volunteer

Serving People.
Saving Pets.

we need you! volunteer

Do you want to be a part of our mission to serve people and save pets? Volunteering with us is not only rewarding, but hugely valuable to our department and the community. Learn more about how you can provide love and support to our animals through volunteering.

volunteer opportunities

become
a foster

Animal Fostering

Some of the animals that come into our care require a little extra attention or TLC before they are ready to be adopted into happy, healthy homes.

learn more

animal care
& adoption
counseling

animal care and adoption

Help us care for animals at our shelter or at one of six PetSmart adoption centers. These volunteers help care for, exercise, socialize with, and train the cats and dogs in our care. As volunteers get to know the animals, they offer helpful information about each pet’s personality through the adoption process and provide insight to match potential adopters to great pets.

pet
photography

pet photography

Animals with a photo have a better chance at quickly being adopted. If you enjoy taking pictures, you can help us capture and share each pet’s personality. Your photos would appear on our website and in social media.

special events
& fundraising

special events and fundraising

Perfect for those that love special events, we need volunteers to help plan and staff events for education, outreach, advocacy, and fundraising efforts.

WCAS Auxiliary

winnebago county animal service auxiliary

We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated volunteers, including those active with the Winnebago County Animal Services Auxiliary. The Auxiliary is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the care for animals under the care of Winnebago County Animal Services. They raise funds and donate time to help underwrite adoption fees, cover medical expenses, assist in the adoption process, and provide education and public awareness events.

for more information on becoming a volunteer:

Join our volunteer meetings held the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

Amber Pinnon

Adoption & Volunteer Program Coordinator
apinnon@wcas.wincoil.gov
815-319-4127

start a volunteer application

hours / contact

Shelter/Lobby Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 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

additional resources

Poison Prevention for Pets

Pet toxins loom around every corner in your home. Find out which substances are poisonous to your pet, how to recognize the signs of poisoning, and what do do if you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxin.

read more

Ready to get started?

Complete and submit your volunteer application online!