Winnebago County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026

Address

4517 North Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103.

This is the main shelter location for Winnebago County Animal Services.

Main contact

815-319-4100.

Email listed by WCAS: wcas@wcas.wincoil.gov.

Lobby hours

Monday 11 AM–7 PM, Tuesday–Friday 11 AM–5 PM, Saturday 11 AM–4 PM, Sunday closed.

Adoption cutoff

Adoptions end 30 minutes before closing, so arrive earlier than the final hour if you hope to adopt.

Winnebago County, Illinois

Use this page if you need the Rockford-area county animal services shelter at 4517 North Main Street in Rockford, IL.

Other Winnebago County searches

If you are searching from Wisconsin or another state, verify the address and phone before using any fees, hours, shelter forms or animal-control instructions from this page.

Dogs, cats and critters

WCAS adopts dogs, cats, kittens, working/barn cats and small animals such as bunnies, hamsters, ferrets, guinea pigs and other critters.

Reuniting pets

The shelter provides lost-pet forms, found-pet reports, found-pet listings and microchip-scan guidance for stray animals.

Welfare and rabies

WCAS investigates animal welfare concerns, handles local/state ordinance issues and gives guidance for bites, rabies exposure and bats.

Dog adoption fees

• Puppies under 1 year: price varies.
• Adult dogs 1–7 years: $150.
• Golden Whiskers dogs 8+ years: $75.
• Lonely Hearts Club dogs: may be discounted through donor support.

Cat adoption fees

• Kittens under 1 year: $85.
• Cats 1–7 years: $40.
• Golden Whiskers cats 8+ years: $20.
• Lonely Hearts Club cats: may be discounted through donor support.
• Barn/working cats: fees waived.

Small animal fees

• Bunnies, hamsters, ferrets, guinea pigs and other critters: $7.
• Ask about housing, diet, temperature and safe handling before adopting.

How stray hold works

WCAS says stray dogs are held for 7–10 days before adoption can be finalized. Healthy and friendly stray cats without identification may be made available right away because there is no requirement to hold stray cats.

How pre-select works

If a dog is on stray hold, an approved adopter may complete the process to pre-select the pet. WCAS says there is only one pre-select available per pet, and if the animal is not reclaimed, the adopter must pick up the pet by the end of the first day it becomes available.

If your pet is missing

• Complete the lost pet form with clear photos and details.
• Browse the found pets page for animals at WCAS and animals reported found by the community.
• If you believe your pet is at WCAS, call 815-319-4100 or visit the facility for next steps.
• Update microchip contact details immediately.
• Check nearby shelters, veterinarians, neighborhood groups and home security cameras.

If you found a stray pet

• Complete the found pet report so WCAS has the information.
• Browse lost pet listings to see whether the found animal matches a reported missing pet.
• Check for tags and have the pet scanned for a microchip by a veterinarian or Animal Services.
• Use safe handling; do not risk bites or scratches.
• Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following proper lost/found steps.

Report animal abuse or neglect

WCAS says welfare concern submissions go directly to animal control officers. You can also call the main line and follow the prompts for welfare concerns.

Found an injured animal

If you found an injured pet, use the report concern route or call the main line and follow prompts for an injured pet.

Local rules can vary

WCAS enforces state statute and local ordinance, but local rules vary by municipality and some situations may need another department.

Before surrendering

• Call 815-319-4100 before bringing the pet.
• Ask about appointment availability and alternatives.
• Prepare the pet’s age, breed/type, sex, spay/neuter status, vaccine status and medical records.
• Be honest about behavior, bites, anxiety, aggression, litter habits, house training and medications.
• Ask about pet retention resources if food, housing, medical cost or behavior is the main issue.

Rehoming alternatives

• WCAS recommends Home to Home as an online pet placement option for rehoming.
• Use safe screening and proof questions before giving a pet to a new home.
• Ask trusted family or friends if they can help temporarily.
• Ask about behavior support before surrendering for a fixable issue.
• Never leave an animal outside the shelter or in a parking area.

Report and seek care

If bitten by an animal and you are unsure whether it has current rabies vaccination, contact the Winnebago County Health Department at 815-720-4000 and WCAS at 815-319-4100. Clean the wound and seek medical care.

Do not discard the animal

If bitten by wildlife or exposed to possible rabies, WCAS guidance says the animal may need testing. Do not damage the head if the animal is dead and testing is needed.

Bat in home

A bat in a room with a sleeping person, unattended child, pet or impaired person may be treated as exposure. Call WCAS immediately if you may have been exposed.

Voucher eligibility

The help center says residents may qualify if they live in Winnebago County and receive SNAP/Food Stamps, SSDI or SSI.

Pet must be registered

The pet must have current rabies vaccination and a county registration tag, and the applicant must be the registered owner.

Proof may be required

WCAS lists benefit letters and income documents such as W-2s, paycheck stubs or Federal IRS 1040s as proof examples.

Photo ID

Adopters must present a state-issued photo ID. Bring ID for reclaim, registration and official questions too.

Current pet records

Have license, registration and vaccination information ready for pets you already own.

Household plan

Bring all decision-makers if possible. WCAS recommends seeing how everyone interacts with the pet before adopting.

Cat carrier

Bring a secure carrier for cats or small animals. Loose pets in a car are unsafe.

Dog transport

Bring or plan for a leash, collar, harness, crate or safe vehicle setup.

Questions list

Ask about behavior, medical notes, age, first-week adjustment, microchip, vaccines and post-adoption vet care.

First 24 hours

• Keep the new pet in a quiet starter space.
• Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
• Keep paperwork, rabies certificate and microchip information safe.
• Expect stress behavior such as hiding, pacing, barking, whining or reduced appetite.
• Use leash, carrier or crate safety even if the pet seems calm.

Days 2–7

• Schedule a wellness visit with your veterinarian.
• Use slow introductions with resident pets.
• Set consistent feeding, potty, play and rest routines.
• Watch for coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, vomiting, limping or severe anxiety.
• Ask for support early if behavior issues appear.

Arrive early

Adoptions end 30 minutes before closing, and WCAS suggests planning at least an hour.

Apply first

Completing the adoption application online before visiting can speed up the process.

Call for one pet

Pets move quickly. Call before driving if your trip depends on one specific animal.

Before visiting

• Do not arrive near closing and expect a full adoption.
• Do not forget that Sunday is closed.
• Do not assume a pet shown online is still available.
• Do not skip the application if you want a faster visit.
• Do not assume a pre-select dog can go home before stray hold ends.

Before adopting or reporting

• Do not adopt without checking your current pet vaccines and registration.
• Do not adopt without a safe carrier, leash or vehicle plan.
• Do not use adoption pages for bite, rabies or emergency concerns.
• Do not handle bats or sick wildlife without proper guidance.
• Do not surrender a pet without scheduling an appointment.