Dogs & Cats

Vaccination Required

All dogs and cats over 6 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and a certificate of vaccination issued to the owner.

Running At Large & Rabies Tags

Any dog found running at large or any dog or cat found without a proper rabies tag may be seized. Any owner whose dog is found to be running at large or whose dog or cat has not been vaccinated against rabies will be issued a citation.

Impoundment of Dogs or Cats

When any dog is found running at large or when any dog or cat is found without the proper rabies tag, it is impounded, and the owner, if the dog or cat bears a tag of identification, is sent by mail a postcard addressed to the last known mailing address or notified in person, to appear within 5 days to redeem the dog or cat, or the animal will be disposed of.

An owner appearing to redeem his dog or cat must pay an impoundment fee of $30 and a boarding fee of $10 per day or fraction if the animal remains unclaimed. If the dog or cat has not been vaccinated, the owner must, before regaining possession of the animal, have it vaccinated and licensed and present the license registration to the Animal Control Division. No impounded dog is released without wearing a collar and a leash.

The payment of the fees and the delivery of the dog or cat to the owner do not relieve the owner from any other penalty for the violation.

Stray Animals or No Identification Tag

Unlicensed or unclaimed dogs or cats are impounded for a period of 3 days and may be disposed of by adoption or euthanasia. Any unidentified dog or cat suffering from rabies or other infectious or dangerous disease, or appearing to be in misery, may be disposed of immediately.

Bites & Rabies

If a dog or cat has bitten any person, or is suspected of having bitten any person, or is for any reason suspected of being infected with rabies, the animal control officer may cause the animal to be confined or isolated for such time as it is deemed necessary by the city veterinarian to protect the safety of people and of property.

Any dog that attacks or bites a person or a domestic animal without provocation will be impounded and the owner issued a citation for having a vicious dog.

Adoption

Any responsible person wishing to adopt a dog or cat may do so by going to the Animal Shelter, picking out an animal, and paying the required fees. The adoption fees are $90 for a dog and $85 for a cat.   
 

Noisy Dogs

It is unlawful for any person to own, keep or harbor any dog that annoys or disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood. If a noisy pet is disturbing you or your neighborhood, please call the Animal Control Division or the Police Department and an officer will respond to your residence. You will be asked to sign a private prosecutor form and report to court to prosecute the owner of the dog.

Pit Bull Regulations

It is unlawful to own or keep a pit bull dog within the City of Springfield without following the required ordinance. All owners of pit bulls must register their dogs with the City Recorder, provide identification photographs of the dogs, and must have proper signs posted warning people of a pit bull on premises. All pit bulls must be kenneled in a structure that is fully enclosed and locked and no dog can go outside its kennel or pen without being muzzled and securely leashed with a leash no longer than 4 feet in length.

All structures used to confine pit bull dogs must be locked with a key or combination lock when such animals are within the structure and the structure must have a secure floor attached to the sided of the pen or the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground no less than 2 feet.