Animal Control

Our staff and facility provide animal control services to five area towns and cities -- Springfield, West Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke and Hampden. We are one of the largest regional animal control programs in the state. It is our goal to make this region a model for other animal control services.

We provide temporary housing for over 3000 stray and abandoned animals each year. We respond to 3,000-4,000 animal-related calls annually. We also provide 10-day rabies quarantine housing for unvaccinated animals that have bitten either humans or other domestic animals.

Our primary service is that of public health and safety. We are well-versed in rabies and zoonotic disease issues for the safety of our citizens. We respond to animal-related calls 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.  Each TJO animal control officer is certified by the state of Massachusetts.

All stray dogs are held for 10 days, giving an owner ample opportunity to reclaim a lost pet. In Massachusetts, there is no required holding period for cats.

If unclaimed, animals are subsequently evaluated for both health and temperament.  Dogs are evaluated more thoroughly for behavior as dog bites and attacks are on the rise each year.

The facility has an in-house veterinarian two days per week, responsible for shelter animal wellness and sterilization surgery. Adoptable animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and screened for other health concerns.  Every animal is microchipped at the time of adoption, and training classes are offered for adopted dogs.

City of Springfield Animal Ordinances

City of West Springfield Animal Ordinances

City of Holyoke Animal Ordinances