It is always best to visit the Animal Control Center to visually look for your pet. Descriptions can vary between people and this helps alleviate problems in identifying your pet. Also, pets that have been lost may not appear as they usually would at home. You should also contact the Animal Protective League (APL) and give them a description of your pet so that if someone calls in with information about a pet that they have found they may be able to assist in reuniting the pet with its owner. Contact the Animal Emergency Clinic to see if a pet has been brought in by someone who may found it hurt. Place a “lost” pet ad in the newspaper. Contact your local veterinarians to see if someone has contacted them about a pet that they have found. Place posters with a picture of the pet in the vicinity where the pet was lost, or last seen, possibly offer a reward.

What To Do If You Have Found A Lost Pet

If the animal has a rabies tag, you can call the Sangamon County Animal Control Center at 217-535-3065 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30PM Monday through Friday, and 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Saturdays. They can identify the owner and can assist in locating the owner.

You may also call the Animal Protective League (APL) of Springfield and Sangamon County at 217-544-7387. You can leave a message if you call during non-business hours. They also have access to rabies tag information.

How Can You Protect Your Pet From Being Taken?

Take pictures of your pet that will allow identification (scars, unique markings, etc.)

Do not leave your pet unattended at home for long periods.

Microchip your pet so there is a permanent identification feature that can not be removed.

Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your pet if you’re going to be gone for long periods of time.

Sangamon County Animal Control Center
2100 Shale Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 217-535-3065
Fax: 217-535-3067

Hours
Monday-Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Officer Hours
Daily: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (except holidays)

Officer Emergency Hours
Daily: 8:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. (all day on holidays)

Sangamon County Dispatch: 217-753-6666

You may wish to call your local police department first, depending upon the emergency.

Below is a list of resources to help you find your lost pet: