safety
Mission man accused of posing as vet, injecting dog for $150
By Alejandra Yañez at ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News
· June 18, 2026
· 1 min read
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man known as "Rick the Vet" was arrested almost six years after he was accused of posing as a veterinarian during the COVID-19 pandemic, records indicate. Ricardo Arispe Chavez, of Mission, was charged with violating veterinary regulations, a Class A misdemean...
Key takeaway Ricardo Arispe Chavez, of Mission, was charged with violating veterinary regulations, a Class A misdemeanor, according to Hidalgo County records.
Why this matters in The McAllen
The arrest of Ricardo Arispe Chavez, a Mission man accused of posing as a veterinarian, raises concerns about animal welfare and public protection in the Rio Grande Valley. This case, which dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the need for vigilance in ensuring that individuals providing medical care to animals are properly licensed and qualified. As the McAllen -Edinburg-Mission metro area continues to grow, it is crucial that local authorities prioritize enforcement of veterinary regulations to prevent similar incidents. The fact that Chavez was allegedly able to pose as a veterinarian for a significant period of time, charging pet owners for his services, underscores the importance of verifying credentials and reporting suspicious activity to the authorities. Residents in Hidalgo County should be aware of the risks associated with seeking medical care for their pets from unlicensed individuals and take steps to protect their animals and their community.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man known as "Rick the Vet" was arrested almost six years after he was accused of posing as a veterinarian during the COVID-19 pandemic, records indicate. Ricardo Arispe Chavez, of Mission, was charged with violating veterinary regulations, a Class A misdemean...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alejandra Yañez at ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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