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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
lost
a pet?
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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
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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👀🚨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 9/8) 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, September 8th's ...Paw-some Pick is Lucy A0061408272!
Lucy is a sweet 1-year-old cat weighing just 5 pounds who is ready to find a loving home of her own! She came to WCAS as an owner surrender after her previous owner shared that they had too many pets and could no longer provide care for them all.
At just a year old, Lucy has her whole life ahead of her and is ready for a fresh start with a family who will give her the love, stability, and care she deserves.
Could Lucy be the perfect addition to your family? Come meet this petite girl and see if she could be the one you've been looking for!🐱🐶✨
🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-application
📣Just a Reminder📣
Winnebago County Animal Services will be closed today, Monday, September 7th, in observation of the Labor Day holiday.
👉Officers will be on duty, so if you need assistance please call 815-319-4100 and listen for instructions to leave a message for an officer...
OR
You can report a concern using our website - https://winnebagoanimals.org/report/
👉WCAS will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8th, at 11am.
📣Please be aware📣
Winnebago County Animal Services will be closed this Monday, September 7th, in observation of the Labor Day holiday.
👉Officers will be on duty, so if you need assistance please call 815-319-4100 and listen for instructions to leave a message for an officer ...
OR
You can report a concern from our website - https://winnebagoanimals.org/report/
👉WCAS will reopen on Tuesday, September 8th, at 11am.
‼🎉ADOPTION UPDATE!🎉‼
❤Remember Venom???❤
Venom came to us as a stray in early-May of this year in need of medical care, including an enucleation surgery to remove a damaged eye. After receiving the care and treatment he needed, Venom healed up wonderfully and was ...ready to find a forever home of his own! And, despite everything he’d been through, Venom was hoping for a fresh start filled with comfort, love, and plenty of cozy places to relax. A few weeks after arriving at WCAS, Venom was adopted - and looking at this photo, it looks like Venom got what he was hoping for!❤️
Venom's adopter shared this wonderful update with us!
🐾Venom is a big and I mean big love bug! I don't know what his story was or what all happened to him but I can say without a doubt we are blessed to have him as part of our family! While it took a long time for him to warm up and get used to his surroundings, once he did it was cuddles and lovings from there! We are so thankful for team of WCAS for adopting this amazing kitty out and giving him a chance to live this amazing life🐾
👉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
🎉🐾 Yesterday's Paw-some Pick Has Found a Home! 🐾🎉
We’re SO excited to share that Kh'lani 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 Paw-some Pick is Clover!
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!
👉Saturday, September 5th's ...Paw-some Pick is Clover A0061451936!
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.🐱🐶✨
🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-application
‼🎉ADOPTION UPDATE!🎉‼
❤Remember Dwayne (now Prince)???❤
Prince first came to WCAS as a stray in late April and, unfortunately, was never reclaimed by an owner. After spending a few weeks in our care, he was adopted. Sadly, just two weeks later, Prince was found as a ...stray, and once again returned to our facility. Despite efforts to reunite him with his adopter, he was never reclaimed.
Through it all, Prince hoped that his next adoption would be the one that lasts. After a month of eagerly awaiting adoption, Prince was adopted by a loving family - and we can tell by these photos that Prince has truly found his home.❤️
Prince's adopters shared this wonderful update and these wonderful photos with us!
🐾Hello!! Here’s an update on Dwayne!
First name prince, middle name Zuko! Full name Prince Zuko Abernathy Webb 😂 He has made this house a home! We feel so complete since adding him to our family! He loves to howl after squeaking his favorite ball! He is the zoomies master, everyone watch out when he catches them! He loves baths, hates swimming! He loves both his sisters but him and the youngest cause mischief everyday!! They are partners in crime! He is the biggest cuddle bug you will ever meet if you sit on the couch please plan on having a 69 pound blanket grace your lap! He truly believes he’s a chihuahua and that’s okay 😂 he’s amazing around kids, dogs, and will be starting classes soon on his leash pulling but other than that he is the sweetest pup! Can’t wait for more adventures!!🐾
👉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
🌟🐾 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, September 4th's ...Paw-some Pick is Kh’lani A0056362224!
Kh'lani first came to WCAS as an owner surrender in July 2024 after her owner shared that they could no longer afford to care for her. After spending about a month in our care, she found a new family and left the shelter with a fresh start. Nearly two years later, Kh'lani has once again found herself back at WCAS and is ready to begin the next chapter of her life.
Despite the changes she's experienced, Kh'lani continues to show everyone what a fun-loving and social companion she can be. During a recent dog introduction, she was thrilled to meet another playful pup, Lola. From the moment she spotted her through the fence, Kh'lani eagerly ran alongside her, ready to make a new friend. Once they were introduced, she immediately initiated play with enthusiastic play bows and happily spent time running around the yard. While she can be quite vocal during play, her body language remained loose, friendly, and relaxed, with a constantly wagging tail that showed just how much fun she was having.
Kh'lani would likely enjoy a home where she can continue to play, explore, and spend time with her people. If there is already a dog in the home, we recommend a meet-and-greet to ensure everyone is a good match.
Kh'lani has already overcome a few unexpected changes in her life, but she hasn't let them dim her bright spirit. She's ready to find a family that will love her for the wonderful dog she is and give her the stability she deserves. If you're looking for a happy, affectionate companion with a playful personality, Kh'lani may be the perfect addition to your family.🐱🐶✨
🖱Click here to submit an Adoption Questionnaire - https://winnebagoanimals.org/adoption-application
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.












