For over 60 years, the Animal Protective League has been the voice for animals in Springfield and Sangamon County. APL operates a limited admission animal shelter and a high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter clinic along with comprehensive animal-welfare programs. APL is a private, not-for-profit organization and operates primarily by donations.
APL's limited admission animal shelter prioritizes intake by sick, injured, abused and abandoned dogs and cats. APL strives to match animals with carefully screened, loving, permanent owners. All animals leave our shelter spayed or neutered, microchipped, and with all age appropriate vaccinations. Over 2000 deserving dogs and cats are placed in homes every year! APL also has an active group of foster families who provide interim homes until space is available at our shelter.
APL's Spay/neuter clinic performs 10,000 spay/neuter surgeries every year. In addition to the public, we work with a dozen other animal shelters, animal control agencies and animal welfare groups in and around Sangamon County to provide affordable surgeries to shelter pets.
Mission and Vision
The Animal Protective League is a non-profit 501C(3) organization dedicated to caring for ill, injured and abused homeless animals and coordinating the adoption of those animals by responsible pet owners. It further is committed to ending companion animal overpopulation by offering high-quality, low-cost spay/neuter services.
Adoption Policy
Adoption Application form must be filled out completely. Forms missing information are not considered valid and will not be considered for adoption purposes.
You must be 18 years of age or older to adopt from APL.
You must have one form of ID with proof of identity and current address.
By completing and submitting this form, you certify that all information is true and complete to the best of your knowledge. You also accept that knowingly providing false information will nullify this adoption application.
You also give permission to APL to verify with your veterinarian that vaccines are current.
Once the adoption process is completed, you understand you will receive coupons and special offers through Purina. If you do not wish to receive these offers, you will have the opportunity to opt out through Purina.
All of our animals are spayed or neutered and microchipped before being available for adoption. Dogs are heartworm tested; given vaccinations for rabies (if old enough), bordetella, canine distemper/parvo; and kept on heartworm and flea preventative.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start...
Your dog's nose is an amazing tool. Did you know they have 40 times the olfactory receptors than humans? Scent training for dogs taps into this superpower,...
It's a cringe-worthy moment every dog owner dreads: your furry friend chowing down on something truly disgusting. If your dog has a penchant for poop, you're...
The shelter ride home goes one of two ways. Your new dog either plasters themselves against the car window, tongue out and tail going like a helicopter, or...
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too...
Herding dogs are amazing, intelligent companions. But that also means they need more than just a simple game of fetch. Finding the right toys for herding...
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with the remnants of plush toys? Are you tired of wasting money on "indestructible" dog...
Every dog needs to move, but how much is actually enough? The answer depends on more than just breed. Age, health, and even your own lifestyle all play a...
Ever feel like your dog is restless or bored? They may be getting enough exercise, but still need more. That's where enrichment activities for dogs come in....
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed...
If your dog lunges, barks, or loses their mind at the sight of another dog, a stranger, or a bicycle, you’re living with a reactive dog (and you’re far from...
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people—barking, lunging, or growling when they see their triggers? Whether they're a rescue still settling...
Does your dog transform into a barking, lunging tornado the second they spot another dog across the street? You're definitely not alone. According to our...
Does your dog's reactivity make walks stressful? You're not alone. Many dog owners face similar challenges. This guide offers practical advice and support...
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in...
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an...
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned...
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have...
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a...
The best dog fields in the US offer something that traditional enclosed parks simply can't match: acres of open space where your pup can truly stretch their...
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United...
Is your pup giving you those pleading "let me run free" eyes? Whether you're a new dog parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh adventures, finding the...
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to...
Looking for the perfect dog park? Whether you need a wide-open public space or a private, fenced-in spot, this guide will help you find the best dog parks...
Ready to discover Portland's best dog parks? Whether you're looking for a public park or the unique experience of a private Sniffspot, this guide has you...
The German Shepherd Dog (GSDs) are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and striking appearance. They're also incredibly versatile, excelling as working...
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their...
Golden Retrievers: they're gorgeous, playful, and incredibly popular. But before you welcome one into your home, you need the right golden retriever advice....
Think American Staffordshire Terriers are tough? Think again. While their muscular build might intimidate some, these dogs are known for their playful and...
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is...
Discover the Siberian Husky, a breed celebrated for its curious, intelligent, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, Siberian Huskies were...
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users.
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of...
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of...
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the...
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bernese-mountain-dog-208092_1280.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_543831754.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_494495788-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/shutterstock_237584221-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/shutterstock_705844504.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/shutterstock_1295604073-1-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dogwaterpark.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/shutterstock_174836186.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock_1346929262.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dogexercisecalculatorfeaturedimage.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/bb.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/shutterstock_1091009294.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screen-Shot-2024-05-23-at-9.33.57-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dogreactivitychartfeaturedimage.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_523383649.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/a.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_796422001.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/shutterstock-641073763_orig.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sniffspot_infographic_1-01.jpeg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Final-Edit-003-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/good-photo-3_orig.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/sniffspot-28-of-45-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screen-shot-2019-09-19-at-2-01-47-pm_orig.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/N0A9291.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-21-at-6.39.54-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/indoordogparks.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/offleashdogparks.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/vegas.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/portland.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/German-Shepherd-Dog.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-24-at-4.06.05-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-25-at-3.05.09-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/staffy.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-25-at-3.39.43-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/catherine-QMumx6XMJSY-unsplash.jpg)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1282/178507e67e44-MC_logo_square.jpg){kind=logo}
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/931/cef8bbb17769-South_Coast_Humane_Society.png)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/61/30aea3371b69-MainSquare_2.png)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/298/1000035238.jpg)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/814/91cfd62cd986-IMG_1035.jpeg)