Dr. Kwane Stewart

“Change doesn’t always look big. Sometimes small and simple can be seismic.”

A graduate from the renowned Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences school at Colorado State University, Dr. Kwane Stewart has practiced veterinary medicine in California for nearly 30 years. His work has spanned nearly every aspect of the profession, honing his clinical and business expertise. But “Dr. Kwane’s” true calling took him to serve the human-animal bond where it was needed most — on the streets.

It started more than a decade ago during a five-year tenure as a shelter veterinarian in a struggling, depressed area of California. Dr. Kwane encountered a houseless pet parent and offered his beloved dog treatment on the spot. His own work had informed a deeper understanding of pet parents struggling to afford veterinary care for their pets. People experiencing homelessness would often sacrifice everything to care for their precious companions.

Over the past 10 years, Dr. Kwane has quietly volunteered his time traveling city streets across California, giving free veterinary services to the pets of individuals experiencing homelessness.

When he comes across a pet parent in need, he offers immediate help, such as a quick check-up for the pet, or medication or food. These small efforts, he says, make a big difference.

During his time volunteering, Dr. Kwane experienced some of the most genuine stories of love, compassion, struggle, and hope. He discovered that an estimated 10%-25% of people experiencing homelessness have pets. Some of the pets he came across needed lifesaving, costly care, and found it so hard to tell a pet parent, “no” when a pet was truly in need. The impact on own perspective was life-changing and inspiring but not without many challenges. It’s why he launched Project Street Vet — to shine a light on these stories and encourage others to give back a little, too.

Dr. Kwane estimates he cared for more than 1,000 pets through volunteer work prior to 2020, even before forming Project Street Vet. Today, he continues to lead the mission with his inspirational message of “no judgment, just help,” and joined the Board of PetSmart Charities to further contribute to building accessible care for families in need.

In 2023, Dr. Stewart was named CNN Hero of the Year to recognize the incredible impact his work has had on pets and people.
 

Mission Moments

with Dr. Kwane Stewart

Why do you think pets are important in the lives of people? 

A multitude of reasons. I will say my observation providing vet care to the unhoused population has shown me that pets have become a lifeline to many, providing hope, companionship, purpose and love at an extremely high level. 

What makes you most excited about working with PetSmart Charities? 

The opportunity to give back to worthy causes and explore progressive ways to provide affordable access to care for more pet families. 

What one stigma about pet parenting you wish would end? 

That you need to be in a traditional home to be a worthy and good pet parent.