Boogie is available for adoption at Smith County Animal Control. (Facebook/Contributed Photo)

With kennels filled beyond capacity and countless tails wagging in wait, Smith County Animal Control this week issued an urgent plea: help save a life by adopting one of the many dogs looking for a forever home.

In the statement posted on Facebook, the shelter warned that many of the dogs are at risk for euthanasia unless space can be cleared.

“We want nothing more than for them to find a home for the new year,” the shelter said.

As of Wednesday morning, the shelter was housing about 40 dogs, with two already adopted and two others scheduled to leave with a rescue group.

“We have always tried to get our dogs adopted, but it seems to slow down due to construction all around us,” said Angel Reynolds, coordinator of the shelter, which is located in the same block of ongoing construction of the new county courthouse on Ferguson Street. “It seems as if nationwide has slowed down with getting adopters to adopt as this time.”

Most of the dogs at Smith County Animal Shelter have already been spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and many are friendly with other dogs. The shelter features dogs of all shapes and sizes, making it easy to find a match for any family. To encourage adoptions and make space for new intakes, the shelter has waived all adoption fees for their pets.

The community can help in other ways aside from adoption.

“We ask that pet owners make sure their animals are microchipped so if they get out, they can be scanned and reunited with their owners. We also ask that they spay and neuter their animals,” Reynolds said. “Additionally, if their pets get out, they should report it to their local animal control and shelters so staff can keep an eye out for them.”

Additionally, Smith County Animal Control asks for people to share their posts and speak to a rescue about fostering a dog in the shelter.

The shelter is located at 322 E. Ferguson Street in Tyler and is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Morning appointments can be arranged as needed.

A full list of the shelter’s dogs can be found on the shelter’s Facebook page. The online adoption application can be filled out on the Smith County website.