( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Dr. Kwane Stewart Provides Free Veterinary Care to Pets of People Experiencing Homelessness
Dr. Kwane Stewart is a beacon of hope for pets and their owners facing homelessness. He is the founder of Project Street Vet, which started in 2020, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free veterinary care for pets of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness through street vet work, free pet clinics, and financial assistance. In 2020, Dr. Kwane and the Project Street Vet team treated over 2,500 vulnerable street pets, recruited over 100 volunteers, and partnered with 120 community organizations, hospitals, and clinics to serve pets nationwide. The nonprofit is sponsored by Fetch Pet Insurance, of which he is a founding member of the Fetch Pet Insurance Advisory Board. In 2023, Dr. Stewart was awarded the CNN Hero of the Year award. He has significantly impacted the lives of countless animals and their human companions.
Dr. Stewart practiced veterinary medicine in California for twenty-seven-plus years—his passion and empathy for affordable pet healthcare. For over a decade, Dr. Stewart provided free veterinary services to pets to individuals experiencing homelessness across California before establishing Project Street Vet in 2020. He is a member of Colorado State University’s veterinary program and was an associate and emergency clinician in San Diego. In addition, Dr. Stewart became the Chief Medical Officer of Vetco Hospitals, Inc. Other accolades include his service as Chief Veterinary Officer at American Humane for six years, as Chief Veterinary Officer at Kismet, and as the Chief Medical Officer of Holistapet. Lastly, Dr. Stewart directed the “No Animals Were Harmed®” program, which covers more than 100,000 animals annually on global TV and TV sets.
Dr. Stewart shares his inspiration for starting Project Street Vet and his approach to caring for animals, including the rewards and challenges of that experience. He also discusses other forms of support for pets and their homeless companions. He explains Project Street Vet’s partnerships and how they all contribute to his mission for pets and homelessness.
What inspired you to start Project Street Vet, and how has your experience as a shelter veterinarian shaped your approach to caring for animals?
A moving experience outside of 7-11 about 13 years ago was my first encounter with an unhoused man and his dog. I approached them after noticing a severe skin condition from afar. I offered my help, all five minutes of my time, and $3 out of my pocket…then ran into the dog and man 12 days later, and she was transformed and happy. With tears in his eyes, the man just said thank you for not ignoring me. That was day one of ‘The Street Vet.’ My experience as a shelter vet certainly gave me a better understanding of the needs of those who love their animals but struggle to provide them with care.
Since 2020, Project Street Vet has treated over 2,500 vulnerable street pets. Can you share some of the most rewarding and challenging experiences you’ve had while working with this population?
I’ve had so many of both. The reward is always seeing the gratitude from the owners and helping take an animal out of suffering or pain or just knowing they are better protected from disease or parasites. I recall being in the right moment at the right time when a pregnant chihuahua was within hours of dying because she could not deliver her babies. I rushed her to the hospital and performed the c-section myself and saved her. That feeling endures a lifetime. The challenge is witnessing the hurt and struggles of the people. It does wear on me at times. I always wish I could do more or find ways to fix this broken system. Instead, I remind myself to do what I can and keep pushing forward.
Beyond veterinary care, what other forms of support do you believe are crucial for pets and their homeless companions?
Housing is number one, but beyond that, a pathway to employment and purpose. Many of these people have our goals and dreams; they’re motivated and want a better life. But often, they are held back because something as simple as lousy credit crushes their chances to get housing, or they get caught up in a system (parking tickets, police record) that makes it so difficult to qualify for a job. As I have heard many times, it is hard to stop once the fall begins. We can create a better support network to get them back on their feet instead of holding them back. A better life for them would mean a better life for their pet companion.
Project Street Vet has partnered with nearly 120 community organizations. How do these partnerships contribute to your mission of providing accessible veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness?
PSV relies on our collaborative partnerships with various organizations to provide veterinary care to those we serve. From homeless service organizations to veterinary hospitals to animal rescues, we lean into these partnerships to reach pet families experiencing homelessness and provide the direct care and support they need. We are grateful for all the organizations we have worked with for partnering with PSV and the fantastic services they provide for their communities.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for Project Street Vet’s future? How can people get involved in supporting your organization?
PSV strives to empower more veterinary teams to deliver professional, non-judgemental medical care & support to pet families experiencing homelessness and housing vulnerability. Our vision is to create a world where veterinary care is accessible to every pet family. We are working through mapping out our long-term strategic plan, and in the meantime, we look forward to engaging with more veterinarians interested in pursuing this cause. Anyone can support Project Street Vet! We are grateful to our Title Sponsor, Fetch Pet Insurance, for their tremendous support in helping us grow since 2022. Thankful for all the donations to the organization, monetarily and through donated items, signing up to volunteer, subscribing to our newsletters, or simply spreading the word about our work to friends, family, and social media. Those interested can learn more about supporting Project Street Vet on our website www.projectstreetvet.org.
Fetch Pet Insurance has assisted in expanding Project Street Vet’s treatment for pets in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Diego, Santa Cruz, and Orlando. A television documentary series called “The Street Vet” Chronicles (2022), in which Dr. Stewart works with Project Street Vet to help pets and their owners on the streets of California. Project Street Vethas has raised more than 2.6 million dollars to date. Big companies such as Disney, United Airlines, and SeaWorld have sought his expertise on animal care standards.
Dr. Stewart continues expanding Project Street Vet’s reach, offering care and hope to pets and their human companions facing challenging circumstances nationwide. His dedication to animal welfare is an inspiration. Follow Dr. Strewart’s efforts on social media, such as Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook. To support Project Street Vet’s mission and help bring more services to vulnerable pet communities, please visit www.projectstreetvet.org and follow Project Street Vet on Instagram.
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