Rabies Control

Animal bite reporting, and rabies quarantine are the number one priority at Animal Services. Although we seldom hear of people contracting this fatal disease, rabies is a very real problem in many areas of the United States. Rabies is fatal to all mammals and that includes you and your family. Even your indoor pets can come in contact with rabid bats, one of the most likely carriers. Vaccinating your pet may prevent it from contracting this deadly disease and passing it along to your family.

You can help Animal Services keep Winnebago County safe from rabies by:

Vaccinating your dogs and cats every year
Reporting any animal bites
Reporting sick wild animals

Response and Enforcement

Animal Services' officers investigate animal related calls 24/7. Services including animal bite reports, rabies control, stray animals, emergency response for sick and injured animals, and animal welfare checks. Officers also enforce all local animal ordinances in Winnebago County helping to keep pet and people safer. (top)

Shelter and Care

Animal Services shelters and cares for over 10,000 stray, abandoned, injured and unwanted animals every year. A veterinarian oversees the care, sanitation, and preventive health care for the animals housed at the shelter. (top)

Holding Periods

Healthy stray dogs are housed in the shelter's stray ward for seven days and cats are typically held for four days (there is no required stray time for cats). If not reclaimed by the owner, healthy and non-aggressive dogs and cats may be moved to the adoption ward after the holding period. (top)

Emergency Care

Emergency medical care is provided for injured animals day or night. Untagged strays are given limited care to alleviate suffering utnil an owner can be found. Tagged animals or those wearing identification are afforded extended emergency care while attempting to contact the owner. (top)

Adoption Program

Many unwanted animals are given a second chance through the Division's pet adoption program. Adoption fees pay for necessary services such as spay/neuter of the pet, vaccinations and a physical exam. Adopting a pet from Animal Services is often an excellent alternative for those looking to acquire a companion. (top)

Adoption Fees

	Dogs	Kittens
Spay / Neuter	60.00	45.00
Vaccinnation / License	27.00	22.00
Preventive Health Care	23.00	18.00
Avid Microchip	no charge	no charge
Total	110.00	85.00

Cats 1 year and older are $40 to adopt.

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Lost and Found Network

In an effort to return lost and straying pets to their owners, Animal Services maintains a lost and found network. Current rabies tags and be trace through the office and animals returned to the owner without being impounded. Owners are asked to visit the shelter in person within 24 hours of losing their pet, bring a picture of the animal if possible and continue to visit the Shelter every two or three days until the pet is safely returned home. (top)

Spay / Neuter Assistance Program

Winnebago County, in conjunction with the Greater Rockford Veterinary Medical Association, offers financial assistance toward sterilization services for pets whose owners meet certain financial criteria. Services are provided by the area veterinary hospitals at a reduced rate for those owners who qualify through Animal Services. (top)

Community Awareness / Education Program

Animal Services staff promotes local animal welfare and responsible pet ownership through direct contacts in the field, law enforcement, responsible adoption screening, school presentations and shelter tours. Department philosophy focuses on promoting safety around animals, the importance of responsible pet ownership and a reverence for all life. (top)