Roughly midway into his career, veterinarian Kwane Stewart faced the difficult decision of whether or not to continue practicing in his field.
Working as a shelter vet proved to be more emotionally draining than he imagined, particularly due to the euthanasia rates.
Hoping for a sign that would reignite his passion, Stewart stumbled upon a homeless man who needed help treating his dog. On a whim, the doctor walked over to assist.
Roughly a week later, he ran into the pair again, this time with the animal showing significant health improvement.
“The dog was transformed and the man with tears in his eyes said ‘Thank you for not ignoring me,'” Stewart told WABE. “In that moment, I realized there was something much bigger than me happening. It was almost a calling.”
Thirteen years later, the calling has transformed into Project Street Vet — a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering veterinary care and resources for the pets of unhoused.
Founded by Stewart in 2020, Project Street Vet has grown to become a pillar of assistance to thousands of poverty-stricken pet owners, with hubs in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orlando and Atlanta.
According to a recent press release, the organization has treated more than 2,500 pets and raised more than $775,000 to benefit animals in need.
The San Diego-based Stewart will travel to various stops throughout metro Atlanta on Wednesday to offer free care, vaccinations, food and additional supplies to pet owners in need.
Traveling alongside Stewart is Dr. Kristen Schmidt, an Atlanta-based veterinarian who launched the Georgia offices in 2022.
“The care that we’re giving on the streets … it’s, for the most part, basic wellness care,” Stewart said. “We’re addressing things like allergies and ear infections. These are basic ailments that, if left untreated, can really impact the [pet’s] health.”
Stewart — who was named a 2023 CNN Hero of the Year for his work with Project Street Vet — says there was an increase in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic but there are still a limited number of veterinarians available to provide assistance, epecially to those who are less fortunate.
“Average middle-class homes in income wait two to three weeks to get their dogs seen for something like an ear infection. So you can imagine that trickle down effect to people who don’t have resources,” he said.
Stewart does note, however, that what most homeless people cannot offer their pets in resources, they make up for with support and love.
“I think when we’re driving by in our car and we someone on the street with their pets, oftentimes [we think] ‘Poor pet. I feel sorry for the pets. I wish I could take that dog and put it in a better home or a better situation’ … so many times that pet is receiving more love, more attention than any average dog in any average home,” Stewart said.
“They love each other. They look out for each other. And really, all the dog wants is to be with their person,” he added.
Doctors Stewart and Schmidt are scheduled to be at the following locations on Wednesday:
- 10:00 a.m. ET at 1599 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317 (behind the Planet Fitness)
- 10:45 a.m. ET at 1168 Ira St SW, Unit 2, Atlanta, GA 30310
- 2:30 p.m. ET at 5395 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross, GA 30092
- 3:00 p.m. ET at 200 Lawrenceville St NW, Norcross, GA 30071
- 4:15 p.m. ET on streets at 1375 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
