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

Black Paws

Male | 7 monthsTerrier, Pit Bull
Meet Me

Brewsey

Male | 3 yearsDomestic Shorthair
Meet Me

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

👀🚨Do you know any of these dogs?🚨👀

We would love to reunite these dogs with their families!
Can you help us find their families? Each animal's Intake Date & Location Found is included 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 (Monday 3/30) until 7pm.

👉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.

🎉🎉 Last week, Winnebago County Animal Services helped 23 pets find their forever homes! That includes 16 cats 🐱 and 7 dogs 🐶! 🎉🎉

However, our population has risen quickly, with over 100 animals entering our care in just the past week. We need your help now more than ever ...to continue creating happy endings like these.

If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, please take a look at our adoptable pets at:
👉 www.winnebagoanimals.org

Every adoption makes a difference ❤️

🌟🐾 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, March 30th's Paw-some... Pick is Baby A0047395186!

Baby is a 13-year-old, 48-pound sweetheart who is ready to find a loving home to spend her golden years.
Baby came into our care due to a decline in her owner’s health. Despite the changes she’s experienced, Baby is now looking for a family to get back to and love forever.

During her time with us, Baby had a dog introduction with another female dog, and it went well! She came on a little strong at first, but responded appropriately to correction and adjusted her energy. The two dogs then spent their time exploring the play yard together.

At 13 years old, Baby is hoping for a home where she can relax, enjoy companionship, and be part of a family again. She still has plenty of love to give and would make a wonderful, loyal companion.🐶✨

🖱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, March 28th's ...Paw-some Pick is Cujo A0060443429!

Cujo is a 10-month-old, 49-pound pup who is ready to find a fresh start with a loving family.

Cujo came into our care after the home he was living in was condemned, and unfortunately no one came forward to reclaim him. Despite that difficult start, Cujo is now looking forward to finding a safe and stable home where he can truly thrive.

During his time with us, Cujo had a dog introduction with another male dog, and it went well! While he was a bit shy at first, staff noted that he quickly warmed up—soon initiating play and happily roughhousing around the yard with his new friend.
Cujo is still getting comfortable and showing us more of his personality each day. The best way to learn more about him is to come meet him in person and see if he might be the right fit for your family.🐶✨

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

👀🚨Do you know any of these dogs?🚨👀

We would love to reunite these dogs with their families!
Can you help us find their families? Each animal's Intake Date & Location Found is included 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 (Friday 3/27) 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.

🐾 Pawffice Assistant of the Week: Tabetha 🐾

Looking to add a little energy (and a lot of love) to your life? Meet Tabetha, our 2-year-old Pawffice Assistant who takes her job very seriously! 💼💕

Tabetha came to us as a stray. Her owner did reach out, but never followed ...through, so now she’s officially on the hunt for a forever home that won’t let her go.

At around 35 pounds, Tabetha is the perfect “medium-sized manager”, big enough for adventures, small enough to handle with ease. She’s an energetic little bundle of joy with an adorable Boston Terrier-like look and spunky personality to match! 🐶✨

Her professional skills include:
✔️ Sitting and rolling over on command (especially if treats are involved!)
✔️ Being dog-friendly and doing well with her canine coworkers
✔️ Responding well to correction and eager to learn
✔️ Spreading happiness everywhere she goes

Tabetha is the perfect mix of playful and trainable, making her a great fit for someone ready for a fun, loving companion.

She’s ready to clock out of the shelter and clock into a forever home. Could that be with you? ❤️

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!

👉Friday, March 27th's Paw-some... Pick is Bert A0060597476!

Bert is a 3-year-old, 42-pound pup who is ready to find a family to call his own.

Bert came to us as a stray, and unfortunately no one came forward to reclaim him, so his exact background is unknown. What we do know is that he’s been a friendly, playful, and interactive dog while in our care.
Bert has had a dog introduction, and it went well! Staff noted that he enjoyed meeting another dog and showed off his social, playful personality during their time together.🐶✨

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

🇺🇸🐾 Eyewitness News Pet of the Week with Meteorologist Joey Marino: Meet Star Ann Stripes! 🐾🇺🇸

Looking for a cat who will light up your home? Meet Star Ann Stripes, a 2-year-old sweetheart with a personality as bright as her name! ✨

Star Ann Stripes came to us ...alongside another cat due to housing issues, but she hasn’t let that dim her shine one bit. She is incredibly outgoing, friendly, and affectionate, and absolutely loves rubbing up on people to soak up all the attention she can get. 💕

If you’re looking for a loving companion who will greet you with head bumps and endless affection, Star Ann Stripes might just be your perfect match!

📍 Come meet Star Ann Stripes at Winnebago County Animal Services and see if she’s the missing piece to your family!
🖱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!

👉Thursday, March 26th's ...Paw-some Pick is Casanova A0060614242!

Casanova is a 2-year-old, 7-pound cat who is ready to find a patient and loving home.

Casanova came to us as a stray, and unfortunately no one came forward to reclaim him, so his exact background is unknown. Since being in our care, he’s been noted to be a bit shy, but we know that with time and understanding, his true personality will shine.

Casanova would do best in a home where he’s given the time and space to come out of his shell at his own pace. With patience and a gentle approach, he has the potential to become a wonderful companion.

If you’re looking to give a deserving kitty a chance to build confidence and feel safe, Casanova could be the perfect match for you.🐶✨

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

making news