The Best Springfield, IL Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Animal Protective League

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.

Sangamon County Animal Control Center

Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of all people and animals in our community through enforcement of state and local laws, providing compassionate care for every animal regardless of its temperament or condition, and reducing the number of animals without homes.