A graduate from the renowned Colorado State University Veterinary program, Dr. Kwane has been a California practicing vet for 22 years. He has worked in nearly every part of the profession – honing his clinical and business expertise.
His journey started in ’97 as an associate and emergency clinician in San Diego. From there he climbed the ranks quickly, becoming the Chief Medical Officer of Vetco Hospitals, Inc. Later he would take the reins of a struggling municipal shelter as County Veterinarian and reverse one of the worst euthanasia rates in the country. Most recently, he completed a six year stint as the Chief Veterinary Officer of American Humane, and Director of their legacy program, No Animals Were Harmed®, protecting over 100,000 animals every year around the globe on film and TV sets. Today he serves as the Chief Medical Officer and head Veterinarian for Papaya Pet Care.
He has been sought for his expertise by many media outlets and major companies – including Disney, United Airlines and Sea World – for guidance to improve their animal care standards. He is known for his outspoken, compassionate, charismatic and genuine nature.
Today, his career has evolved into another new journey. His true calling…helping pets and people in need.
Many years ago, during a five-year tenure as a Shelter Veterinarian in a struggling, depressed area of California, Dr. Kwane began to form a true appreciation for those that struggle to afford health care for their pets.
One day, on a whim, he headed downtown with some medical supplies. He set up a table near a homeless food bank, and invited anyone with a pet to be examined and treated at no charge. It was the most memorable day of his career. Afterwards, he made more consistent efforts to find Homeless people, wherever they were, and give free medical aid to their pets.
Now, years later, his journey is now being chronicled on a new television series, called “The Street Vet”. It follows him as he travels the streets of California helping pets, and people alike, while retrieving some of the most remarkable and inspiring stories of sacrifice and hope.
In this wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Stewart, we cover:
- The origination of Project Street Vet
- Working with the homeless and their pets
- Being committed to care
- The bond between pet and homeless person
- How working with the homeless changed the trajectory of Kwane’s career
- Happiness within homelessness
- Hollywood or homeless: pet lovers are the same
- Funding veterinary care on the streets
- The role of pet insurance
- Making contributions – how can you do it?
- Kwane’s Impact Round!
Want to support Project Street Vet? Find out more about the project and donations at:
https://www.projectstreetvet.org/
Big thank you to Dr. Kwane Stewart for the amazing work he’s doing in the community! To connect with Kwane you can find him in the following places:
@drkwane
@thestreetvet
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– Jonathan Leicht, DVM and Michael Bugg, DVM
