In 1998, Pawprints on the Heartland was founded with a vision to reduce pet overpopulation and prevent the suffering and death of thousands of animals in southeast Kansas by providing low-cost spay/neuter services.

Led by Mary Kay Caldwell, a small group came together to establish the organization’s mission, objectives, and goals. In 2000, Pawprints purchased a used mobile clinic van, making spay/neuter surgeries more affordable and accessible by bringing services directly to the community.

In 2004, a grant from Bob Barker funded a new van, which was used until 2020, when veterinarian shortages made mobile operations difficult. Today, Pawprints operates from a stationary clinic at 610 N. Joplin St., Pittsburg, KS, where two Kansas-licensed veterinarians continue to provide low-cost spay/neuter services. To date, over 93,000 surgeries have been performed, preventing the suffering of countless unwanted animals.

Pawprints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded through service fees and donations, with no government assistance.

In April 2023, Pawprints expanded its impact by opening a Cat Adoption Center, which has since placed over 700 cats in loving homes.