Dr. Kristen Schmidt is a dedicated veterinarian who is making a significant impact in the lives of homeless individuals and their pets in Atlanta, Georgia.
After graduating from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021, Dr. Schmidt moved to Georgia to begin her career as a mixed animal veterinarian — a vet who treats both pets like dogs and cats and also livestock like cows and horses.
Her passion for helping homeless individuals and their pets was sparked during a visit to New York City, where she encountered a person with multiple animals in need of veterinary care but lacking the means to provide it.
Determined to make a difference, Dr. Schmidt sought out Project Street Vet, a California-based nonprofit organization that provides free veterinary care to the pets of homeless individuals. In the summer of 2022, she launched the first Project Street Vet branch outside of California, in Atlanta. Since then, Dr. Schmidt has been dedicating her time to provide free veterinary care to homeless pets, often partnering with the Elizabeth Foundation, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of the homeless.
Dr. Schmidt’s work involves administering vaccines, spaying and neutering, providing leashes and collars, and delivering food to multiple encampments in the metro Atlanta area. She also makes herself available to pet owners throughout the week, fielding daily calls and assisting with emergencies. Her dedication and compassion have earned her the trust and appreciation of the homeless community, who often prioritize their pets’ well-being over their own.
Through her work with Project Street Vet, Dr. Schmidt is not only providing essential veterinary care to pets in need but is also offering support and relief to their owners. She believes that the love for pets transcends housing status. Every person she has met loves their pets just as much as she does. By continuing her outreach efforts, Dr. Schmidt is making a lasting impact on the lives of both the homeless and their beloved animal companions in Atlanta.
Read more about Dr. Schmidt in this article by Xavier Stevens in Atlanta Magazine.