Where is Animal Services located?

We are located at 4517 N. Main Street (Route 2), which is about one mile north of the Riverside Boulevard and N. Main Street intersection. We share a driveway with the nursing home. Need directions?

What should I do if I'm bitten by a dog?

After receiving proper medical treatment, contact Winnebago County Animal Services and an officer will complete a bite report of the incident.

What should I do if someone is being attacked by a vicious animal?

For immediate assistance with any life threatening situation involving an animal, call 911.

Yikes...I lost my pet!

Visit Animal Services at 4517 N. Main Street and look for your pet right away. If your pet is not at the shelter, please complete a lost report and check our Found Books before leaving. Visit the shelter often to see if your pet has been found. Be sure to ask for a Lost Pet information sheet for more information.

Do you adopt animals at your facility?

You bet we do! Animal Services always has cats and dogs available for adoption. Sometimes other types of pets are available such as birds, rabbits, iguanas, ferrets, etc. Click here for adoptable pets.

How long to you keep cats and dogs?

The animals that come into Animal Services do not have an expiration date.

Stray dogs are held for seven days, spayed or neutered on the eighth day (if not reclaimed), and placed in adoption on the ninth day, provided they pass temperament testing. Dogs stay in the adoption room until adopted, unless their health or temperament changes.

Stray cats are kept for four days, spayed or neutered on the fifth day (if not reclaimed), and placed in adoption on the sixth day, if they are considered adoptable. Cats stay in the adoption room or at Petsmart or Terris' Aqualand until adopted, unless their health or temperment changes.

If a sick or injured stray animal comes into Animal Services, it may be euthanized right away, if the veterinarian determines it's the most humane thing to do.

Winnebago County Animal Services tries to avoid euthanizing animals for space by working with animal rescue groups.

How can you help?

  • Adopt your next cat or dog from Animal Services.
  • Spay or neuter your pet at an early age.
  • Do not let your pet roam the neighborhood.
  • Have your pet vaccinated and examined annually by a licensed veterinarian.
  • Properly train and socialize your cat or dog.

What do I do about a dog that barks all the time?

Constant barking violates the nuisance ordinance in most of our communities; please call your local police department.

Who do I call about dead animals?

If the dead animal is a domestic pet such as a cat or dog, please call Animal Services at 815-319-4100 to report it. Try to be as specific as possible about the location such as if the animal is in a ditch or culvert, approximate distance from an intersection, etc.

Dead wildlife (deer, skunks, raccoons, opossums, etc) should be reported to the City or County Highway Department depending on your location.

I'm moving and can't take my pet with me.

Try your best to find an appropriate new home for your pet by placing ads in the newspaper or at local pet stores. Be careful who you give your pet to as some people may not have the right intentions. You can always release your pet to Animal Services during regular business hours. Animal Services charges a fee for every animal released by their owners. You must be a resident of Winnebago County to release your pet to Animal Services - photo ID required.

Does my cat or dog need a license?

All cats and dogs over the age of four months are required to have a rabies vaccination and county license. Veterinarians in Winnebago County are required to sell you the county tag when your pet receives its annual rabies vaccination. If you've recently moved into Winnebago County and your pet was vaccinated in another county, you can purchase a county pet license at 4517 N. Main Street. Call us at 815-319-4100 for more questions; our call takers will be happy to assist you.

Be sure to bring proof of current vaccinations!

Do I need a pet license if I have a three year rabies shot?

Yes. If your pet is over the age of four months, you are required to purchase a county pet license (rabies tag) every year or you can purchase a three-year pet license at the time of vaccination. The pet license can be purchased when you take your pet to the veterinarian for its annual physical exam, or you can purchase a pet license at Animal Services with proof of current vaccinations.

My vet won't vaccinate my pet because it had a reaction to the rabies shot last time. Do I still need a rabies tag?

Yes. If your pet is over the age of four months, you are required to purchase a county pet license. Simply have your veterinarian sign the rabies form indicating the reason for no rabies vaccination, and they can still issue the county pet license.

My vet won't vaccinate my pet for rabies because it's too old. Do I still need a rabies tag?

Yes, you are required to purchase a county pet license. Simply have your veterinarian sign the rabies form indicating age as the reason for no rabies vaccination, and they can still issue the county pet license.

I can't afford to spay or neuter my pet.
Can you help?

Animal Services has spay/neuter vouchers available for low income Winnebago County residents. Bring a photo ID showing you are a resident of Winnebago County, along with proof of household income, current rabies vaccination and county pet license. You can purchase a voucher for $20.

If you have other questions that have not been answered on this web page, feel free to call Animal Services during regular business hours at 815-319-4100.

 

  

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