The Animal Control Center is located at 627 Cottage Street in Springfield. Our Animal Control Officers can be reached at 413-781-1484 x 1 and are available for routine animal matters from 7AM-10PM daily and for emergency services from 10PM-7AM daily. Our shelter can be reached at 413-781-1484 is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays 12PM-4PM and Thursdays 2PM-7PM.

Dog Bites (144-7B2)

A dog that has bitten a person will be quarantined for a minimum of 10 days. To report a dog bite, call the Board of Health at 413-594-1660.
Enforcement - Board of Health
Fine- $50

Control of Nuisance Animals (144)

Owners must control their animals to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance. Any animal may be declared a public nuisance if it molests passersby or passing vehicles, attacks other animals, trespasses on school grounds or private property, is repeatedly at large, damages private or public property, makes any noise natural to its species so as to disturb the peace or creates excessive offensive odors.
Enforcement - Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control Center/Board of Health
Fine - Up to $200/day

Vicious Dogs (144-2)

It is unlawful for a person to keep, harbor, or maintain on or off their premises a vicious domestic animal or dog, except in a secure enclosure or when the animal is both leashed and muzzled and under the control of an adult or a law enforcement official.
Enforcement - Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control Center/Board of Health
Fine - Up to $250/day

Dog Licenses (144)

Any person owning, keeping, harboring or having custody of any dog over 3 months of age within this city must obtain a license as provided in this chapter.

Failure to Remove Animal Waste (144-21)

The owner of every animal shall be responsible for the removal of any fecal matter deposited by his or her animals on public walks, recreation areas (including parks) or private property.
Fine- $100/day

Dog on School Premises (144-25)

Owner or keeper of any dog shall not allow his dog to be upon any school grounds between hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day that such schools are in session.
Fine-$100/day

Vaccinations (144-6)

All dogs and cats 6 months of age or older shall be immunized against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. The owner must have in his possession a current vaccination certificate.
Enforcement - Certificates subject to the inspection of the Animal Control Officer or designated agent of the city.
Fine - up to $200/day

Livestock Permits (Rabbits, Chickens, Etc.)

Health regulations require a permit to maintain livestock on private property. Call the Board of Health for more information at 413-594-1660.
Enforcement - Board of Health