Shelter renovation, adoptions aim to ease overcrowding

Tyler — The Smith County Animal Shelter is participating in the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign this August, encouraging residents to adopt, foster, volunteer and share information about pets in need of homes. 

Fees Waived, Shelter at Capacity

Clear the Shelters is a nationwide mass adoption campaign that lasts the entire month of August. This is the campaign's 11th year, and NBC has partnered with shelters around the country to get as many pets adopted as possible.

“The goal is to clear [the shelter],” Holli Jones, shelter coordinator, said. “We understand there's no way you can actually empty a shelter and keep it empty with so many abandoned dogs and stray dogs out there that need help, but we want to enhance adoptions. We want to get enhanced PR about our dogs that are available.”

The Smith County Animal Shelter will be waving adoption fees during the Clear the Shelters event. They will also be paying for all the vaccinations and spaying or neutering of the dogs adopted from them. In lieu of adoption payments, the shelter is accepting donations of towels, blankets, toys and other pet supplies. 

“We are always at capacity,” Jones said. 

The shelter has a waiting list of 50 to 60 puppies and 80 dogs.

An Overpopulation Crisis

According to Jones, some people will abandon their dogs in the wild when they move. Many of these stray dogs and even owned dogs are not fixed, which leads to an increase in the stray population.

“Texas is one of the leading states in the South with unwanted puppies,” she said. “For everyone that breeds and has six puppies, and they do not spay or neuter those, then those puppies have puppies.” 

Jones said the lack of spaying and neutering has led to a crisis situation for shelters.

How the Community Can Help

To help solve this overpopulation crisis, the Smith County Animal Shelter needs help from the community. Anyone looking for a new pet should consider adopting from the shelter or one of the rescues it partners with.

For those who want to help but are unable to adopt, volunteering is a good place to start. Volunteers are needed to play with puppies, walk dogs or even bathe the canines. 

“We would love to have them come,” Jones said. 

Activities boost morale for dogs and help them get used to human affection.

“It lessens anxiety [in the dogs] if we have volunteers that come in,” Jones said. “They love on them. They'll sit on the floor and play with them. They'll take them out for a walk. Maybe they bring them a pup cup or a new toy. That lessens the stress of the shelter environment. It helps them understand that they are still loved and petted. It makes it amazing for them.”

However, if adoption or volunteering is unfeasible, people can still help the shelter by sharing information about the shelter and the available dogs. 

“It does matter to let the public know how many dogs we have and we're trying to get homes for,” Jones said.

Renovations Underway

The Smith County Commissioners Court approved a major shelter renovation in 2026, including drainage improvements, upgraded ventilation, circulation and exhaust systems, expanded meet-and-greet space and new outdoor green areas for dog exercise. The project is funded with approximately $1.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and is targeted for completion in November.

“A whole family can go in there and play with a puppy or a dog, and it will not be cramped. It'll also be great for photos and training facilities,” Jones said. “It's a game changer for our dogs.”

Jones said construction has reduced the shelter's current outdoor exercise space, increasing the need for volunteers to walk and socialize dogs.

To inquire about adopting or volunteering, visit the Smith County Animal Shelter, located at 322 E. Ferguson Street in Tyler, or call the shelter at 903-266-4303.