Owner of Pet Daycare Business in Delray Beach Charged With Cruelty; Accused of Striking, Injuring Poodle

A miniature poodle named Cosmo, and his injuries allegedly caused by a pet daycare owner. (Photo: PBSO)

The owner of an animal daycare business in Delray Beach has been charged with animal cruelty after the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office began investigating reports that he had allegedly been mistreating dogs in his care. The investigation culminated in charges related to one such case involving a miniature poodle.

Jason Hershman, the owner of canine daycare facility Wanderlust Dogs on N. Congress Avenue in Delray Beach, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty, the office announced Wednesday. The investigation began after Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control (ACC) received multiple complaints from employees reporting that Hershman had a history of physically striking dogs, including a significant incident on May 8, 2025 involving a miniature poodle puppy named Cosmo, the statement said.

An investigation began and revealed that Cosmo was healthy immediately before being left alone with Hershman, after which staff heard a loud cry and found the puppy bleeding from the mouth, shaking, and unable to stand normally, according to the statement. Authorities said veterinary examinations conducted in the days following the incident documented a fractured premolar and a right-sided mandibular fracture requiring multiple surgeries.

A miniature poodle named Cosmo, and his injuries allegedly caused by a pet daycare owner. (Photo: PBSO)

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Both the treating veterinarian and a veterinary dental surgeon specialist independently concluded Cosmo’s injuries were caused by significant blunt force trauma.

The investigation findings determined that Cosmo “suffered severe and unnecessary pain” as a result of Hershman’s actions, according to PBSO. Hershman was taken into custody and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail. His photo was not yet available.