Project Street Vet

SPECIAL MESSAGE: All donations made to Project Street Vet from October 1 to December 31, 2024, will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Fetch Pet Insurance up to $50,500. Learn more here.

Want to join me in making a difference in the lives of pets and people? I'm Dr. Kwane Stewart, and I've been a veterinarian for over 20 years. For the past decade, I've been passionately motivated to impact the lives of pets and people experiencing homelessness. When I have spare time or if I happen to be driving home and see a pet and owner in need, I offer some assistance. A quick check-up for the pet, maybe some medication or food...it isn't a lot but sometimes giving a little can make all the difference.

Read about Dr. Kwane on CNN.com here.

During my time volunteering on the streets, I've experienced some of the most genuine stories of love, compassion, struggle, and hope, and learned a lot along the way. For example, it is estimated that anywhere from 10 to 25 percent of people experiencing homelessness have a pet.

This work has been life-changing and truly inspiring, but has also come with many challenges. Some of the pets I come across need treatment, sometimes life-saving treatment, that can be very costly and it's hard to say no to a pet that’s truly in need. That is why I started this GoFundMe Campaign and more recently a non-profit organization called Project Street Vet.

Project Street Vet (EIN 85-1158446) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that provides free veterinary care, treatment, and support to the pets of individuals experiencing homelessness and/or housing vulnerability. Project Street Vet is committed to protecting the human-animal bond that is so vital to the livelihood of not only these pets, but to the people who love them too. Leading with compassion, kindness, and no judgements, we will seek out and assist the pets and people who need it the most.

Our work is carried out mainly through “Street Vet Work,” free pet clinics, and financial assistance. During our Street Vet Work, volunteer veterinary teams provide direct vet-to-pet services by walking city streets to identify individuals experiencing homelessness with pets. Once identified, free exams, vaccines, flea meds, supplies, and more are offered and information is gathered for follow-ups and additional care. Thanks to our supporters, care and supplies are provided by Project Street Vet at no cost to pet parents.

In addition to Street Vet Work, Project Street Vet partners with organizations serving people experiencing homelessness to host free pet clinics. During clinics, volunteer veterinary teams provide vaccines, supplies, and minor care, while establishing relationships with pet parents for follow-ups. We are grateful to have hosted clinics in partnership with amazing groups such as Hope of the Valley Tiny Homes and San Diego Alpha Project and are always looking for new opportunities to service more pets and their people.

Lastly, Project Street Vet assists qualified pet parents with their pet’s veterinary care through financial assistance grants. Whether they are a pet parent we have seen in the past or a new referral, Project Street Vet staff work directly with pet parents to understand what a pet needs and potentially fund for treatments directly to partner veterinary hospitals. Financial assistance is typically provided for minor care such as vaccines, spay/neuter, and various medications, although it could be something more in-depth like a dental or emergency procedure.

Since Project Street Vet was founded in 2020, we have provided our services mainly in California, with focus on San Diego and Los Angeles. Our goal is to form Project Street Vet Teams in other cities of need throughout the United States, which will only be possible through public support of our mission.

All donations made through this GoFundMe or on our website will support Project Street Vet’s mission and help to provide care, resources, and services to pets and the people who love them. We will be giving updates on the pets and people we continue to meet, and I hope everyone can see how your kindness can make a difference.

For more updates, you can follow us on Instagram @drkwane and @thestreetvet, on Facebook as Project Street Vet and Dr. Kwane Stewart , and Twitter @thestreetvet and @DrKwane. Thank you so much, and please know how appreciative we are of your support.

No judgment. Just help. Together, we can create change!