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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
lost &
found
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our services
In addition to pet adoption, WCAS offers services to help keep the pets and people of Winnebago County safe and healthy.
featured
animals
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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.
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🌟🐾 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
👀🚨Do you know any of these dogs?🚨👀
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 (Tuesday 6/16) 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!
👉Tuesday, June 16th's Paw-some... Pick is Esther A0047998039!
Esther is a 6-year-old, 6-pound cat who came to WCAS as an owner surrender due to a decline in her owner's health. This sweet little girl is now looking for a loving family where she can feel safe, cherished, and settled for the rest of her life.
Esther may be small in size, but she has a big heart and is ready to share it with someone special. She would love a home where she can enjoy companionship, comfort, and plenty of affection as she begins this new chapter.
Esther can't wait to meet you! Stop by the shelter during our open hours to spend time with Esther and the many other wonderful pets waiting to find their forever homes. 🐱🐶✨
🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-applicatio
🌟🐾 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 15th's Paw-some ...Pick is Bubby A0061045759 !
Bubby is a 3-year-old, 42-pound dog who came to WCAS as a stray and was never reclaimed by an owner. Because his history before arriving at the shelter is unknown, we're still learning about his personality and what kind of home will suit him best.
One thing we do know is that Bubby has plenty of enthusiasm! During a dog introduction with another male dog, he came in excited and full of energy. The introduction went well, and Bubby showed that he's interested in socializing and spending time with other canine companions.
Since much of Bubby's background remains a mystery, the best way to get to know him is to meet him in person. Spend some time with him, learn about his personality, and see if he's the right fit for your family and lifestyle.
Bubby can't wait to meet you! Stop by the shelter during our open hours to spend time with him and the many other wonderful pets waiting to find their forever homes.🐱🐶✨
🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-application
🌟🐾 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 13th's ...Paw-some Pick is Zipporah A0060994854!
Zipporah is a 2-year-old pup weighing 50 pounds who is ready to find a loving forever home. Zipporah came to us as a stray and was never reclaimed by an owner, so her exact background is unknown. What we do know is that this sweet, social girl has quickly won over the hearts of our staff and volunteers.
During her time at WCAS, Zipporah completed a successful dog intro with another dog here at the shelter. In fact, she's one of our team's go-to temperament test dogs because of her friendly and easygoing nature. Zipporah seems to get along with everyone she meets and is always happy to make a new friend!
Whether she's spending time with people or other dogs, Zipporah's cheerful personality shines through. She's hoping to find a family who will give her the love, stability, and adventures she's been waiting for.
Help us get to know Zipporah by meeting with her and seeing if she could be the right fit for your family! She can’t wait to meet you, so stop by the shelter during our open hours to meet Zipporah and the other pets waiting for their second chance at a forever home.
Want to have your adoption application on file before you come? You can fill out an adoption application today right through our website! 🐱🐶✨
🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-applicatio
🌟🐾 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!
👉Friday, June 12th's Paw-some ...Pick is Topher A0060707022!
Topher is a 5-year-old, 67-pound handsome guy who’s ready to find a place to call home. He initially came to us as a stray in late-March of this year and was never reclaimed, so his past is a bit of a mystery. After a couple of weeks in our care, Topher was adopted; however, a month after leaving WCAS, Topher found himself back in our care after his adopter returned him citing that they were moving and could not take him along with to their new home.
During Topher's first visit with us, he participated in a dog introduction with another male dog here at the shelter, and it went well! The two spent their time calmly walking around the play yard together, occasionally checking in with one another. His easygoing and social nature makes him a great candidate for a variety of homes.
Now, Topher is looking for a family to get back to and love forever. Help us learn even more about him by coming in to meet him—you just might find your perfect match.🐱🐶✨
🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-applicatio
🐾 Eyewitness News Pet of the Week: Meet Rock! 🐾
We're honestly scratching our heads wondering how this handsome guy is still waiting for a home! ❤️
5-year-old Rock has been at WCAS for over a month, and this goofy, lovable pup is more than ready to find his forever ...family. With his adorable ears, hilarious personality, and endless charm, Rock knows how to make everyone around him smile.
Rock was brought to WCAS after being left behind with a family member by his owner and was never reclaimed. Despite the changes in his life, he remains a happy, friendly boy who loves making new friends. At around 47 pounds, he's the perfect medium-sized companion for adventures and couch cuddles alike.
One of Rock's favorite activities is flopping onto the floor and rolling around in hopes of earning some belly rubs. He also loves zooming around the yard, snorting as he explores, and spending time playing with other dogs.
If you're looking for a fun-loving, affectionate companion who will keep you laughing, Rock might just be your perfect match!
👉 Interested in meeting Rock? Visit WCAS during adoption hours or learn more and complete an adoption questionnaire at www.WinnebagoAnimals.org .
Let's help this sweet boy find the loving home he deserves! 🐶❤️ #PetOfTheWeek #AdoptRock
making news
WCAS Returning to Past License Tag Style Due to Global Shipping Disruptions
Winnebago County Animal Services (WCAS) will be returning to the past pet license tag style for 2022 pet registrations. This license tag style, which is a flat, stamped aluminum tag, was last used...
Kitten Season
Kitten season hits every spring and every spring staff prepares for the influx of kittens about to come through our doors. Learn more here!
Working Cat Program
The Working Cat Program finds homes for those cats are better suited to a non-traditional home setting.
PetSmart Adoption Program
WCAS has partnered with six PetSmart locations to help cats and kittens find their new homes.







