FAQs

Animal Control FAQs

At what age does a dog need to be vaccinated and registered?
In Stephenson County, a puppy should be registered and receive the first rabies vaccine at four months of age. A puppy or dog will receive a one-year rabies vaccine the first time, then a three-year rabies vaccine thereafter. Puppies should begin a series of vaccinations beginning at six weeks of age. Contact your vet to set up appointments.
I found a dog wearing a tag. Can you tell me who its owner is?
If a dog is found and is wearing a registration tag, you can call Stephenson County Animal Control at 815-235-8276, Freeport Animal Hospital at 815-232-4916, Freeport Police Department at 815-235-8222, Friends Forever Humane Society at 815-232-6164, City Animal Control at 815-235-8210 or the Stephenson County Sheriff's Department at 815-235-8252. The agencies listed have records that match the dog's registration tag numbers with the owner's name and phone number.
Who do I call if my dog has died or is missing?
If your dog has died or is missing, you should contact Stephenson County Animal Control at 815-235-8276. Missing dogs should also be reported to the Freeport Animal Hospital at 815-232-4916 and Friends Forever Humane Society at 815-232-6164. If your dog is missing in Freeport, you should also contact the city dog pound at 815-235-8210. The agencies listed should also be contacted for missing cats.
How much does it cost to vaccinate or register a dog?
Registration is $7.00 for the first 30 days, $10.00 after 60 days, and $35.00 after 90 days, plus possible court costs and fines. You should contact your veterinarian for the cost of a rabies vaccination.
Who do I call to report abuse or neglect?
Please call the Friends Forever Human Society at 815-232-6164 to report abuse or neglect. You can also call Stephenson County Animal Control at 815-235-8276, and police or sheriff's departments may also assist you if needed.
Who do I call to report a loose dog or cat to be picked up?
In Freeport, a stray dog or cat should be reported to the City Dog Pound at 815-235-8210. Outside city limits, call Stephenson County Animal Control at 815-235-8276.
Who do I call to adopt a pet?
For adoption, call the Freeport Animal Hospital at 815-232-4916 or Friends Forever Humane Society at 815-232-6164.
What can I do about a wild animal in my yard that looks sick?
Call a licensed, private animal control service listed in the yellow pages. You may also call the Stephenson County Animal Control at 815-235-8276 for a company name.
How can I verify a vaccine record?
If you need verification of your animal's vaccination date, please contact your vet's office. We also have the vaccine dates of every recorded dog in the city and county.
My dog or cat has bitten someone. What do I have to do?
If you have been bitten by a dog, please seek medical attention if necessary. Contact the police or sheriff's office, and they will then fill out an official observation order. The police or sheriff will contact the owner and issue the observation order. Animal control will get a copy and contact the owner to verify the terms are understood. If your dog is not vaccinated, a stay of 10 days at a vet's office for observation is required. The dog will then receive a rabies vaccine and registration on the 10th day. If the dog is vaccinated, you can keep it in the home for the 10 days but must be confined. It should not be outside by itself and confined from guests in the home. On the 10th day, the dog will need to be taken to the vet's office to be checked. Bring the observation order with you. The doctor will then sign the release and send the form to Stephenson County Animal Control. You should not give your dog away or put it to sleep during this 10-day period. You will be held responsible regardless.

A stray cat should be brought to a vet's office for observation; a family cat can stay in the home, but must be inside and taken to a vet on the 10th day.

If you do not follow the above, you will be held responsible. Please contact us or your vet if you have any questions.
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