Operation Kindness Humane Society and Mission Pet Health celebrated the grand opening of the new Dr. Barbara Craig Surgical Mentorship Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 14, 2026.
The new surgical center provides the next generation of veterinarians in North Texas and from across the country, with the tools, resources and relationships to thrive in an industry that is in desperate need of more compassionate, animal caregivers.
A landmark study, published in the Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health, detailed a severe veterinary workforce shortage that has severely crippled animal shelters and access-to-care clinics nationwide. The study found that 73% of animal sheltering organizations and 72% of access-to-care clinics reported being short-staffed. When animal care medical facilities can’t operate with a full staff, it often leads to longer wait times for appointments that can potentially lead to a backlog of animals needing medical support. The new center is a stepping stone to help fill the gap. By offering increased training opportunities, more veterinary professionals can reach more communities and pets.
“This partnership represents the very best of what veterinary medicine can accomplish when a non-profit organization and veterinary care company come together,” said Dr. Dan Markwalder, Chief Veterinary Officer of Mission Pet Health. “Every surgery performed through this surgical mentorship center strengthens a new veterinarian’s confidence while helping reduce pet overpopulation and improving animal welfare across our communities. It’s an investment in both the future of our profession and the lives of animals we serve.”
The program allows new vets from Mission Pet Health to obtain more in-depth training led by Operation Kindness Humane Society professionals. This includes learning complex surgical techniques, applying best industry practices in real-world settings and nurturing relationships in the field.
“We want to be a true community resource,” said Ed Jamison, President and CEO of Operation Kindness Humane Society. “This program allows us to continue providing the essential veterinary care pets need while creating hands-on training opportunities for the next generation of veterinarians. We believe this innovative partnership can serve as a model for communities across the country. And as our impact grows nationally, our heart will always be in Dallas.”
To learn more about the mentorship training program, visit operationkindness.org/vmp/
