Plano is home to a veterinary hospital unlike any other: Mazie’s Mission, the only clinic in the nation dedicated entirely to rescue animals. In partnership with more than 350 rescue groups, the nonprofit provides affordable, high-quality care to some of the most vulnerable pets.
Founded by Dr. Erin Shults in 2009, Mazie’s Mission has continued to grow, and in January, it moved into a larger facility to better meet the ambitious needs of the rescue community.
A Lifesaving Mission
Dr. Erin Shults, a Texas A&M Veterinary School alum, was compelled to help Texas animals after volunteering during a massive puppy mill raid in Kaufman in 2009. What she witnessed changed her forever.
“More than 550 dogs living in cramped, filthy conditions, being forced to pump out litter after litter of puppies to be sold to pet stores. Some of them were so ill, they had to be euthanized without even leaving the property,” Dr. Shults told Local Profile. “Part of me stayed on that property, even after leaving and I knew I had to do something.”
That something became Mazie’s Mission, named after her first shelter dog, which started by rescuing medically needy animals. She soon realized that many rescues were forced to say “no” to animals needing urgent medical care because of cost. “We wanted to help rescues say ‘yes,’” Dr. Shults said.
Mazie’s Mission may look like a typical vet clinic on the surface, but it operates on an entirely different model.
“Rather than serving individual pet owners, we partner exclusively with other nonprofit organizations that share our goal: saving as many animal lives as possible,” Dr. Shults said.
Mazie’s offers a scale for treatment costs, creating tailored, no-frill plans without compromising quality. Their approach means rescues can help more animals and stretch their limited budgets further.
A New Facility, a Bigger Impact
Mazie’s Mission’s move to a new facility in January expanded its capacity to serve more rescue animals. The upgraded treatment area now includes three wet tables with overhead exam lighting, allowing staff to care for multiple animals simultaneously. A dedicated cat room, located in a quieter part of the clinic, was added to reduce stress for feline patients. Other improvements include an additional exam room, six spacious kennel runs for extended stays and various upgrades designed to enhance both care and comfort.
The new space also allows for more animals to be treated. Rescues often can’t afford life-saving hospitalization. Mazie’s Mission makes it happen anyway.
“One of the most in-demand and life-saving services we provide is hospitalization,” said Dr. Shults. “While traditional hospitals often charge over $1,000 per day… we provide these essential services at an average cost of just $150 to $175 per day.”
They’ve also partnered with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon to offer specialty surgeries in-house.
Offering discounted services for veterans and first responders is another key part of Mazie’s Mission’s commitment to the community. Recognizing that rising veterinary costs impact all pet owners, the nonprofit extends support to those who serve with dedication and compassion.
“By offering them discounted services, we aim to support those who selflessly help others — because what better way to give back than by caring for the animals they love,” Dr. Shults said.
Fighting Cruelty with Veterinary Forensics
Dr. Shults also brings a unique skillset to Mazie’s Mission: veterinary forensic science. According to Dr. Shults, forensic medicine plays a critical role in animal cruelty investigations. While most veterinarians rarely perform necropsies, and typically do so only to determine natural causes of death, Dr. Shults’s Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Forensic Sciences equips her to conduct detailed necropsies focused specifically on identifying signs of abuse.
“This enables us to provide detailed, evidence-based reports to law enforcement, helping to hold perpetrators accountable,” Dr. Shults explained. “I am deeply committed to ongoing education in this specialized field and maintain active membership with the International Veterinary Forensic Science Association to stay at the forefront of best practices.”
How To Get Involved
The organization is one of 300 animal nonprofits taking part in North Texas Gives to Animals, a campaign from Communities Foundation of Texas running through May 31 on NorthTexasGivingDay.org. The initiative includes $100,000 in matching funds to support local groups like Mazie’s.
If donations are not possible, there are plenty of other ways to be involved with Mazie’s Mission.
“We’re always looking for passionate volunteers and fosters — no job is too small,” Dr. Shults said. “Whether it’s walking dogs at adoption events, doing laundry at the clinic, designing graphics, writing grants or stepping into a leadership role, there’s a place for everyone on our team. We truly need you.”
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