A vital new resource is set to open its doors, providing much-needed free dog food in Los Angeles for the animal companions of those experiencing homelessness. “The Dog Food Pantry,” founded by Dr. Kwane Stewart, widely known as “The Street Vet,” will be located in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles. This initiative aims to address a critical need for consistent and adequate nutrition for pets whose owners are unhoused or facing financial hardship. The pantry is situated at the Skid Row Community Refresh Spot, located at 544 Towne Ave., and was set to open its doors to the public.
Dr. Kwane Stewart has dedicated nearly 12 years to offering free medical services to the animals of the unhoused population, primarily on Skid Row and across California. His extensive experience on the streets led to the realization that while medical care is essential, consistent access to quality food is equally crucial for a pet’s overall health and well-being. This observation directly spurred the creation of “The Dog Food Pantry.”
The pantry’s primary goal is to ensure that unhoused pet owners have a reliable source for the food their animal companions require. While officially named for dogs, the pantry will also provide food for cats in the Skid Row community. Dr. Stewart noted that the concept for the pantry arose from years of observing the inconsistent and often inadequate diets of pets living on the streets. These animals frequently subsist on scraps from their owners’ meals or whatever they can forage, leading to potential health issues. The pantry seeks to offer a stable and nutritious alternative. Many organizations work to support animal welfare; discovering local groups like west coast dog and cat rescue or barkville dog rescue highlights the diverse efforts in this field.
Stewart, who is based in San Diego but travels extensively, described how his focus has expanded beyond medical treatment. “I’ve provided free medical services for so long but had neglected the fact that nutrition is key to total health,” he stated. He shared that the initial pantry concept was even built out in his garage with the help of a friend, a formerly unhoused veteran named Richard. He contrasted this consistent resource with previous food distributions, which he described as haphazard, leaving significant gaps where pets had no reliable access to appropriate food. Consistency, he emphasized, is absolutely key to their health.
Dr. Kwane Stewart at the free dog food pantry in Los Angeles for homeless pets.
Since the beginning of 2022, Stewart’s nonprofit organization, Project Street Vet, has received significant support from Fetch Pet Insurance through a program called “101 Donations.” This partnership involves Fetch Pet matching every donation made to Project Street Vet up to a total of $101,000 through the end of the current year. This collaboration has proven to be profoundly impactful for Stewart’s mission.
Dr. Stewart highlighted the success of the donation campaign, stating, “The 101 Donations Campaign has been a monumental success. Our growth the past two years because of this effort has exploded.” He noted that with the additional financial resources provided by this matching program, Project Street Vet has been able to nearly triple the number of pets they have cared for. As Stewart and the veterinary professionals who assist him in various cities volunteer their time, they can maximize the impact of each dollar donated, stretching their resources to help more animals in need. Resources like hope cat rescue also demonstrate the dedication of volunteers in animal welfare.
Dr. Stewart’s compassionate journey began in 2011, following the 2008-2009 recession. At the time, he was the County Veterinarian in Stanislaus County, Northern California. He witnessed an increasing number of pets being surrendered to overcrowded shelters due to owners’ financial difficulties, a situation that often resulted in euthanasia – a fate fundamentally opposed to why he became a veterinarian. Seeing “hordes of unwanted pets dropped off, people who don’t have the money to feed them or care for them medically,” deeply affected him, making him question his profession. It was from this profound emotional experience that the concept for Project Street Vet emerged, driven by a desire to help keep pets with their loving owners despite challenging circumstances. Understanding the landscape of us animal rescue organizations helps appreciate the broader network of support available to animals.
While the new Los Angeles Dog Food Pantry represents his latest endeavor, Dr. Stewart has a history of impactful work in the Southland area. In December of the previous year, he collaborated with the HolistaPet company for a pet clinic held in Skid Row. This event garnered considerable attention from local media outlets, eventually leading to his appearance on NBC’s “Today” show. Furthermore, his dedicated service earned him a nomination for the prestigious CNN 2023 Hero of the Year award. His inspiring story even captured the interest of a Hollywood producer, who expressed interest in creating a movie about “The Street Vet’s” life and work.
The recognition he has received has significantly amplified his mission’s reach and impact. Dr. Stewart commented on the profound effect of the CNN nomination, saying, “The CNN (Hero) nomination, followed by the ‘Top 10 Hero’ announcement a few weeks ago has been the single most significant benefit to my mission since starting this work 12 years ago.” He described the resulting visibility and outpouring of support as “amazing,” underscoring the potential further impact should he win the top award. He considers the journey a career honor, serving both the pets and their devoted owners. For those interested in supporting Project Street Vet and their efforts to provide essential care and resources like free dog food in Los Angeles, contributions can be made via the Fetch Pet 101 Donations campaign website.
