Following the death of multiple dogs who were left under the supervision of trainer Nikki Camerlengo, owner of Paws-a-tively Paradise located in Palm City, Florida, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating Camerlengo and her business. Below is an official statement from MCSO:

“The Martin County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division has received a third formal complaint about the suspicious and untimely death of another dog, this time a 2-year-old puppy, in the care of Nikki Camerlengo, owner of Paws-a-tively Paradise located in Palm City.

The death of the labradoodle-mix puppy comes after two prior complaints from customers who say they left their dogs in her care at that facility for either grooming, training, or boarding, and their dog died as well. In each case, the dog was under 5-years old.

MCSO has obtained the professional resources to complete necropsies on the dog in the most recent case, as well as one prior case, and will make a determination on potential criminal charges following the results of those necropsies as well as any witness information or evidence obtained during this investigation.

Last year, Martin County Sheriff’s Animal Services wrote six citations to the facility for various improper care issues. In addition, we have received unconfirmed information that there have been additional deaths that have gone unreported to law enforcement.

If you, or someone you know, used this facility and your/their pet was injured, became seriously ill, or died at the facility, or shortly after being returned back to the owner, we are asking that you call the Martin County Sheriff’s Office at 220-7060. These incidents cannot be investigated unless they are officially reported.”

Claims of neglect leading to death are also visible in a Yelp review posted in 2022. A screenshot is below.