view our
adoptable
dogs

view our
adoptable
cats

view other
adoptable
animals

Need Answers FAST?
Click here for our Help Center

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

🌟🐾 Paw-some Pick of the Day! 🐾🌟

We’re shining the spotlight on our pets with something special: each day, one amazing pet will be featured as our Paw-some Pick of the Day — and for that day only, their adoption fee is waived!

👉Tuesday, June 23rd's Paw-some... Pick is Cloud A0060965914!

At 4 years old and 10 pounds, Cloud is hoping his next home will be his forever one.

Cloud came to the shelter after his owner was no longer able to provide housing for him. While this change has been difficult, Cloud is ready to start a new chapter with a family who can offer him the stability, comfort, and love he deserves.

Cloud is ready to settle into a home where he can relax and enjoy the simple things in life—sunny windows, cozy naps, tasty treats, and spending time with his favorite people. With plenty of love left to give, Cloud is looking for someone who will welcome him into their heart and home.

If you're searching for a handsome companion to share your days with, Cloud may be the perfect addition to your family. Stop by and meet him today!🐱🐶✨

🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-applicati

🌟🐾 Paw-some Pick of the Day! 🐾🌟

We’re shining the spotlight on our pets with something special: each day, one amazing pet will be featured as our Paw-some Pick of the Day — and for that day only, their adoption fee is waived!

👉Monday, June 22nd's Paw-some ...Pick is Rook A0060797664!

Rook is a 6-year-old, 65-pound pup who came to us as a stray and was never reclaimed, so his past remains a bit of a mystery. What we do know, though, is that Rook has been making a great impression during his time with us!

While in our care, Rook participated in a dog-to-dog introduction with another shelter dog. Staff noted that he was very interested, friendly, and full of energy—showing us that he enjoys social interactions and could make a great companion.

Rook is looking for a family who will take the time to get to know him and give him the chance to show off his personality. The best way to see if he’s the right fit is to come meet him in person! 🐱🐶✨

🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-applicati

🌟🐾 Paw-some Pick of the Day! 🐾🌟

We’re shining the spotlight on our pets with something special: each day, one amazing pet will be featured as our Paw-some Pick of the Day — and for that day only, their adoption fee is waived!

👉Saturday, June 20th's ...Paw-some Pick is Naomi A0047998175 !

Naomi is a 6-year-old, 7-month-old cat weighing just 7 pounds. She came to WCAS as an owner surrender due to a decline in her owner's health. While saying goodbye to her previous family was undoubtedly difficult, Naomi is ready to find a new home where she can share her love and companionship once again.

This petite girl is looking for a family to call her own—one that will provide her with the care, comfort, and affection she deserves. Naomi has so much love left to give and is hoping to find a forever home where she can settle in and become a cherished member of the family.

Naomi can't wait to meet you! Stop by the shelter during our open hours to spend some time with her and the many other wonderful pets waiting to find their forever homes.🐱🐶✨

🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-applicatio

Just a reminder that Winnebago County Animal Services will be closed today, Friday, June 19th, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

If you need assistance, Animal Control Officers will be on duty- please call 815-319-4100 if you have an animal-related complaint or have found a lost ...animal.

We will re-open tomorrow, Saturday, June 20th, at 11am.

Be sure to visit our website, www.WinnebagoAnimals.org to view the pets currently available for adoption!

Image for shared link
Winnebago County Animal Services

Pet adoptions, pet licensing and registration, veterinary care to animals in need, animal welfare and cruelty investigations, and more.

www.winnebagoanimals.org

🙀🚨 FOSTER HOMES DESPERATELY NEEDED! 🚨🙀

Kitten season is in full swing, and we need your help!

WCAS currently has over 100 cats and kittens in foster care, but vulnerable little ones continue arriving every single day.

Take a peek below at just some of the ...kittens, nursing moms, orphaned babies, and other vulnerable felines who have needed foster placement over the few weeks. These are the faces of kitten season, and they are counting on our community to help give them a chance to thrive.

By opening your home, you can literally save lives.

Never fostered before? That's okay! It's much easier than you might think, and we're here to help every step of the way. Best of all, WCAS provides the food, litter, supplies, and veterinary care—you provide the love, a safe space, and a little time.

In return, you'll get:
❤️ The satisfaction of helping save lives
😻 Endless kitten cuddles and entertainment
🏡 The opportunity to make a huge difference for animals in need

If you've ever thought about fostering, now is the time. Even a few weeks in a foster home can change the future for these tiny kittens.

👉 Learn more and apply today:
https://winnebagoanimals.org/foster/

📧 Questions? Email us at apinnon@wcas.wincoil.gov

Please share this post to help us find the fosters these kittens desperately need!

Winnebago County Animal Services will be closed tomorrow, Friday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.

If you need assistance, Animal Control Officers will be on duty- please call 815-319-4100 if you have an animal-related complaint or have found a lost animal.

We will re-open... on Saturday, June 20th at 11am.

Be sure to visit our website, www.WinnebagoAnimals.org to view the pets currently available for adoption!

Image for shared link
Winnebago County Animal Services

Pet adoptions, pet licensing and registration, veterinary care to animals in need, animal welfare and cruelty investigations, and more.

www.winnebagoanimals.org

🌟🐾 Paw-some Pick of the Day! 🐾🌟

We’re shining the spotlight on our pets with something special: each day, one amazing pet will be featured as our Paw-some Pick of the Day — and for that day only, their adoption fee is waived!

👉Thursday, June 18th's ...Paw-some Pick is Ruth A0061024592!

Ruth is a 6-year-old cat weighing just 6 pounds who came to WCAS as an owner surrender due to a decline in her owner's health. While this transition has been a big change for her, Ruth is hoping to find a loving family where she can once again feel safe, comfortable, and cherished.
Ruth can be a little shy when meeting new people and experiencing new environments, but with patience and kindness, she has the potential to blossom into a wonderful companion. She would likely appreciate a calm home where she can settle in at her own pace and build trust with her new family.

This petite girl is looking for a forever home filled with love and understanding. Once she feels secure, Ruth is sure to reward her family with the quiet companionship and devotion that make cats so special.
Ruth can't wait to meet you! Stop by the shelter during our open hours to spend some time with her and the many other wonderful pets waiting to find their forever homes.🐱🐶✨

🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-applicatio

✨🙏It's Wishlist Wednesday! 🙏✨

Our model is ❤Sebastian A0060283749❤ who is currently available for adoption here at WCAS!

Sebastian is a 1-year-old, 36-pound pup who’s ready for a fresh start and a forever home. He recently came into our care due to a change ...in his previous living situation, and now he’s looking for a safe, stable place where he can truly thrive.

Since being with us, Sebastian has shown just how sweet and social he can be. During a dog introduction here at the shelter, staff noted that he greeted another dog with kisses and handled playtime wonderfully—allowing the other dog to roughhouse while remaining friendly and easygoing.

Sebastian is now looking for a family to call his own and can’t wait to start this next chapter. If you’re ready to open your heart and home, Sebastian would love to meet you!

Due to their long time search for a forever home they’re part of the "Lonely Hearts Club" meaning half of their adoption fee has been covered by the WCAS Auxiliary!

This week, we're in need of the following item(s):
✨Wet Dog Food
✨Kongs

Donations can be dropped off at our facility OR ordered & shipped to our address
- 4517 N. Main St. Rockford, IL 6110

🌟🐾 Paw-some Pick of the Day! 🐾🌟

We’re shining the spotlight on our pets with something special: each day, one amazing pet will be featured as our Paw-some Pick of the Day — and for that day only, their adoption fee is waived!

👉Wednesday, June 17th's ...Paw-some Pick is Colette A0061023518!

Colette is a 3-year-old, 46-pound dog who came to WCAS as a stray and was never reclaimed by an owner. Because her history before arriving at the shelter is unknown, we're still learning about her personality and what makes her unique.

One thing we've already discovered is that Colette enjoys the company of other dogs. During a dog introduction with another female dog, she responded well to correction and showed appropriate social behavior. As she became more comfortable, Colette even initiated play, giving staff a glimpse of her fun-loving side.

While we may not know much about Colette's past, we'd love your help discovering her future. The best way to get to know her is to come meet her in person and see if she's the right fit for your family and lifestyle.

Colette can't wait to meet you! Stop by the shelter during our open hours to spend time with her and the many other wonderful pets waiting to find their forever homes.🐱🐶✨

🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-applicatio

making news