clinics are urging pet owners to seek care only from licensed veterinarians for any type of procedure.