Paws, Purpose, & Passion
TCAP’s Mission to Make Pet Care Affordable for All
Stacey Schumacher feels called to protect dogs and cats from the worst possible scenarios. So, after serving as a volunteer for various East Texas animal rescue organizations in the late 1990s, it was fitting she would start a non-profit organization after moving to North Texas.
Finding the commute between Denton and Irving a long one for a job in human resources at Verizon, she left corporate America to launch the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) in 2002. TCAP provides low-cost basic wellness care including immunizations and sterilizations.
“I definitely saw a need in the North Texas area,” said Schumacher. “People love their animals, but there were not a lot of services offered at a low cost.”
Since opening the initial location in Denton, TCAP has added seven others – Allen, Arlington, Fort Worth, Garland, Hurst, Joshua, and Weatherford.
“Our mission is to impact euthanasia throughout North Texas animal shelters by providing great services at a fraction of the cost,” she said. “This includes people who can’t afford care at full-service vet facilities, but we don’t need to require a qualification process to visit TCAP.”
TCAP employs over 70 dedicated staff members and utilizes the services of about 25 contract veterinarians. While there are other organizations that offer similar services, Schumacher believes TCAP’s convenience, price point, and passionate staff set it apart.
“In the past 20 years, more low cost providers have come to North Texas,” she said. “Our mission as a non-profit is a little different. We actively work to keep costs very low so that we can extend accessibility to all.”
For example, a rabies vaccine at TCAP is only $5, while a complete set of core vaccines runs $25. Spays and neuters average $35-$65, depending on the animal and size. TCAP also offers low-cost dental cleanings for cats and dogs less than 10 years old. Most of TCAP’s prices have remained unchanged for nearly 20 years.
“One of the best ways to keep pets out of animal shelters is to make owning a pet more affordable,” Schumacher said. “Our mission is not to provide full-service vet care. It’s not to replace full-service clinics. Our goal is to be a helpmate and community partner. We enable access to basic wellness services. If a pet requires more care, then we can refer them to a number of friendly full-service clinics based on where they live.”
TCAP often partners with animal shelters and animal rescue organizations to prepare animals for adoption, also at a lower cost.
“This year alone, we will provide more than 70,000 spays and neuters throughout North Texas,” Schumacher said. “We’re very proud of the work that we do. We’re proud not only of the staff, but the contractors we work with. They work every day to make things better for people and pets.”
TCAP’s Denton clinic provides walk-in vaccines Monday through Thursday mornings and Thursday evenings. Appointments are available during the week for spays, neuters, and dental cleanings.
“It is our pleasure to serve our North Texas community,” Schumacher said. “By joining the TCAP community as a client or donor, pet owners contribute to making pet ownership more affordable in the area. We strive each day for excellent patient care and customer service. Our goal is to improve each day.”
On weekends, TCAP hosts walk-in vaccine events at off-site shelters, businesses, and clinics.
“We know that not everyone can make it to a clinic during the week. Our weekend clinics provide an alternative. Pet owners can get their pet’s vaccinations, heartworm tests, microchips, heartworm prevention, flea prevention, and more.”
Get more info at TexasForThem.org.
