Hero Veterinarian Gives Judgment-Free Care for the Pets of Those Experiencing Homelessness

Dr. Kwane Stewart began an outreach program on the street over a decade ago, and it has been his personal mission to offer judgment-free veterinary care for the pets of those experiencing homelessness.

Source: NowThis News/Youtube

Stewart is a veterinarian who founded the nonprofit Project Street Vet, which provides medical care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.

“It was my way to heal,” said Stewart. “Maybe some of it was guilt. Maybe some of it was I just wanted my own little crusade.”

CNN reported that Stewart spend several years working in a county animal shelter in Northern California when he thought about quitting. He had dreamed of saving animals but was being forced to euthanize an increasing number of animals that were being surrendered.

“It was the recession. I’m seeing hordes of unwanted pets dropped off, people who don’t have the money to feed them or care for them medically,” Stewart said. “It started to steal a part of my soul. I thought about leaving the veterinary profession altogether.”

Stewart worked to help lower the euthanasia rate at the shelter and increase adoption rates, but they were struggling with the number of animals that were being dropped off. Then, it all changed when one morning, he stopped to examine the dog of a homeless man outside a 7-11 where he got his coffee.

“I’d seen this guy before and ignored him. Regrettably, just walked by him,” Stewart said. “And on this day, I just broke pattern because I noticed his dog had some sort of serious skin condition.”

Stewart diagnosed the dog and treated him and this moment changed Stewart’s life. The man thanked him for not ignoring him and this is what snowballed Stewart’s next journey in life.

“That was the moment I said to myself, ‘I’m going to do more of this. I’m going to get back to saving animals on my terms. And I’m going to do it for passion, not for pay.’”

He began to do more outreach and set up small drop-in clinics to provide medical care to pets whose humans could not afford it. He walked the streets looking for unhoused people whose pets needed help. He was instantly struck by how much they cared for their animals.

“They’re with each other 24/7 hours a day. Their bond and relationship is on a different level,” Stewart said. “Because they’re not in a traditional home, it doesn’t necessarily make them less of a pet parent. A pet doesn’t care about nice furniture and a big home, they want to spend it with you.”

Many of them wanted to share stories about their animals and their history together so with their permission, Stewart’s brother, Ian began to document some of the work and stories to raise awareness about animal welfare and homelessness.

“They probably get criticized more than anything, especially from people in the outside world. But I’ve seen people give up their last meal for their pet and people who have $3 to their name, and after I’m done with the treatment, they will try and give me that $3,” Stewart said.

Now, Stewart’s mission is spreading across the country.

“I’m building a network of trusted volunteers, technicians with hospitals and clinics we can call on. These are all people who just reached out and said, ‘I’m inspired by what you do. How do I do it?’”

His all-volunteer-based Project Street Vet is expanding and his volunteer teams have treated thousands of animals on the streets.

“I will say this about the people I’ve met who have pets on the streets,” he said. “They are some of the most remarkable pet parents I’ve ever met.”

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