Smith County Approves New Low-Cost Pet Clinic

The new facility will offer affordable spay/neuter and vaccination services in Tyler.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Smith County Commissioners have approved the launch of a new low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Tyler, Texas. The clinic is a collaborative effort between the Smith County Animal Shelter and the Animal Protection League (APL), which has been providing affordable pet services to surrounding communities for years. The new clinic will be conveniently located in the parking lot behind the county animal shelter, making it easier for pet owners to access essential veterinary care.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to improve pet care affordability in the region, as the cost of veterinary services has risen sharply. The clinic will encourage more people to visit the animal shelter, potentially leading to increased dog adoptions as well.

The details

The APL will operate the new clinic every Tuesday, offering spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and other essential pet care. Pet owners will be able to book appointments online for the convenient location behind the county shelter.

  • The Smith County Commissioners approved the new clinic in February 2026.
  • The clinic will begin operations every Tuesday starting in March 2026.

The players

Smith County Animal Shelter

The county animal shelter that is collaborating with the APL to host the new low-cost pet clinic.

Animal Protection League (APL)

A local organization that has been providing affordable spay/neuter and vaccination services to surrounding communities, and will now operate the new clinic in Tyler.

Holli Jones

The coordinator at the Smith County Animal Shelter who emphasized the importance of the new clinic in improving pet care affordability.

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What they’re saying

“Nowadays, it's so expensive for any medical care for our pets. Everything has just skyrocketed and so having a low-cost service that is easily accessible, where they can go online, they can book their appointment online, they get an email, confirming that whatever they need, vaccines, heartworm test, if they need their heartworm or their flea medication, it's great.”

— Holli Jones, Coordinator, Smith County Animal Shelter (KETK)

What’s next

The new low-cost pet clinic is scheduled to open in March 2026 and will operate every Tuesday going forward.

The takeaway

This new clinic in Tyler represents an important step in improving access to affordable veterinary care for pet owners in the region, addressing the rising costs of pet health services. The collaboration between the county shelter and the APL also has the potential to boost dog adoptions at the shelter.