Hope is a 2.5-year-old retriever mix who weights 56 pounds is up for adoption. (Courtesy photo)

The SPCA of East Texas (SPCA ETX) is calling on the community to open their hearts and homes to animals in need.

With shelters operating at capacity and calls for help coming in daily, the nonprofit organization said it urgently needs foster families to provide temporary care for dogs and cats until they find their forever homes. With more than 200 animals currently in the SPCA’s rescue program, the nonprofit has recently closed intake until more foster homes can be found.

“Fostering saves lives,” said SPCA ETX Executive Director Emily Heglund. “It’s going to take all of us working together to address the problem of stray and unwanted animals in our community.”

SPCA ETX provides all food, supplies, and medical care the animals need while in foster care, including spay/neuter surgeries, heartworm treatment and prevention, flea and tick prevention, and microchips.

“We only ask our fosters to provide space and care for our animals,” Heglund said. “It is incredibly rewarding to watch these animals, many of whom have never known the love of a family, blossom under our care. I would encourage anyone who is interested to reach out to us about fostering.”

To become a foster family for a dog or cat in need, visit spcaeasttx.com/foster to fill out an application. Those with questions can call 903-596-7722.

SPCA ETX is a nonprofit, foster-based animal rescue group serving Tyler and surrounding areas. An independent agency, SPCA ETX operates solely on donor and volunteer support and does not receive any funding from national or state SPCA entities. For more information, visit www.spcaeasttx.com.