Woodstock, Illinois · McHenry County · Facts checked Oct 2026
Two reports are required for any animal bite in Woodstock: one to police, one to the county health department.
That rule comes from the city's own animal regulations.1 For animal control itself, the city's contact list points residents to McHenry County government.2 County animal control deals with wild animals only when they're sick, injured or an immediate threat; for other wildlife problems, it names a wildlife removal service as the help to look for.3
Who handles an animal problem in Woodstock?
| What's happening | Who to call |
|---|---|
| Someone was bitten or scratched by a wild animal | Wash the wound with soap and water and see a doctor right away. The health department or animal control should also be told.7 In Woodstock, any animal bite must also be reported to the Woodstock Police Department, (815) 338-2131, and to the McHenry County Department of Health.1,2 The health department's animal control center is at (815) 459-6222.4 |
| A bat is loose inside your home | If you woke up with it in the room, or it was near a child, keep the bat and call your doctor or the health department.7 Anyone exposed to a bat or a bat dwelling should report it to McHenry County Animal Control, (815) 459-6222.3 |
| A wild animal that is sick, injured or a threat | McHenry County Animal Control, (815) 459-6222. These are the only wild animals it holds permits to deal with.3 If someone is in danger, the city lists 911 for police, fire or ambulance.2 |
| Anything else that needs an officer | The Woodstock Police Department, (815) 338-2131, which the city lists for questions or concerns that need law enforcement.2 |
| A stray dog or cat | McHenry County Animal Control, (815) 459-6222, which houses stray animals for the county.4 Not a wildlife operator. |
| A calm animal living in your attic, walls, chimney or under the deck | Disturbing healthy wildlife is outside what McHenry County Animal Control is able to do; the county says a wildlife removal service can step in.3 That can be this site's advertiser or anyone on the Illinois DNR list. |
The Wildlife Line isn't part of the City of Woodstock or McHenry County.
Which of Woodstock's rules touch on animals?
The city's Good Neighbor page sums up its animal rules, pointing to Title 4, Chapter 3 of the City Code for the full text, and also lists garbage habits it expects of residents.1 Four items there matter when wildlife is involved:
- Two reports for a bite. One to the police department and one to the county health department.1
- A lid that fits. The page asks residents to use a tight-fitting lid on the garbage receptacle.1
- A one-day limit at the curb. Garbage can't be put out for collection more than 24 hours ahead of pickup day, and it has to be collected within 24 hours after.1
- No wild animals as pets. Owning, harboring or letting loose any exotic or wild animal is unlawful without a written permit from the City Council.1
The county's government center, which the city lists for animal control along with licenses, the sheriff and the jail, is in Woodstock itself, on North Seminary Avenue.2,3
Has rabies turned up in a house here?
Yes. A bat found in a Woodstock home on May 10, 2023, tested positive for rabies, the McHenry County Department of Health announced.5 The department's investigation found that the household had been exposed, and post-exposure treatment (PEP) was advised for the household.5 If bats are roosting in the attic rather than turning up one at a time, read bats in the house for the Illinois rules on shutting them out.
Where do the creeks and wild land run?
The city's floodplain notes name three waterways: Silver Creek, the Kishwaukee River and Apple Creek.1 According to the city, those floodplains enhance habitat for waterfowl, fish and other wildlife and give them places to feed and breed.1
The McHenry County Conservation District's Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, whose entrance at 13315 Pleasant Valley Road has a Woodstock address, covers 2,080 acres, with oak savanna, wetland and prairie inside its borders.6 The district lists hawks, turtles, salamanders, fox and deer among the animals that live there.6 If an animal has crossed from land like this into the house, see raccoons in chimneys, squirrels in attics and diggers under decks.
What are you hearing?
Running, gnawing or chirping somewhere in the house? Compare it against the guide to attic and wall noises. If it's late and you're unsure whether to call anyone tonight, after-hours help sorts the urgent from the routine.
Sources for this page
- City of Woodstock, Good Neighbor Resources (animal rules, garbage, floodplains). Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- City of Woodstock, Who to Contact. Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- McHenry County Department of Health, Animal Control, Wildlife. Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- McHenry County Department of Health, Veterinary Public Health Division (McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center). Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- McHenry County Department of Health, Bat found in home tests positive for rabies, May 15, 2023. Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- McHenry County Conservation District, Pleasant Valley Conservation Area. Checked Oct 22, 2026.
- Illinois Department of Public Health, Rabies (animal bites; bats in a sleeping area). Checked Oct 2026.
Written and checked by The Wildlife Line. Spot an error? Tell us through the About page.
Also: McHenry County · Crystal Lake · Marengo · Lake in the Hills