Springfield Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Springfield Animal Shelter guide before visiting Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Many people search it as Springfield Animal Shelter, Springfield Animal Control, TJO Animal Shelter, or Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption Center. This page explains adoption hours, address, phone extensions, fees, lost pets, found animals, bite reporting, surrender questions, licenses, animal-control routing and what to bring before you visit.
This article is built around real visitor intent: “springfield animal shelter near me,” “springfield animal control phone number,” “adoption hours,” “dog adoption fees,” “lost dog Springfield MA,” “found cat,” “surrender a pet,” and “emergency animal control.” Each topic is answered with a practical next step instead of just repeating directory data.
Springfield Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the details most visitors need before calling, visiting, adopting, reclaiming a pet, reporting a found animal, or asking for animal-control help in Springfield, Chicopee or Holyoke.
Address
627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104.
Use the map below for directions and parking planning before you go.
Main phone
413-781-1484.
Animal Control: ext. 1. Adoption and other services: ext. 2.
Adoption/public hours
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 12 PM–3:30 PM.
Saturday by appointment only. Closed Wednesday and Sunday.
Animal control
Animal control officers respond daily from 7 AM–10 PM.
Emergency animal-control response is available 24 hours a day.
Which Springfield Animal Shelter Is This?
“Springfield Animal Shelter” is a broad search because many U.S. cities are named Springfield. This guide is for Springfield, Massachusetts, and the official facility commonly known as TJO or Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center.
Springfield, Massachusetts
Use this page if you mean Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center at 627 Cottage Street serving Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke.
Other Springfields
If you mean Springfield MO, Springfield IL, Springfield TN, or Springfield GA, the address, fees, hours and animal-control rules are different. Confirm the state before driving or calling.
What Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center Handles
TJO is both an animal-control program and an adoption center. That matters because the right extension and expectation are different depending on whether you are adopting a pet, reporting a found dog, reclaiming a lost animal, asking about a bite, or calling about a surrender.
Dogs, cats and occasional critters
The Adoption Center provides a second chance for adoptable dogs, cats and occasionally other types of animals. Unclaimed animals are evaluated before adoption.
Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke
TJO provides animal-control services for three cities and responds to domestic animal-related calls, including urgent field services.
Bites, rabies and cruelty reports
TJO handles animal-control concerns involving public health and safety, including bite reports, rabies quarantine housing and suspected cruelty routing.
Springfield Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The most searched question is usually “What are Springfield Animal Shelter hours?” The practical answer depends on whether you need adoption, reclaim, licensing, animal control or emergency animal-control service.
Current official public-service pattern
Adoption visits, licensing, returning lost animals to owners and other public services are listed on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 12 PM to 3:30 PM. Saturday is by appointment only. Wednesday and Sunday are closed for public hours.
| Day / Need | Listed Guidance | Practical Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12 PM–3:30 PM for public services | Good for adoption visits, reclaiming, licensing and non-emergency questions. Call ext. 2 before going. |
| Tuesday | 12 PM–3:30 PM for public services | Bring ID, pet records and resident dog if a dog meet-and-greet may be needed. |
| Wednesday | Closed for public hours | Do not plan a walk-in adoption visit. Use the day to check adoptable pets and call if needed. |
| Thursday | 12 PM–3:30 PM for public services | Good weekday visit option if you have already reviewed animals online. |
| Friday | 12 PM–3:30 PM for public services | Call ahead if you are driving for one specific animal or need surrender/reclaim guidance. |
| Saturday | By appointment only | Do not arrive without arranging the appointment first. |
| Sunday | Closed for public hours | Use official pages and social media to review lost/found or adoptable animals. |
| Animal control | Officers on duty daily 7 AM–10 PM; urgent service 24/7 | Use 413-781-1484 ext. 1 for animal-control issues. |
How to Adopt from Springfield Animal Shelter
A good adoption visit is not just showing up during hours. TJO’s adoption page points visitors to safe dog meets, dog body language and bringing home a new adoption/foster. That means the shelter wants adopters to think about behavior, safety and transition, not only the adoption fee.
Start with the official adoption page
Open the official TJO adoption page to review current adoption guidance and animal categories before visiting. This helps you avoid showing up for an animal type or process that has changed.
Call extension 2 before a targeted visit
If you saw a dog, cat or critter online and are driving for that specific animal, call 413-781-1484 ext. 2 first. Adoptable animals can be adopted, moved, placed on hold or become unavailable.
Bring resident dog/s for dog meet-and-greet
TJO’s adoption fee page asks adopters to plan to bring resident dogs to any dog meet-and-greet. This is especially important when you already have dogs at home.
Ask practical match questions
Ask about behavior, energy, handling, dog-to-dog notes, cat history if known, kids, housing, medical notes, decompression time and what could make the adoption difficult.
Plan the first week before checkout
Prepare quiet space, transport, food, vet follow-up, slow introductions and a routine. Shelter pets often need decompression before showing their normal personality.
Springfield Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
TJO lists adoption fees by animal type and age. Some animals may have additional fees due to medical conditions or care expenses, so always confirm the exact fee for the individual pet before finalizing.
Puppies
$300 is the listed puppy adoption fee.
Ask about age, vaccine timing, training needs and spay/neuter status.
Adult dogs
$250 and up is the listed adult dog fee.
Bring resident dogs for dog meet-and-greet planning when needed.
Kittens
$150 for kittens 12 months and under.
Bring a secure carrier and prepare a quiet starter room.
Cats
$90 and up is the listed cat adoption fee.
Ask whether the cat is shy, social, bonded or better for a quiet home.
Lost and Found Pets at Springfield Animal Shelter
If you lost or found an animal in Springfield, Chicopee or Holyoke, time matters. TJO asks people with lost or found animals to contact animal control immediately at 413-781-1484 ext. 1. For lost pets, they also ask for a photo and detailed identifying information.
If your pet is missing
- Call Animal Control at 413-781-1484 ext. 1 to file a lost report.
- Email or message a clear recent photo when possible.
- Provide name, age, color, markings, spay/neuter status and microchip status.
- Share owner name, address, phone number and whether the pet was wearing a collar or tags.
- If the missing pet is a cat, say whether the cat is indoor-only or indoor/outdoor.
- Keep checking TJO’s Facebook lost posts and official updates.
If you found an animal
- Call Animal Control at 413-781-1484 ext. 1.
- If it is a dog, safely confine it only if you can do so without risk.
- Try to read tags only if safe and report tag details to the officer.
- If it is a cat, be ready to describe appearance, location, collar status and whether it seems injured.
- Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following proper lost/found steps.
- If injured, aggressive or in immediate danger, explain urgency clearly when calling.
Springfield Animal Control: When to Call Extension 1
Searches for “Springfield animal control phone number” usually mean the person needs help now. TJO’s Animal Control line is 413-781-1484 ext. 1 and covers Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke for animal-control services.
7 AM–10 PM daily
TJO animal-control officers respond to domestic animal-related calls seven days a week from 7 AM to 10 PM.
24/7 urgent response
Emergency response for ill, injured or aggressive animals is available 24 hours a day through the Animal Control route.
Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke
TJO provides animal-control services for these three Massachusetts cities. If the issue is outside this area, call the correct local authority.
| Situation | Use This Route | What to Say |
|---|---|---|
| Loose dog found | 413-781-1484 ext. 1 | Give exact location, dog description, tag info if safe, and whether the dog is contained. |
| Injured animal | Animal Control / urgent route | Say the animal is injured, describe injuries, location and whether the animal is moving or in traffic. |
| Aggressive animal | Animal Control or emergency services if immediate danger | Explain active risk, bite risk, location, people nearby and whether anyone is injured. |
| Lost pet report | 413-781-1484 ext. 1 | Provide photo, markings, microchip status, collar/tags, and owner contact information. |
| Adoption question | 413-781-1484 ext. 2 | Ask about animal availability, meet-and-greet, fee and visit timing. |
| License / reclaim / surrender question | 413-781-1484 ext. 2 | Call ahead and explain what service you need before visiting. |
Bites, Cruelty Reports, Rabies and Wildlife Questions
Many “animal control” searches are not adoption questions. They involve bites, rabies exposure, suspected cruelty, injured wildlife, nuisance wildlife or public safety. These need the correct route.
Call TJO Animal Control
If you have been bitten by a domestic animal, TJO says to contact Animal Control at 413-781-1484 ext. 1.
Report suspected cruelty
TJO says suspected animal cruelty can be reported to its Animal Control line. You may also contact local police or the MSPCA Law Enforcement Division.
Use the right wildlife route
TJO is not licensed to rehabilitate injured or orphaned wildlife and is not permitted to handle nuisance wildlife such as skunks or groundhogs. Ask for proper licensed resources.
Surrendering a Pet or Asking for Help at Springfield Animal Shelter
People often search “Springfield animal shelter surrender dog” or “surrender cat near me” when they are already stressed. TJO asks people to call ahead with questions about surrendering a pet. Do not arrive without first speaking with staff.
Before calling about surrender
- Call 413-781-1484 ext. 2 before bringing an owned pet.
- Explain species, age, sex, spay/neuter status, medical needs and behavior concerns.
- Be honest about bite history, fear, aggression, medications and training issues.
- Ask whether a resource, rescue, foster, TNR, spay/neuter or behavior option could help.
- Ask what paperwork or appointment process is required before visiting.
What not to do
- Do not leave an animal outside or in the parking area.
- Do not show up during closed hours expecting intake.
- Do not hide medical or behavior history.
- Do not assume every owned pet can be accepted immediately.
- Do not rush rehoming through unsafe online listings without screening.
Cats, Kittens, Community Cats and TNR Help
TJO’s FAQ explains that cat overpopulation is a serious local issue and that the shelter can provide low-cost or no-cost spay/neuter alternatives for community cat overpopulation. Their animal-control page also says they are happy to discuss TNR options for feral or wild cats and kittens.
Found cat
Call Animal Control and be ready to describe the cat, how long it has been in the area, whether it has a collar and whether it seems injured.
Feral or wild cats
Ask TJO about TNR options before trapping or moving community cats. Moving cats without a plan can make the problem worse.
Kittens
If you find kittens, call for guidance before assuming they are abandoned. The mother may be nearby, and the best action depends on age and condition.
Video Resource Note
I did not embed a random YouTube video because a current official embeddable TJO video was not confirmed. For trust and quality, this guide uses official TJO pages and practical local guidance instead of forcing an unrelated video.
What to Bring Before Visiting Springfield Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor gets better help. Bring different items depending on whether you are adopting, reclaiming a pet, reporting a lost animal, asking about licensing, or discussing surrender.
Photo ID
Bring valid identification for adoption, reclaim, licensing or official service questions.
Resident dog
Bring resident dog/s for dog meet-and-greet planning when adopting a dog, as TJO requests.
Housing approval
If renting, confirm pet permission, breed limits, size limits, deposit rules and number-of-pet rules before adoption.
Carrier
Bring a secure carrier for cats or small animals. A loose pet in a vehicle is unsafe.
Payment method
Bring payment and ask the current fee for the individual animal before finalizing.
Lost pet proof
For reclaiming, bring photos, vet records, microchip information, license, rabies records or other ownership proof.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
A helpful adoption article should not stop at “pay the fee.” The first week often decides whether the adoption feels manageable. Use this simple plan to reduce stress for the pet and your household.
First 24 hours
- Keep the pet in a quiet starter area.
- Do not invite visitors immediately.
- Use leash or carrier control even if the pet seems calm.
- Expect hiding, barking, whining, pacing or reduced appetite.
- Keep adoption paperwork, microchip notes and medical records together.
Days 2–7
- Build a predictable feeding, potty, rest and walk routine.
- Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
- Watch for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, limping or refusal to eat.
- Start training with simple structure, not punishment.
- Ask for help early if fear, aggression or separation issues appear.
Springfield Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use the map for directions to 627 Cottage Street in Springfield. TJO’s official directions note routes from I-91, Route 291 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, but your navigation app is best for live traffic and roadwork.
Arrive early
Public service hours are short. Do not arrive near 3:30 PM if you need detailed adoption, reclaim or licensing help.
Call first
Call ext. 2 for adoption, reclaiming, surrender questions and licenses. Call ext. 1 for animal control.
Plan your route
The facility is on Cottage Street. Check route, parking and timing before driving from Chicopee or Holyoke.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Springfield Animal Shelter
These mistakes are common because users often search quickly on mobile while stressed, driving, or dealing with a lost/found animal.
Before visiting
- Do not confuse Springfield MA with Springfield MO, IL, TN or GA.
- Do not show up on Wednesday or Sunday for public adoption hours.
- Do not arrive Saturday without an appointment.
- Do not call ext. 2 for urgent animal-control field response.
- Do not drive for one specific animal without confirming availability.
Before adopting, reclaiming or surrendering
- Do not forget resident dog meet-and-greet planning for dog adoption.
- Do not skip ownership proof when reclaiming a lost pet.
- Do not leave a found animal or owned pet outside the facility.
- Do not hide bite, behavior or medical history when asking for help.
- Do not handle wildlife or bats without proper guidance.
Official Springfield Animal Shelter Links
Use official TJO pages for final decisions. This guide explains the process, but TJO controls current hours, animal availability, fees, policies, animal-control routing and service updates.
Springfield Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Springfield Animal Shelter located?
Springfield Animal Shelter commonly refers to Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center at 627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104.
What is the phone number for Springfield Animal Shelter?
The main number is 413-781-1484. Use extension 1 for animal control and extension 2 for adoption or other public services.
What are Springfield Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Public adoption and other services are listed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 12 PM to 3:30 PM. Saturday is by appointment only. Wednesday and Sunday are closed.
Is Springfield Animal Shelter open on Saturday?
Saturday is by appointment only. Call 413-781-1484 ext. 2 before planning a Saturday visit for adoption, reclaiming, surrender questions or licensing.
Who does TJO Animal Control serve?
Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center serves Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Is animal control available after hours?
TJO says animal-control officers are on duty daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, and emergency response for ill, injured or aggressive animals is available 24 hours a day.
How much are adoption fees at Springfield Animal Shelter?
TJO lists kittens 12 months and under at $150, cats at $90 and up, adult dogs at $250 and up, and puppies at $300. Additional fees may apply due to medical conditions or expenses.
Do I need to bring my dog for a dog meet-and-greet?
TJO asks adopters to plan to bring resident dog/s to any dog meet-and-greet. Call 413-781-1484 ext. 2 with questions before visiting.
What should I do if I lost my pet in Springfield, MA?
Call Animal Control at 413-781-1484 ext. 1, file a lost report, send a clear photo and provide identifying details such as name, age, color, markings, microchip status, collar/tags and owner contact information.
What should I do if I found a dog in Springfield, Chicopee or Holyoke?
Call TJO Animal Control at 413-781-1484 ext. 1. If safe, confine the dog and report tag information, location and your callback number.
Does Springfield Animal Shelter handle wildlife?
TJO says it is not licensed to rehabilitate injured or orphaned wildlife and is not permitted to handle nuisance wildlife. Ask for proper licensed wildlife or PAC resources.
How do I report an animal bite?
If you have been bitten by a domestic animal, call TJO Animal Control at 413-781-1484 ext. 1. If you were bitten by a wild animal or found a bat in your home, contact your local health department about rabies exposure and testing.
Can I surrender a pet to Springfield Animal Shelter?
TJO asks people to call ahead with surrender questions. Use 413-781-1484 ext. 2 and explain the pet’s species, age, medical needs, behavior and reason for surrender before visiting.
Is Thomas J. O’Connor a no-kill shelter?
TJO explains that it is first a public-safety agency and cannot choose only healthy or easy animals to help. It also states that its healthy, friendly animals have a very high adoption placement rate.
Final Take: Use the Right TJO Route Before You Go
For Springfield, Massachusetts, “Springfield Animal Shelter” usually means Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center at 627 Cottage Street. The most useful plan is simple: call ext. 2 for adoption, reclaim, licensing or surrender questions; call ext. 1 for animal control, lost/found animals, bites, cruelty concerns, injured animals or urgent field service.
Before visiting, confirm the hours, check whether Saturday requires an appointment, bring resident dogs for a dog meet-and-greet when adopting a dog, and prepare proof if you are reclaiming a lost pet. For emergencies or immediate public-safety danger, use the appropriate emergency route.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center, the cities of Springfield, Chicopee or Holyoke, TJO staff, MSPCA, Dakin Humane Society, local police, wildlife rehabilitators or any official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reclaiming or reporting an animal concern.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.