- Mission Pet Health and Operation Kindness have opened a dedicated surgical mentorship center at Operation Kindness Humane Society in Carrollton, Texas.
- More than 450 early-career veterinarians are expected to complete surgical rotations through the program between 2026 and 2027.
- The initiative is projected to perform 8,000 to 10,000 spay and neuter procedures annually for dogs and cats in North Texas.
- Participants receive hands-on training in surgery, anesthesia, patient safety, and complication management under experienced veterinary mentors.
- The partners say the model strengthens veterinary workforce development while expanding access to essential surgical care for shelter animals.
Mission Pet Health and Operation Kindness Humane Society have launched a new surgical mentorship program designed to strengthen early-career veterinary training while increasing access to spay and neuter services for shelter pets across North Texas.
The program officially opened July 14 in a dedicated surgical training facility located at Operation Kindness in Carrollton, Texas. The center has already welcomed its first group of veterinarians, marking the start of a collaboration focused on clinical education and community service.
Hands-on surgical training
The mentorship program provides newly graduated veterinarians with supervised experience in high-volume surgery under the guidance of experienced mentors. Participants receive training in surgical techniques, anesthesia, patient safety, and complication management with the goal of building both technical proficiency and clinical confidence.
According to Mission Pet Health, more than 450 early-career veterinarians from across its network will rotate through the facility during 2026 and 2027.
“Our partnership with Operation Kindness is more than a mentorship program; it’s a commitment to advancing surgical excellence while expanding access to surgical care for thousands of animals in need,” said Dr. Dan Markwalder, chief veterinary officer of Mission Pet Health.
Expanding access to shelter veterinary care
Beyond workforce development, the partnership is expected to significantly expand access to preventive surgical care for companion animals.
Mission Pet Health and Operation Kindness estimate the program will perform between 8,000 and 10,000 spay and neuter procedures each year. The organizations say the additional capacity will help reduce pet overpopulation, improve animal welfare, ease pressure on local shelters, and provide care for animals that might otherwise go untreated.
Mission Pet Health CEO Dr. Jay Price said the initiative benefits both veterinary professionals and the communities they serve by pairing advanced clinical training with high-impact shelter medicine.
A model for future partnerships
Operation Kindness leaders believe the collaboration could serve as a blueprint for similar programs nationwide.
“We want to be a true community resource,” said Ed Jamison, president and CEO of Operation Kindness Humane Society. “This surgical center allows us to continue providing the essential veterinary care pets need while creating hands-on training opportunities for the next generation of veterinarians.”
The organizations say they expect the program to continue expanding its impact by preparing future veterinarians while increasing access to essential surgical services for companion animals.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
