Lakeland, Florida – In a stunning turn of events for pet owners in Polk County, TLC PetSnip, Inc., a well-known nonprofit veterinary clinic, has abruptly canceled all scheduled surgical appointments and ceased scheduling new ones. This closure comes less than two months after the organization proudly announced reaching a milestone of 100,000 spay and neuter surgeries, leaving the local pet community in shock and seeking alternatives for their pet care needs.
The announcement of the clinic’s immediate operational halt was communicated to clients starting Monday, leaving many pet owners scrambling to reschedule crucial procedures. The organization, which has been a cornerstone for affordable spay and neuter services in the region, has not provided a timeline for resuming operations, creating uncertainty for the future of accessible pet care in Lakeland.
Dr. G. Robert Weedon, a key surgeon at TLC PetSnip, revealed in a public Facebook post that May 25th marked his last day with the clinic. His resignation was part of a larger exodus that included Lisa Gray, Director of Surgical Operations; Emily Lorenzano, Executive Director; Dr. Michele McCutcheon, Medical Director; and the entire board of directors. This mass departure signals significant internal challenges that have led to the clinic’s current crisis.
Dr. Weedon’s statement on Facebook paints a grim picture of the immediate future for TLC PetSnip. He highlighted that with the resignation of the Medical Director, the clinic loses its premises permit and DEA certificate, both essential for legal operation and for procuring necessary medications, including controlled substances. This regulatory and logistical fallout effectively forces the clinic to shut down, impacting not only the staff who are now facing job losses but also the countless pets and their owners who rely on TLC PetSnip’s services.
Despite the immediate closure, Dr. Weedon offered a glimmer of hope for the future. He expressed optimism that the team might regroup and rebuild a stronger, more effective organization in the future to serve the Polk County community. This sentiment suggests that the underlying mission of providing affordable pet care remains a priority for those who have departed TLC PetSnip.
TLC PetSnip had expanded its capacity significantly in recent years, notably with the opening of the Peyton Surgical Center in August 2022. This expansion allowed them to perform up to 300 surgeries weekly, alongside nearly 200 medical appointments, demonstrating their vital role in the local pet care ecosystem. The sudden cessation of these services creates a significant gap in access to affordable veterinary care in Lakeland and surrounding areas.
In communications with local news source LkldNow, Dr. Weedon attributed the staff exodus to conflicts with the organization’s founder, Terry Sandlak, and criticized the board’s decision to resign rather than address these issues. He viewed the board’s resignation as a failure to uphold their responsibilities and to challenge the founder, implying that internal governance issues played a critical role in the clinic’s downfall.
While Terry Sandlak has not yet responded to requests for comment, a staff meeting was scheduled, indicating ongoing internal discussions to address the crisis. The critical issues of regaining the premises permit and DEA certificate will undoubtedly be central to any efforts to revive TLC PetSnip’s operations.
Dr. Tsuyoshi Watanabe, another surgeon at TLC PetSnip, expressed his limited involvement in the operational aspects as a relief veterinarian. He offered support to the organization but clarified that he could not assume the responsibilities of a ‘responsible veterinarian’ by allowing TLC PetSnip to use his DEA certificate, further complicating the clinic’s path to reopening. Dr. Adrian Knowles, the newest surgeon listed, could not be reached for comment, and neither could the other departing leaders, Gray, Lorenzano, and McCutcheon.
The closure of TLC Pet Snip represents a significant setback for pet welfare in Lakeland. The community now faces reduced access to affordable spay and neuter services, potentially impacting pet overpopulation efforts and responsible pet ownership in the region. As the situation unfolds, pet owners are advised to seek alternative veterinary services and stay informed about any potential developments regarding the future of TLC Pet Snip and similar pet care resources in Polk County.
