The homeless pet population in both Smith County and East Texas has reached a critical point. Countless abandoned dogs, cats, and unwanted litters continue to appear at the homes of East Texas residents. Until a cooperative effort is in place, the stray population will continue to increase exponentially each year; SPCA of East Texas is striving to build that cooperative effort every day.

 

SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) of East Texas, established in 2010, is the fastest growing non-profit animal rescue providing critical services to the citizens of East Texas. Their efforts in taking care of the animals in East Texas and reducing the homeless pet population include the rescue and adoption of almost nine thousand homeless pets, establishing over one hundred local foster families to house and care for homeless pets, and opening SNIPPET, the only permanent low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Tyler. Additionally, they have performed over 48,000 spay/neuter surgeries in the community, employ a full-time veterinarian, launched efforts to make Tyler and Smith County a “no kill” community, and provide humane education programs to hundreds of local school children.

 

Currently, SPCA of East Texas is 100% foster-based, with over one hundred rescued dogs and cats in foster homes. Participating foster families open their homes to our spayed/neutered and vaccinated pets until they find their forever family. These pets are fed and cared for in a loving home, making them highly socialized, excellent pets for someone to adopt. On the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, their adoptable pets are brought to their facility at 3245 W.  Grande Blvd. for the public to meet– and possibly adopt!

 

The adoption process is geared toward finding the best fit for each pet and owner. Potential adopters must fill out an adoption application online and have their vet references checked. Once they are approved to adopt, SPCA’s adoption coordinators will match them with an animal best suited to their needs and lifestyle. It’s a thorough but mutually beneficial process.

 

Their services don’t stop there; SPCA of East Texas partners with 501c3 rescues in northeastern states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut to transport stray and unwanted animals from Texas, where pet overpopulation is a significant issue, to these states with stricter animal laws and greater demand for adoptions, having successfully rehomed 3,256 dogs and cats since the program began. Furthermore, they operate Pets 4 Vets. Supported by a grant from Brookshire's Grocery Company, the new SPCA ETX Pets 4 Vets program collaborates with Camp V and K9 Connections Dog Training to provide U.S. military veterans with companion and service animals from their rescue population, including free training for the veteran and animal pairs.

 

The work of SPCA ETX is only made possible by the generous support of our donors and volunteers. Those interested in becoming a foster home, donating, or volunteering at our facility can visit www.spcaeasttx.com to find more information.

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Kaos is one of three sweet puppies found as strays in East Texas. This beautiful pup is believed to be a Belgian Shepherd Malinois mix, with an estimated birthday of March 5, 2025. True to her breed, Kaos is incredibly smart, energetic, and eager to learn. She’s looking for a forever family who will put in the time and love to help her grow into the best dog she can be. Kaos is currently working on housebreaking and basic puppy manners, and she’s making great progress! Kaos will do best in a home with a secure, fenced yard to run and play in. As well as an active family committed to training and socialization. Kaos will be spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated prior to adoption. Fill out an adoption application @ www.spcaeasttx.com

Akira is a stunning 1.5-year-old Domestic Shorthair mix who’s ready to find her forever home! Since coming into our care, Akira has truly blossomed into a sweet and affectionate companion. She’s been spayed, microchipped, and is up to date on all her vaccinations—she’s healthy, happy, and ready to meet you!

Akira is litterbox trained and has experience living with other cats. She is good with children. While she hasn't been introduced to dogs yet, she may be a good match with a slow and proper introduction. We're looking for a loving indoor-only home where she can continue to thrive.  Fill out an adoption application @ www.spcaeasttx.com

Tapioca is a 2.5 year old Domestic Short Hair mix. She had a noticeable injury to her tail which was treated several times but never would heal. Inevitably, the decision to amputate her tail was the best option to help her. Affectionate, Brave, Friendly, Loves, Independent, Gentle, and Quiet. Tapioca is well mannered with other cats. She has been fully vetted and is needing an indoor home! Fill out an adoption application @ www.spcaeasttx.com

 Don't let Chance slip through your fingers! He is 1.5 years old, 72 lbs Pointer Mix and is currently in a foster home which gives him an advantage to being potty trained and well socialized with his foster's grandchildren around. He is great with cats, loves his long walks and play time in the backyard. He is undergoing heartworm treatments and has already been neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. He will need a home with a fenced in yard because this boy sure loves to run! He is a sweet boy who loves attention and cuddly time on the couch. This sweet boy needs a loving home! Fill out an adoption application @ www.spcaeasttx.com