Our Dr. Barbara Craig Surgical Mentorship Center opened on July 14, 2026, and now houses Operation Kindness Humane Society’s Veterinary Mentorship Program (VMP). This initiative was created in collaboration with Mission Pet Health designed to strengthen the future of veterinary medicine while expanding access to lifesaving care for pets.
After operating in the surgical center for just over a month, we are proud of all the work that has been accomplished in the new program.
A Month of Learning and Growth
In the first month of hosting the program in our new surgical center, 31 early-career veterinarians participated, completing 572 surgeries with guidance from Operation Kindness Humane Society mentors. Our lead veterinarians also performed 15 additional surgeries as hands-on demonstrations to teach early-career veterinarians key techniques and best practices for high-volume spay/neuter— bringing the program’s total to 587 surgeries in its first month. The pets spayed or neutered included animals from our shelter and our partner shelters, helping increase access to timely spay and neuter services throughout the community.
Free Dog Spay/Neuter Surgeries
Operation Kindness Humane Society also offers free spay/neuter services to dogs that are from certain ZIP codes in Dallas County or low-cost public spay/neuter for cats and dogs. To learn more and to schedule services, visit https://www.operationkindness.org/spay-neuter/.
Expanding Access Through Mentorship
The goal of our VMP is to help early-career veterinarians and fourth-year veterinary students receive hands-on surgical training. Our organization is committed to accessible, high-quality veterinary care for pets — whether in shelters or in homes. By pairing participants with experienced veterinary mentors, this program helps expand that access, ensuring more pets get the care they need.
Thanks to your support, our community programs are made possible. We look forward to updating you on all that we continue to achieve.
To learn more about the mentorship training program, visit operationkindness.org/vmp/.
