For people experiencing homelessness, a pet may be their greatest source of comfort and love. Veterinary care can be expensive for anyone—and especially daunting for those without a home.
The Street Dog Coalition (SDC) is a national organization that helps bridge that gap by providing free veterinary care to pets whose people are experiencing homelessness. Through a One Health approach, the organization can also connect people with healthcare and other essential resources.
It’s a cause that Kimberly McKenzie, Practice Manager at Heights Veterinary Clinic – Northwest in Houston, is passionate about. “For people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, sometimes their pet is all that they have. If we can extend their life just a little bit with vaccines and heartworm and flea prevention, and give these people a little bit of happiness, I’m all for it,” says McKenzie, who has volunteered with the Houston team since 2021.
McKenzie later invited Sarah Slack, DVM, from Heights to join her. Since 2024, the two have co-led the Houston team.
For both women, volunteering is a natural extension of a lifelong love of veterinary medicine. McKenzie began volunteering in the kennel at her family’s veterinary clinic when she was just 13. Dr. Slack knew she wanted to become a veterinarian from the age of 6, when she welcomed her first pet, a cat named Princess.
“Giving back feels so good,” says Dr. Slack, noting how it’s important to do things that force you to think about others first, in a society that veers toward self-centeredness. “I enjoy providing care to pets that otherwise would likely receive none, because the owners simply cannot afford it. The care we provide with SDC is completely free to these owners, and they are always so grateful,” says Dr. Slack.
