Holli Jones has been named as the new Smith County Animal Shelter Coordinator and is excited for this new chapter in her life.

“I’ve been around for a long time,” she said. “I love people and I love pets.”

Ms. Jones comes to Smith County after serving as executive director of the animal shelter Pets Fur People for the past year.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Smith County and serve as their new animal shelter coordinator,” she said. “I look forward to implementing new programs and initiatives to enhance and increase the shelter’s adoption numbers.”

Smith County Judge Neal Franklin said he is excited to have Ms. Jones joining the Smith County family.

“She not only brings a wealth of animal care knowledge, but she is a proven fundraiser and volunteer recruiter. I believe Holli is as excited as we are,” he said.

Ms. Jones said she is looking forward to being a part of rebranding and rebuilding the department and she will work hard to push people to adopt dogs from the shelter.

“Smith County is fortunate to have someone with the experience of Holli Jones. For many years, she was part of a veterinary clinic in Tyler, and most recently has served as head of Pets Fur People,” Precinct 2 Commissioner John Moore said.  “Understanding dogs and people helps to place the right animal with the right family. We look forward to the future, growth and improvements that are possible.”

Before becoming executive director for Pets Fur People, Ms. Jones was co-owner of the Green Acres Animal Clinic, where she also served as vice president, manager and veterinary assistant. She worked at the clinic from 2015 to 2023.

From 2006 to 2016, she was the assistant to the athletic director at Grace Community School, primarily working in marketing, fundraising and coordinating volunteers. From 1992 to 2015, she was the cheerleading coach for Grace Community School.

She was the choreographer for the Tyler Rose Festival Coronation from 1986 to 1998 and was the owner/instructor of a cooking school and a dance studio.

She has been involved over the years with several community nonprofit organizations, including Tyler Junior League, Tyler Symphony League and the Tyler Salvation Army.

Smith County has not yet hired a Smith County Animal Control Supervisor.

Animal Shelter

Smith County Animal Control operates its Animal Shelter for the purpose of reducing the general animal control problems in Smith County, including the vaccination of dogs, reporting human exposure to rabies, quarantine and testing of biting animals, reduction of the stray animal population, restraint of dangerous animals, protecting its citizens from the dangers and problems associated with animals at large, inhumane treatment of animals and other related services.

If you are searching for a lost animal, select the 'Find Animals' link to the left. All postings are current.

Important Resources

• Printable Adoption Application or Online Adoption Application
• Animal Control and Shelter Fee Schedule
• New Rescue Application
• Smith County Animal Control Ordinance - Updated June 29, 2021
• Surrender Application Request or Online Surrender Application Request

General Information

Animal Shelter

The Smith County Animal Shelter is located at 322 E. Ferguson Street in Tyler. The shelter hours open to the pubic are Monday through Friday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; with special adoption events on an occasional Saturday. If you wish to come before 12 noon you may schedule an appointment  by calling 903-266-4303. 

To Make a Report

To file a report or complaint, you may call the Smith County 24-hour communications center in a non-emergency situation. Phone: 903-266-4303

In the event the animal is posing a threat to the public or the situation is an emergency, dial 911.

To Claim an Animal

• To claim dogs, call the Smith County Animal Control administrative office Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Phone: 903-266-4303
  •  Email: shelter@smith-county.com
  • Fax: 903-526-0202
  • The Smith County Animal Shelter is located at 322 East Ferguson Street, Tyler, Texas, 75702
• To claim livestock, call the Low Risk Animal Control. 
  • Phone: 903-590-2840 

Fire Marshal Chad Hogue

Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue is currently overseeing the Animal Control and Shelter Department. He can be reached at 903-590-2650.

Animal Control Mission Statement

We are Smith County Animal Services, a compassionate team of animal welfare professionals. Through our Field Services, we aim to protect community members and neglected animals by enforcing laws and educating the public. Through our Shelter Services, we provide quality care and seek positive outcomes for all animals that come through our doors. We are a resource for our community and work to keep people and their pets together where possible. 

Stray Animal (Dog)

Animal means any mammal, domesticated or wild and The Smith County Animal Control, as part of the Northeast Texas Public Health District, defines a stray animal as a 'dog' or a member of the canine family.

Estray Animal (Livestock)

Texas livestock laws define an estray as any valuable domestic animal such as a horse, mule, hog, sheep, goat, cattle, exotic livestock, or exotic fowl that has strayed from it's owner. Texas livestock laws require the Sheriff to pick up any estray animal reported to Smith County Animal Control, regardless of who reports it.

When a report is received by a dispatcher, he/she shall obtain as much information as possible from the reporting person about the animal's location and possible owner, then dispatch an animal control unit.

If a danger to the public is determined, a patrol unit will be dispatched if an animal control unit is not immediately available. The first responder will make a diligent search to determine the owner of the stray. If they are unable to locate the owner, the stray will be transported to the designated Smith County facility, which may be different if the stray is a dog or if it is livestock.