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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

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‼🎉ADOPTION UPDATE!🎉‼

❤Remember Samantha & Midnight???❤

Samantha (grey) arrived at WCAS in August of this year after being surrendered by her owner, who was moving and unfortunately unable to bring her along. Thankfully, Samantha didn't have to wait long for ...her next chapter! Just a couple of weeks after arriving, she found a new family and headed off to her forever home.

A few days later, Midnight (black) arrived at WCAS as a stray alongside two littermates. When no owner came forward to reclaim the kittens, all three were made available for adoption—and it didn't take long for them to find their own happy endings! Midnight was quickly adopted, too, giving both Samantha and Midnight a fresh start in a loving home.

Samantha & Midnight's adopters reached out to share these photos and this great update!

🐾We adopted Samantha around the end of August and Midnight two weeks later. We weren't sure if they would get along but after a couple days they were and still are inseparable! They brought so much happiness to our house, we spoil them every day!🐾

👉Interested in creating your own adoption story?
Visit our website - www.WinnebagoAnimals.org -to complete an adoption questionnaire!

👉If you've adopted from WCAS and would like to share an update & photos, you can message us OR send us an email at wcas@wcas.wincoil.go

👀🚨Do you know any of these dogs?🚨👀

‼️We've taken in a total of 24 stray dogs since Sunday!‼️
Can you help us find their families? Each animal's Intake Date & Location Found is include in their photo's caption.

👉If you believe one of ...these dogs is yours, please call us at 815-319-4100 and one of our call takers can speak with you about next steps OR stop by our facility.

👉We're open today (Thursday 11/12) until 5pm.

👉Some of these dogs are available for preselect adoption, which means that although the dog is still on their stray hold period and awaiting reclaim by their owner, an interested adopter is able to complete an adoption application and pay the fee to pre-select the animal for adoption. If the dog is not reclaimed, the adoption is finalized and the dog can go home as soon as they're spayed/neutered.

🌟🐾 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, November 12th's ...Paw-some Pick is Journey A0061867787!

Journey is a 6-month-old, 6 lb. kitten who came to WCAS as a stray and was never reclaimed. Now, this little one is ready to begin a new journey of their own – one filled with cozy naps, playful adventures, and a family to call their own! If you're looking for a young feline companion to bring a little extra joy to your home, Journey might be just the one for you! Please apply to adopt through the WCAS website!🐱🐶✨

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

✨🙏It's Wishlist Wednesday! 🙏✨

Our model is ❤Clover A0061451936❤ and is available for adoption here at WCAS!

Clover is a lovable 6-year-old, 49-pound sweetheart who's hoping a little luck will lead her to the forever home she's been waiting for.
...
Clover came to WCAS as a stray and, despite every opportunity, was never reclaimed. While we don't know what her life was like before arriving at the shelter, we do know that she's ready to leave her days of uncertainty behind and start a new chapter with a family who will love her unconditionally.

At 6 years old, Clover is in the prime of her life. She's past the puppy stage but still has plenty of love, companionship, and adventures ahead of her. At 49 pounds, she's a wonderful medium-sized companion—equally suited for leisurely walks, relaxing at home, or spending quality time with the people she loves.

Like any dog adjusting to a new environment, Clover may need a little time to settle into her new routine. With patience, kindness, and consistency, she'll have every opportunity to blossom into a devoted and loyal companion. All she's asking for is a family willing to give her the chance.

Clover has already overcome the challenge of finding herself alone. Now she's searching for the one thing every dog deserves—a place to call home. If you're looking for a faithful friend with a heart full of love to give, Clover is ready to bring a little extra joy and a lot of companionship into your life.

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

Donations can be dropped off at our facility OR ordered & shipped to our address
- 4517 N. Main St. Rockford, IL 61103

Winnebago County Animal Services is closed today, Wednesday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day and will re-open tomorrow, Thursday, November 12th, at 11am.

If you need assistance from Winnebago County Animal Services, please call 815-319-4100 and listen for instructions to ...leave a message for the officer on duty.

Several Animal Services employees are veterans, and we thank them for their service to our country and to our community.

‼🎉ADOPTION UPDATE!🎉‼

❤Remember Cupid (now Wilson)???❤

Wilson arrived at WCAS on October 1st as a stray and was never reclaimed by an owner. Fortunately, this handsome guy didn't have to wait long for his next chapter! After spending just a few weeks with us, ...Wilson found his people and headed off to begin life in his new forever home!

Wilson's adopter reached out to share these photos and this great update!

🐾Just wanted to give you an update on Wilson (aka Cupid) ❤️
Ever since we took him home every second he has become more & more comfortable. He has opened up to be quite playful & the opposite of his depressive state. It is so special to me, as someone who knows depression, to see this sweet boy come to life as the pup he is. It's not only healing for us, he is healing too & he is doing so well. He even has made himself at home going to work with mama! He is the biggest goofy lover boy. We are so over joyed to be this baby's home. Thank you all so much for everything you all do.
You're all truly special souls 🥹 🐾

👉Interested in creating your own adoption story?
Visit our website - www.WinnebagoAnimals.org -to complete an adoption questionnaire!

👉If you've adopted from WCAS and would like to share an update & photos, you can message us OR send us an email at wcas@wcas.wincoil.go

Winnebago County Animal Services will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day.

Several Animal Services employees are veterans, and we thank them for their service to our country and to our community.

🎉🐾Yesterday's Paw-some Pick Has Found a Home! 🐾🎉

We’re SO excited to share that Karma B has officially gone home!
❤️We couldn’t be happier to see them start their next chapter with a loving family!!!

📣A huge thank you to everyone who’s been ...liking, commenting, and sharing our Paw-some Pick of the Day posts — your support truly helps our animals get seen and find homes faster. Every share makes a difference!

👉Today's pick is Diamond A0055901378!

Keep following along and continue spreading the word — you never know which Paw-some Pick might be the next to find their forever home! 🏡

🌟🐾 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, November 10th's ...Paw-some Pick is Diamond A0055901378 !

Diamond is a 3-year-old girl weighing in at 68 pounds, and she’s ready to find a loving family to call her own!

Diamond came into our care as an owner surrender after her family was moving. Now, she’s looking for a fresh start and a home where she can feel safe, comfortable, and loved. While Diamond has shown some timidness around staff, she’s also shown us that having a canine friend nearby can help bring out her playful side!

During her dog introduction with Jasmine, Diamond became more comfortable and interested in playing. She attempted to initiate play with a few playful bows, but when Jasmine wasn't quite as interested, Diamond read her signals well and adjusted her approach with ease. The two greeted each other a few times before exploring the yard together on dropped leashes.

Diamond has shown that she can be thoughtful and respectful when interacting with another dog, and we love seeing her confidence grow! She may need a little time to warm up to new people and surroundings, but with patience and encouragement, Diamond is ready to find her place in a loving home.

Could Diamond be the missing piece of your family? Stop by the shelter during our open hours to meet Diamond and the other pets waiting for their forever homes🐱🐶✨

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

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