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SERVING PEOPLE. SAVING PETS.

winnebago county animal services is a department of Winnebago County government covering more than 500 square miles and serving the more than 280,000 residents who call Winnebago County home. We provide a number of services including pet licensing and registration, veterinary care to animals in need, animal welfare and cruelty investigations, pet adoptions, and more.  

The Animal Services department cares for an average of 4,000 animals each year, serves all municipalities, and is the only government run animal services/animal sheltering organization in the county.  We work to find homes for pets not reclaimed by their owners. If you are considering adoption we encourage you to view our adoptable pet listings, which are automatically updated every few minutes throughout the day.  If you don’t find the pet you’re looking for at Animal Services, also consider visiting other nonprofit shelters and rescues in the community. 

hours / contact

Shelter/Lobby Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday-Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: CLOSED
*Please note, all adoptions end 30 minutes prior to closing.

Patrol Hours:
Daily: 7:00 AM. – 12:00 AM (midnight)

Phone: (815) 319-4100
Fax: (815) 319-4101

Main Shelter

4517 North Main Street
Rockford, IL 61103

our services

In addition to pet adoption, WCAS offers services to help keep the pets and people of Winnebago County safe and healthy.

Pet Registration

Pet registration is required by law and a great way to help your pet get back home if they become lost. Plus, these fees fund our services.

Animal Welfare & Investigations

Our team investigates animal welfare and safety concerns. We also offer outreach and education about responsible pet ownership.

Vaccinations & Rabies Control

Regular vaccination is required for all cats and dogs and helps keep our pets and community healthy. Our team investigates bite incidents to prevent the spread of the rabies virus.

Spay/Neuter & TNR

Spaying/neutering pets helps prevent pet overpopulation in our community. Learn more about spay/neutering and our trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to control barn and feral cat populations.

featured
animals
for

adoption

considering adopting?

add a furry member to your family

Winnebago County Animal Services works to find happy and healthy homes for adoptable dogs, cats, and other animals. We make finding and bringing home your new family member easy and affordable.

animal
fostering

interested in becoming a foster?

Fostering is a wonderful and rewarding way to help animals who require a little extra attention and care before they are able to be adopted into a permanent home.

we’re social animals

join our pack

🚨LOST DOG🚨
Bella is a female 4-7yr. old pit bull that was last seen on the 5000 block of Linden Road in Rockford on 12/18/2024.

👉Please call Allison at (779) 207-8962 with any information.

🚨LOST CAT🚨
Petunia is a female cat who is less than a year old that went missing on 12/15/2024 on S. Horace Ave. in Rockford, IL. Her owner shared that Petunia is microchipped and registered.

👉Please call Liz at (815) 420-0907 with any information.

🚨FOUND DOG🚨

On 12/15/2024 this female bulldog mix, estimated to be between 1-3yrs, was found on the 2900 block of Billie Rd in Rockford, IL.

👉This dog is currently being cared for by the finder, who can be reached at (815) 721-0989.

‼️🚨LOST CAT🚨‼️

Fang is a male 1-3 yr. old Bengal that went missing on 8/8/2024 on Hanover Dr. in Rockford, IL. His owner shared that his collar is black with a Naruto logo and owner information on it.

👉Please call Rachel at (630) 329-1474 with any information.

‼️🚨FOUND DOG🚨‼️

On 8/5/2023 this white terrier, estimated to be between 1-3yrs, was found School St and Avon in Rockford, IL.

👉This dog is currently being cared for by the finder, who can be reached at (815) 616-7219

‼️🚨FOUND DOG🚨‼️

On 8/7/2023 this male shiba inu, estimated to be less than a year old, was found at Blackhawk Park in Rockford, IL.
👉This dog is currently being cared for by the finder, who can be reached at (815) 847-0749.

‼️🚨LOST DOG🚨‼️
Tara is a female 4-7yr. old grey & white pit bull that was last seen in the Central/Halstead area on 8/5/2024.

👉Please call Wendy at (815) 329-2212 or (815) 329-4201 with any information.

‼️🚨FOUND CAT🚨‼️
On 5/30/2024 this cat was found in on 42nd St. in Rockford, IL.
This cat is currently being cared for by the finder, who can be reached at (779) 537-2297.

‼️🚨LOST DOG🚨‼️
Casey is a female 1-3yr old German shorthair that was last seen on Elmwood Rd. on 3/6/2024.

👉Please call John at (815) 847-0626.

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