Sheriff’s detectives allege unlicensed vaccines and missing health certificates in a months-long case.
NAPLES, Fla. — Collier County detectives arrested a 63-year-old woman Wednesday and removed 50 dogs from her Golden Gate Estates property after an undercover probe into suspected illegal breeding and sales, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators say the case accelerated this week after they obtained a search warrant tied to complaints about sick puppies marketed from the home. The county suspended the seller’s breeder permit in September, but deputies said the operation continued. The dogs are now in county care while prosecutors review the arrest. The findings could test how far local authorities can go in shutting down unlicensed breeding and in enforcing Florida’s requirement that animals sold carry a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian.
Detectives began the case months ago, when a complaint flagged puppies offered for sale from a 12th Avenue Southeast address. Undercover deputies used a phone number listed on a sales site to set up a meeting. The seller agreed to bring out puppies in the yard, but she declined to allow visitors inside the house. Deputies said several dogs were dirty, with matted coats and a strong odor. One puppy’s swollen belly suggested internal parasites, a veterinarian later told investigators. The seller stated the puppies had received first-round shots but did not provide paperwork, deputies wrote.
During Wednesday’s search, authorities reported finding 50 dogs, including 18 puppies, along with syringes and vials suspected to be vaccines and dewormers. Investigators say the breeding focused on high-demand designer mixes such as mini goldendoodles and maltipoos. The arrest booking lists a felony count for practicing veterinary medicine without a license and 19 counts for failing to provide certified health certificates for dogs advertised for sale. Officials said the residence sits near Everglades Boulevard, a part of Golden Gate Estates where large lots and outbuildings can hide commercial activity until neighbors notice traffic and noise.
Florida requires health certificates completed by licensed veterinarians before a dog or cat is sold. The county’s code enforcement division previously cited the property and, according to deputies, suspended the breeder permit in September for violations related to animal care and housing. The sheriff’s office said the seller continued to accept deposits and schedule pickups after the suspension. Investigators said they documented communications, recorded the undercover visit and photographed conditions to support the warrant. Officials noted that some adult dogs needed grooming and that puppies would require deworming and monitoring.
Prosecutors will decide whether to add or amend charges in the coming days. The dogs remain at Collier Domestic Animal Services while a judge determines ownership and whether they can be released to adopters or rescue groups. Separate civil actions could seek fines and a ban on future breeding. A first appearance hearing is expected soon, where bond and orders restricting animal contact are typically addressed. Deputies said they are working to identify buyers who may have recently taken home puppies without the proper paperwork.
As animal control vehicles left the neighborhood Wednesday evening, deputies carried carriers down the driveway under porch lights. “These animals are receiving care and evaluations,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said in a written statement. A local veterinarian who reviewed intake notes said many puppies need basic treatments and time to stabilize. A neighbor said traffic to the home increased in recent months but quieted after the search.
By Thursday afternoon, officials were still processing veterinary findings and cataloging each animal. The sheriff’s office said more information on court dates and the dogs’ status will be released later this week.
Author note: Last updated January 20, 2026.