Changes at Madison County Animal Care & Control 

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Animal Care and Control is starting off the new year with some changes. 

The animal control facility will no longer be open on Saturday.

"It's unfortunate that we will no longer be open, but due to budget cuts it's a decision we had to make," Katherine Conder, animal control manager, said. "“We have adjusted our scheduling to allow for it."

The facility will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of the holidays.

Regardless of the schedule, Conder said anyone who needs assistance outside of the facility hours can call ahead and make arrangements to come to animal control.

"We understand this may be an inconvenience for some, but the facility was only open for a few hours on Saturday," she said.

Conder said the new schedule will make it easier for staff to arrange time off and reduce overtime. Aminal control staff will continue to take care of the animals seven days a week.

Despite the challenges, Conder said the staff at animal control areworking to make a difference.

“I feel confident in saying, over the past year, we at animal control have made some adjustments so that we are providing a higher level of customer service and animal care,” she said. “We are reducing costs, but not sacrificing animal care.” 

Another change includes  the appointment of  the Veterinarian Adam Ohms. Ohms replaced Dr. Ryan Jacob who left the facility on Dec. 31 to take a new position at a veterinary clinic in Southern Illinois.

"We are looking forward to working with Dr. Ohms," County Chairman Kurt Prenzler said.

Prenzler said there is a lot happening at animal control and i'ts all exciting.

Conder said the department had a new logo created and incorporate the animals into it. She said before it was just printed words with no art.

The facility also put in a new multipurpose room for animals.

Conder said the room will allow a place for long-term cats to be spayed and neutered and a live a cage-free existence until they are pulled by rescues.

"The room could also be used for dogs that might need some down or quiet time," she said.

The room can also be used for pet quarantines for animals with a possible contagious illness. 

Animal Control is also looking for donations of items that can be used in the room such as scratching posts, toys or anything animals can play with or occupy themselves. 

Looking ahead, Conder said animal control will put more resources into communitcations with the public and public education effort.

“Over the next year I think we’re going to continue to grow our outreach for finding homes for the dogs and cats in our community," she said.

For more information, check out the Animal Care and Control’s monthly newsletter on the Madison County website at https://www.co.madison.il.us/departments/animal_control/index.php. 

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