Is there anything more heartbreaking than homeless people and their pets struggling to get by?

Those that are fortunate to have access to food, clean water, and health care for our pets can sometimes take for granted how lucky we are.

For people who don’t even have the basic necessities like shelter, food, and water for themselves, struggle even harder when trying to provide for their beloved pets as well.

So you can imagine how awful it is for anyone living on the street when their furry best friend gets sick.

Without access to vet services or expensive medications it can be terrifying to see a pet go through an illness. You wouldn’t know how to diagnose what’s wrong with them, how long it will last, or how to help.

This compassionate veterinarian decided to try and use his skills to improve the lives of the people around him. He is offering his vet services for free to homeless people’s pets.

49 – year-old Dr. Kwane Stewart works in California as a veterinarian. He has always been an animal lover and was on a mission to save every stray animal he came in contact with before studying to become a vet 20 years ago.

In 2007 he was inspired to make a difference.

“I’d been practicing high-end medicine for clients who could pay for everything,” Dr. Kwane told CNN. “But suddenly I was thrown into this economic war and people couldn’t even afford to help their pets.”

Kwane then started up a soup kitchen in 2011 for homeless people that included free check-ups for their pets. He couldn’t believe the response it got – he was overwhelmed!

His services were so well received that he wanted to help more people. He spent his weekends exploring the streets and seeking out those who may need some tender loving pet care.

He was heartbroken by how many animals on the street were in need of medical treatment.

“Before I knew it, I had a whole line. There was something about it that I loved. 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.”

Kwane’s efforts earned himself a nickname: “The Street Vet”. People came from near and far to visit him with their pets in need and watch him work his magic.

Lots of their situations can be treated right away, but some injuries or conditions need some extra care.

Dr. Kwane sees to it that the medical costs for the animals are covered.

And, if you can believe it, Kwane pays for most of the services from his own pocket!

For treatments that are extremely expensive, Dr. Kwane will call on his GoFundMe page supporters to help. Together, with his contributions and the generous donations,

Dr. Kwane has saved approximately 400 pets and improved their lives, as well as the lives of their loving owners.

His efforts have also gained so much traction that he has his own TV show! With the inventive title, “Dr. Kwane: The Street Vet.”

Homeless people can often face a lot of criticism and are generally misunderstood. Kwane’s mission is to change people’s perspectives and to help the homeless.

“These homeless people take care of their pets even better than we do. When they own a pet, it engenders this generosity. They always make sure their pet is fed. Medically is where they need help.”

We need more people like Dr. Kwane, who is spreading the word that no one should lose their pet just because they can’t afford care.

His selflessness is really making a difference in the world!

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Source: CNN, Facebook/Dr. Kwane Stewart, GoFundMe