Animal Control

Animals are brought to Animal Control by Animal Control Officers or citizens.

Upon entry into the shelter, animals are immediately photographed, scanned for a microchip and posted on the shelter’s Lost Animals page.

This process allows citizens with missing pets to check online to see if their animal was brought to Animal Control. This website is updated continuously as animals come to the facility.

Animal Control is responsible for enforcing the Vermilion County Animal Ordinances, contracted Vermilion County Jurisdiction Ordinances, and State Laws. Animal Control Officers can be found patrolling neighborhoods, responding to calls from concerned citizens, investigating animal cruelty cases, and assisting animals in the facility.

Animal Control Officers are on duty five days a week, 830am to 430pm, responding to lost, aggressive and injured animals, bite cases, neglect and abuse complaints, investigate illegal breeding, backyard breeders and animal fighting. To reach an officer during business hours please call 217-431-2660 prompt 1. To reach the on-call ACO after hours, for emergencies only, please call 911.

What is the required holding time for animals picked up by Animal Control?
Animals with no known owner are held for 7 days.
When an owner has been identified, Animal Control works with the owner to reclaim their pet.
Animals with a known owner are also held for 7 days.
Animals that are being held for a rabies bite quarantine must be in quarantine observation for 10 days.
Legal circumstances have variable holding period times depending on the situation.
After the holding time has expired, animals who are not reclaimed by an owner are evaluated for the adoption program, networked to rescue partners or considered for humane euthanasia depending on the animals physical and mental health and previous behavior history.