Springfield, MO

Animal care and wellness first, then what is available locally.

Animal care and wellness

Animal control
Springfield-Greene County Health Department - Animal Control
Phone: 417-833-3592
Website: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/6167/Report-an-Animal-Issue
Health department phone: 417-864-1658
Online reports cover non-emergency issues within Springfield city limits; call 911 for emergencies.
Source: City of Springfield / Springfield-Greene County Health Department - Report an Animal Issue · Checked Nov 5, 2026
Emergency vet care
Hours are only as each source states them. Call before you go.
Emergency Veterinary Clinic of SW Missouri
Phone: 417-890-1600
Address: 400 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802
Website: https://www.evcspringfield.com/
City: Springfield
After-hours, not 24/7: weekdays 6:00 PM-8:00 AM; Saturdays and Sundays 24 hours; open major holidays.
Source: Emergency Veterinary Clinic of SW Missouri · Checked Nov 5, 2026
Animal shelters and rescues (3)
- Castaway Animals Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.)
  Website: https://www.carerescue.org/
  Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit; describes itself as southwest Missouri's largest no-kill shelter; Adoption Center in Springfield and sanctuary near Aurora
  Source: Castaway Animals Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) · Checked Nov 5, 2026
- Humane Society of Southwest Missouri
  Phone: 417-833-2526
  Address: 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803
  Website: https://www.swh.org/
  Type: independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit shelter licensed by the Missouri Department of Agriculture; adoption partner of Springfield-Greene County Animal Control
  Source: Humane Society of Southwest Missouri · Checked Nov 5, 2026
- Springfield-Greene County Animal Shelter
  Phone: 417-833-3592
  Address: 4002 N Farmer Ave, Springfield, MO 65803
  Website: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5654/Animal-Shelter
  Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 1-4:30 p.m.; Wed 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; closed weekends and federal holidays
  Type: municipal animal control shelter (Springfield-Greene County Health Department); takes lost, injured, abandoned and stray animals found within Springfield city limits; does not adopt out animals - transfers to partner rescues (Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, C.A.R.E., Valley Hills Animal Rescue)
  Source: City of Springfield - Animal Shelter · Checked Nov 5, 2026
Pet licence required
Website: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/6168/Animal-Control-Ordinances
Fees: Renewal: annual reminders; renew by mail, phone or in person; Pit bull registration: $50
Species: pit bull dogs
Required: Yes
Cat limit: no more than 4 cats over six months old per adult (18+) in a household
Scope note: The city's Animal Control Ordinances page lists mandatory registration only for pit bulls (proof of current rabies vaccination, proof of spay/neuter, microchip, dog present at appointment); no general dog or cat license is listed on that page.
Service dogs: ADA service dogs are subject to local dog licensing and registration requirements
Ordinance url: https://library.municode.com/mo/springfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH18AN
Appointment phone: 417-833-3592
Source: City of Springfield - Animal Control Ordinances · Checked Nov 5, 2026
Rabies vaccination requirement
Rule: A licensed veterinarian must vaccinate all dogs and cats over 3 months old; proof of vaccination is required. Proof of current rabies vaccination is also required for pit bull registration and for each cat.
Scope: city
Ordinance url: https://library.municode.com/mo/springfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH18AN
Wording from the City of Springfield Neighborhood Toolbox brochure (undated PDF); see Chapter 18 for the ordinance text.
Source: City of Springfield - Neighborhood Toolbox Brochure · Checked Nov 5, 2026
Spay and neuter help
Humane Society of Southwest Missouri - spay/neuter surgeries
Phone: 417-833-2526
Address: 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803
Website: https://www.swh.org/spay-and-neuter--appointment-request-form.html
Eligibility: Low-cost pricing restricted to owners on some form of government assistance; others pay regular pricing.
Source: Humane Society of Southwest Missouri - Spay and Neuter · Checked Nov 5, 2026