Kwane Stewart, a California veterinarian, is helping homeless pets in need of medical care and dispelling the stigma against homeless pet guardians.
Known as the “Street Vet,” Stewart started treating dogs and cats on the streets of California after the 2008 financial crisis hit, which forced a number of people and pets into homelessness.
“Modesto got hit especially hard,” he told CNN. “It was ground zero for California as far as job loss and home loss, and people were just dumping their pets in shelters.”
“That was the moment for me career-wise that was enlightening,” Stewart continued. “Up until then, I’d been practicing high-end medicine for clients who could pay for everything.”
Rather than continue practicing as the county veterinarian for Stanislaus County in Modesto, Calif., the “Street Vet” set up a soup kitchen in 2011 and offered free pet check-ups to passersby.
“There was something about it that I loved,” he recounts. “I did it one more time before I decided to just take it to the street and walk to homeless people instead of waiting for them to walk up to me.”
The generous vet covers simple procedures and medications out-of-pocket, while raising money for more costly care like major surgeries through GoFundMe. In the nine years that he has been running his selfless operation, he has treated about 400 animals.
Stewart’s ambitions remind us that animals are a part of America’s growing homelessness crisis, and we must take a multifaceted and cooperative approach to defeating this complex issue.

Dr. Kwane Stewart, Your generosity & the compassion you have shown towards these most vulnerable People of the society & their beloved companion Animals are PRICELESS & ANGELIC. I am sure that one day, YOU WILL HAVE A ‘VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN HEAVEN’.
A very big thank you!
Dr. Stewart..A MILLION THANKS for everything you do 🙂
TO: DR. KWAYNE STEWART-THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY & COMPASSION IN CARING FOR PETS THAT ARE HOMELESS WITH THEIR OWNERS. YOU ATE TERRIFIC & A SAINT IN OUR VERY TROUBLING TIMES FOR ALL OF THOSE YOU HELP.
Kudos to Kwane Stewart, helping to restore these people’s best friend and helping the owners at the same time.
I’m falling in love with Dr. Stewart
I’m falling in love with Dr. Stewart
We need more Angels like him.
Thank you for what your organization does for the ones who have no voice and for bringing these issue to light!
Thank you, Dr. Stewart, for caring for these cats and dogs, and their people.
The homeless cat and dog owners I met in Tucson made sure their pets ate before they did.
Very humbling and a little sad. Those sweet animals were all these people had, and really cared for.
And their pets cared for them. Shows you what’s really important in life.
Hats off for Kwane Stewart!
This is such a heartwarming story please keep sharing more of these where folks are making a difference and demonstrating kindess and caring.
ALL VETS SHOULD DO THIS.
That veterinarian deserves a place in Heaven for helping homeless animals 😢
Så fint
We always think the the world is full of horrible people but the world is full of truly kind, loving people too Like this unselfish, humble man.
I am Soo happy that both dogs get great homes.thrre should be more caring people to help all animals
This is America, people
GOD bless all humans that helps animals! They are angels!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your compassion and reverence for life!!!!! You are a very generous man!!!!
fanstastic vet ! a real human being , bravo
May god forever bless this kind man
La bonté est doublée quand on y joint la promptitude!
Merci à ce grand Monsieur!
What a hero! 🐱🐾🐕
Whst a beautiful man. 🐶🐕🐾👨🐾
Please help to fund the street vet. His money won’t last forever. Just a few dollars will help.
The cost of one latte a week – a small sacrifice – can do so much to help in so many ways.
What an amazing human being!
This man is making the angels sing with joy for his beautiful loving heart and helping those in need who are virtually unable to help themselves.What a perfect example to all of us. May God truly bless you well!
Thank you for caring about homeless pets and their owners.
Thank you kind sir may the universe and god bring many good and plentiful things into your life. To is so rewarding to finally read something so kind as this
True.=)
Thank you kind sir may the universe and god bring many good and plentiful things into your life. To is so rewarding to finally read something so kind as this
This article brings me to tears…tears of joy. An angel walks among us helping the companions of those who love them. This man is an example of true kindness without the expectation of recognition nor compensation. May others in his position follow.
An angel here on earth. Dr. Stewart, thank you with all my heart. Bless you. <3
He will be rewarded for his kindness. Wish there were more like him.