Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Shults.
Erin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I volunteered my veterinary services at a puppy mill raid in 2009 for Collin County. Even though I had been in practice for 11 years at that time, I did not realize how bad the overpopulation secondary to puppy mills actually was. I saw over 500 animals suffering due to a human’s hand and vowed to devote my life to ending this horror.
I founded Mazie’s Mission in 2010 and with dedicated volunteers, started finding very injured or ill animals in shelters, placing them in foster homes and healing them of their problems. When they were healthy, we found them loving homes.
In 2014, we opened the first ever veterinary hospital in the nation that only services other animals non-profits (i.e. rescue groups) and municipal shelters. We currently offer exceptional veterinary care at a fraction of the cost, allowing these organizations to save more animals. We hope this will reduce the euthanasia rate.
We also began several outreach programs: Mazie’s on Wheels that offers free veterinary care to the animals owned by seniors in the Meals on Wheels program in Collin County; and Hope’s Door Program where we offer 90 days of free boarding to any animal in a domestic violence situation as long as their owner is in Hope’s Door facility.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We have had many obstacles along the way. Funding has not been easy and we have the same expenses as a private veterinary practice. It was quite difficult to find a location that was cost- effective for us and we have already grown out of our current building.
We are also looking to expand to a larger hospital so we can care for more animals, but the land has been very difficult to find that is priced right for a non-profit.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mazie’s Mission – what should we know?
We are the ONLY non-profit veterinary hospital that only services other non-profits and municipal shelters. We are full service, meaning we have the same capabilities as a private practice such as digital radiology, in-house laboratory, surgery (including orthopedics) and hospitalization. We are very well known all over North Texas for our exceptional veterinary care of homeless animals.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My father has always been my biggest advocate. He has worked side by side with me since I approached him with my idea and he has to help me make my dream come true.
I have an amazing staff: we started with volunteers and I have grown to be able to employ several people and they are probably the biggest reason we are able to help so many animals.
My husband is extremely supportive and allows me to work crazy hours while always volunteering at every Mazie’s event. He helps keep our 6 kids and house in check even though he works over 50 hours a week as a police officer.
And last but not least, my children. They supported over 50 foster animals coming through our house and never complained about spending their weekends at adoption events or the hospital.
Contact Info:
- Address: 307 Main Street Ste 135 Frisco, TX 75034
- Website: www.maziesmission.org
- Phone: 214-436-4591
- Email: vet-care@maziesmission.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/maziesmission1
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/maziesmission
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/maziesmission
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