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Animal Control

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1. My dog is missing. What resources are available to find it?

Photos of all animals currently housed in our animal shelter can be found in a photo gallery (link below). If you see an animal that you believe belongs to you, call (417) 833-3592 or send an e-mail to hferrier@springfieldmo.gov to find out more about viewing and claiming it. We strongly recommend owners view animals in person before assuming it belongs to them. Photo Gallery: Animals Currently in the Shelter

2. How do I know if I live inside Springfield city limits?

View the following map to see if you live the area. The colored Council zone areas are inside city limits. Zoom in on the map for a more detailed view down to the street level. Springfield city limits map

3. Are there any clinics in the area that provide reduced prices for spay or neuter services?

The Springfield Animal Advocacy Foundation (SAAF) provides reduced prices for spay or neuter services. Visit their website for more information. Springfield Animal Advocacy Foundation

4. How old must my cat or dog be before it can be spayed or neutered?

Consult with your veterinarian, or contact the Springfield Animal Advocacy Foundation. They are able to spay / neuter juvenile animals. Springfield Animal Advocacy Foundation

5. What do I do if I find a bat in my house?

If it is just one bat, try to confine it to one room of the house and call Animal Control at (417) 833-3592.

6. How old must a cat or dog be to receive the rabies vaccine?

Animals should typically be 16 weeks of age before receiving their rabies vaccine. Check with your vet if you have additional questions.

7. How often do I have to register my pit bull or pit bull mix?

You must renew your pit bull registration annually. The fee for renewal is $50.

8. There are feral cats in my neighborhood inside the Springfield city limits. Can you help?

Call (417) 833-3592, and officers will set a trap to catch the cats. You must be home when the trap is delivered. Traps will not be set during extreme weather conditions.

9. Can a monkey be a service animal?

No. Please see the following webpage for service animal regulations. Americans with Disabilities Act Fact Sheet

10. My neighbor has chickens in his backyard. What can Animal Control enforce on that situation?

City ordinance allows a resident to have up to six hens. If that number has been exceeded, or chickens are running loose, please call (417) 833-3592.

11. There is a dog in a car with the windows rolled up, and it is very hot/cold outside. Whom should I call?

Please call 9-1-1.

12. Why doesn’t the shelter adopt directly to individuals?

Space is very limited at our current location, and many times there will be several animals in the same cage or kennel. There is no separate area for prospective adopters to interact with individual animals. However, we have found success teaming with partner agencies who specialize in animal adoption.

We rely on our numerous rescue partners to decide which animals are going to make the best pets for people. Once they pull animals from our shelter, they quarantine them for at least two weeks to make sure they are healthy. Spay/neuter procedures will also take place while the animal is in care of the rescue, along with many other standard health tests for conditions such as heartworm or feline leukemia. By adopting out animals in this manner, we see less than 1% of animals return to the shelter.

13. Who can bring an animal to the animal shelter?

Individuals who live inside the city limits of Springfield, Missouri can bring a dog or cat to the shelter. You must bring proof of residency. The animal must also be from inside the city limits. There is a $20 fee for surrendering animals. Please call (417) 833-3592 in advance to verify that there are openings for cats.

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Birth & Death Certificates

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1. How can I get a birth certificate?

If you were born in Missouri and you are in the area, you can come into this office and get one. You can also mail us a check for $15 for each certificate you want made out to "City of Springfield". Our address is 227 East Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802.

If you mail the form in, it must be notarized before you mail it in. If you reside in another state, you may order one by computer through VitalChek and charge the fee to a major credit card. VitalChek

2. How can I get a death certificate?

If the death was in Missouri and you are in the area, you can come into this office and get one. You can also mail us a check for $13 for the first and $10 for each additional certificate for the same person ordered at the same time. Our address is 227 East Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802.

If you mail in the form, it must be notarized. If you reside in another state, you may order one through VitalChek and charge the fee to a major credit card. VitalChek

3. How long does it take to receive a birth or death certificate?

Once the form is received and paid for, it is printed while you wait. The time is approximately 2 to 5 minutes.

4. What payment methods are accepted?

You may pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover).

5. Where do I go to get my birth certificate interpreted from Spanish to English for a driver's license?

You take the original certificate in Spanish to the License Bureau. They will send it off to Jefferson City and it will be interpreted there and then returned to you along with your driver's license.

6. How can I get my child's last name changed? I am married to the father now and want to put his name on it and have the child's last name changed to his.

You must call Jefferson City Legal Department at (573) 751-6378 and ask them to send you papers to legitimize the birth and add father's name to the certificate.

7. How do I add the father's name to my child's birth certificate? We are not married but we want to add his name.

You can do this by calling Jefferson city (573) 751-6378 for a Parental Affidavit or by getting one from your local Health Department Vital Records Office. This must be signed by both, mother and father, in front of a Notary or witnesses and sent to Jefferson City Legal Department. The address is:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102

8. How can I get the father's name off of my child's birth certificate?

This can only be done with a court order signed by a judge. Call Jefferson City Office for further directions (573) 751-6378.

9. I have a copy of my birth certificate but it does not have a raised seal on it. Can you just stamp the seal on it for me?

No, but if you were born in Missouri, we can issue you a new certified copy with the state seal on it for $15.00.

10. I am doing a genealogy study, do you have records in your office I can come in and look at?

No, our office only has access to computerized birth certificates back to 1921 and death certificates back to 1980. We can issue only a computer copy with a state seal. For a more complete copy for genealogy, write to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Their records have more information for genealogy and they will do a five year search and send you the certificate for $15.00. Be sure to ask for a photostat copy.

11. I need a long form birth certificate that shows I have American Indian heritage. Where can I get one?

Photostat copies of Missouri Birth Certificates can be ordered from Missouri Department of Health for $15.00. The address is P.O. Box 570, Jeffereson City, MO 65102.

12. I have had a baby at home. How do I get a birth certificate made?

If the birth took place in Missouri, you will need to contact the state office in Jefferson City, Missouri for the paperwork to creat a birth certificate. The phone number is (573) 751-6378. When it is put into the computer, you can obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate from our office for $15.00.

If the birth took place in another state, you must obtain your form and file the birth certificate through that state.

13. Do I need my birth certificate to get a social security card?

Only if you are getting your social security card for the first time. For more information, call the Social Secrity Office for further instructions at (877) 850-7824.

14. Can I use VitalChek to order a certified photostat copy of a birth or death certificate?

Yes. You must use only the Jefferson City site in VitalChek. When entering the birth or death information into the VitalChek order form, make sure to type "Long Form" into the "Reason" section. This will let them know that you want a certified photostat copy of the original birth or death certificate.

15. Where do I get an "APOSTILE"?

At the Secretary of States Office. The address is 149 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806 and the phone number is (417) 895-6330. The fee is $15.00.

16. What do I need to get my birth certificate?

You will need a photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you will need two forms of ID. Some examples are social security card, a piece of mail with your name and address, a paystub, car registration, voter registration, insurance card, credit card with your picture and name, yearbook with your name and picture or a speeding ticket.

17. Who can get a death certificate?

A close relative can obtain a certificate. If you are not related, you have to have a legal reason to get a copy.

18. Who can get a birth certificate?

A first degree relative of the person up to but not including cousins. If you are the father and your name is not on the birth certificate, you have to have court papers showing you have custody of the child. If you are not a relative, you have to have court paperwork showing you have custody of the child.

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Community Health & Epidemiology

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1. How can I have my well water tested?

Water samples may be dropped off for testing Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Thursday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, excluding holidays, at the Harold K. Bengsch Building:
227 E. Chestnut Expy.
Springfield, MO 65802

Call the laboratory at (417) 864-1673 for testing schedules during holiday weeks.

2. Do you offer HIV / AIDS testing?

The Health Department's in-house clinic provides confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and confidential / anonymous HIV testing at no cost to the client. View the following webpage to find additional information. HIV and AIDS Information

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Food Inspections

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1. How do I submit a restaurant complaint?

Enter a service request on our website at the link below. Please provide as much detail as possible about your experience at the restaurant. If you suspect you have food poisoning, please be ready to provide a personal food history of your last 6 meals consumed. If key information is not provided (day, time, what was consumed, and onset of illness) we may not investigate your complaint. Service Request

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Laboratory Services

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1. How can I have my well water tested?

Water samples may be dropped off for testing Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Thursday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, excluding holidays, at the Harold K. Bengsch Building:
227 E. Chestnut Expy.
Springfield, MO 65802

Call the laboratory at (417) 864-1673 for testing schedules during holiday weeks.

2. When does the department release pollen count information?

Pollen counts start in February or March (dependent upon the weather) and run through November 1 or the first heavy frost, whichever comes first. During that time, the department releases daily pollen counts for the previous 24-hour period.

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Main

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1. How do I contact a health department employee?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information. Members of the media are asked to contact the Public Information Administrator as a starting point in their query.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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Maternal, Child, and Family Health

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1. What is your "Nurse-On-Call" program?

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department has a "nurse-on-call" Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.; and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to answer basic health care questions. To speak to a nurse during these times, please call (417) 864-1684.

2. How do I make an appointment for a physical?

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department no longer offers this service. Please contact your primary care provider for this service.

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Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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1. Is there a cost to be tested or treated at the health department's STD clinic?

Most testing and treatments are free. However, optional Hepatitis B testing is $20.

2. Do I have to live in Greene County to be seen?

No. It does not matter what county, state or country in which you live.

3. What information do I need to bring to the STD clinic?

For registration purposes, you will need to supply your name, address, date of birth, and social security number (if you have one). This information is kept private.

4. Can a person under 18 years old get tested without their parent’s permission?

In Missouri, minors can be tested and treated for sexually transmitted disease without parental consent.

5. Will my information be kept private?

Your personal information is handled in a professional, confidential manner according to HIPAA rules and state laws. If you enter the lobby before 8:00 am, you will notice clipboards with numbers and clinic forms. Take the numbered clipboard and complete the paperwork while waiting for the clinic to open.

At 8:00 AM, the clinic registration will begin. The clerical staff will call numbers. When your number is called, take the number and clipboard with completed paperwork and give to clerical staff. She will get you signed into the computer and will call the nurse when they have you ready. A medical staff member will alert you when it is your turn to be seen and they will escort you to the clinic room.

6. What is the process and how do I register to be tested or treated for and STD?

The lobby doors at the Harold K. Bengsch Building open at 7:30 AM. Number and registration forms are available at that time. If you enter the lobby before 8:00 AM, you will notice clipboards with numbers and clinic forms. Take the numbered clipboard and complete the paperwork while waiting for the clinic to open.

At 8:00 AM, the clinic registration will begin. The clerical staff will call numbers. When your number is called, take the number and clipboard with completed paperwork and give it to clerical staff. They will get you signed into the computer and will call the nurse when they have you ready. A medical staff member will alert you when it is your turn to be seen and they will escort you to the clinic room.

Harold K. Bengsch Building location

7. What is the difference between the Express Clinic and the regular STD Clinic?

The Express Clinic is only for urine collection and blood draws by lab staff. No nurse appointment is necessary. The Express Clinic offers:
• Urine tests for gonorrhea and Chlamydia
• Blood draws for HIV and/or syphilis
• Optional Hepatitis B blood test is $20. (Pay at Vital Records desk and give receipt to medical provider before blood is drawn.)
• No treatments or counseling

The STD Clinic offers:
• Urine tests for gonorrhea and Chlamydia
• Blood draws for HIV and/or syphilis
• Optional Hepatitis B blood test for $20. (Pay at Vital Records desk and give receipt to medical provider before blood draw.)
• Vaginal tests for Trichomoniasis (“Trich”).
• Herpes swab test for active genital sores/blisters. No herpes blood test available.
• Additional testing for individuals who are having vaginal or urethral symptoms.
• Treatments for gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis or “Trich” if that person or a recent partner has been diagnosed.

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Urban Deer

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1. Do deer live a different life in the urban setting versus their relatives in rural settings?

According to a previous study of 266 collared deer around St. Louis by the Missouri Department of Conservation, deer living in urban settings were found to live a more confined life, with the most common form of death being related to vehicle collisions. There are few predators and/or hunts to control their populations in these settings. Urban deer tend to have smaller home ranges (100-300 acres) than do their rural counterparts. Urban deer are many times more likely to die from vehicle collisions.

2. What is the primary reason for the lack of deer management in urban areas?

Lack of deer management exists because of real or perceived safety concerns and City ordinances that act to limit management. There are often conflicting social attitudes and perceptions about wildlife management in an urban area (i.e., hunting and weapons discharge versus restrictions). Liability and/or political concerns may also be a problem.

3. What is the projected growth rate of Springfield's urban deer herd if we do nothing?

Review of current deer population growth has shown that in as little as 5 years, the total population of deer within the metro area could increase as much as 100% - doubling the current population - if nothing is done to counter their reproductive rates.

4. How did deer populations reach these current levels in our urban/suburban neighborhoods?

In the absence of predation and hunting, vehicles and possibly disease are the only factors that control deer within urban and suburban settings. Also, deer are usually welcomed in most urban settings, at least for a period of time. They soon become unwelcome, but will not be noted as unwelcome until a gross overpopulation begins to affect all involved persons.

5. Can I hunt on any publicly owned land?

No. Hunting is prohibited inside Springfield city limits. The exceptions are occasional urban deer hunts managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. These hunts are authorized by City Council on a case-by-case basis, and are strictly limited to small number of experienced bow hunters chosen by MDC through a lottery system. Information on scheduled hunts will be made available as they are authorized by City Council.

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Women, Infants & Children

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1. Who can I call if I'm having problems or have questions about breastfeeding?

Contact the Breastfeeding Peer Counselors directly at (417) 851-1583 or after hours line (417) 838-9992.

2. How do I qualify for a breast pump?

We typically do not offer a breast pump before the birth of baby, however you can call the office at (417) 851-1583 and talk to our breastfeeding staff for more information.

3. How do I qualify for WIC?

WIC serves pregnant, post partum and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to the age of five who meet income guidelines and live in the state of Missouri. WIC Prescreening Tool