Operating a commercial dog kennel in New Jersey involves more than just providing space for animals. Like any business, kennels must follow specific rules designed to protect the dogs in their care, as well as the surrounding community. These laws cover important details such as licensing, facility requirements, animal welfare standards, and local zoning approvals. For anyone planning to open a kennel or for current owners looking to stay compliant, understanding these regulations is essential. By knowing the expectations upfront, business owners can avoid costly penalties, build trust with customers, and ensure the dogs have a safe and healthy environment.
Do I Need A Dog Kennel License in New Jersey?
Yes, you do need a license to operate a commercial dog kennel in New Jersey. State law requires anyone who keeps, operates, or plans to establish a kennel, pet shop, shelter, or pound to apply for a municipal license. The application must include details about the facility and gain approval from both local municipal and health authorities to ensure compliance with sanitation, building, and zoning standards. Licenses must be renewed annually, typically expiring on June 30, and fees are based on the number of dogs housed; smaller kennels pay a lower fee, while larger operations with more than 10 dogs are charged more.
Do I Need An LLC For A Dog Kennel?
You don’t necessarily need an LLC to run a dog kennel in New Jersey, but forming one has big advantages. An LLC can protect your personal assets, like your home, savings, or car, if there’s a legal claim (for example, if a dog is injured, escapes, or causes damage). TRUiC’s guide notes that kennels face risks like customer lawsuits over negligence or animal injuries, so the liability shield an LLC offers can be especially valuable.
How Many Dogs Can You Own in New Jersey?
There is no state-wide law in New Jersey that sets a fixed limit on how many dogs you can own, but many municipalities do impose their own restrictions. For instance, in Hawthorne, households are limited to no more than four dogs of licensing age. In other towns, the rules may apply to both dogs and cats, with some municipalities capping the total number of pets at five or requiring a combination limit. The exact number can vary depending on local ordinances, so checking with your specific town or county is the best way to know the limit where you live.
How Much Is A Dog Kennel License In New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the cost of a kennel license depends on how many dogs your facility accommodates. According to state law (NJ Rev. Stat. § 4:19-15.9), the annual fee is $10 for kennels with 10 dogs or fewer, and $25 for kennels with more than 10 dogs. For example, Roseland (Essex County) charges about $50 for facilities with 10 dogs or fewer and $100 for kennels with 11 or more. In the Borough of Emerson, the fee is $8.80 plus additional state registration costs, while Lincoln Park, NJ requires $35 annually for a kennel permit.
Dog Kennel Regulations By Industry in New Jersey
Dog kennel regulations in New Jersey can vary depending on the type of business you operate. Boarding facilities, breeding kennels, shelters, and pet shops each fall under different rules that cover licensing, animal care standards, and zoning approvals. Understanding these distinctions is important for staying compliant and ensuring your operation runs smoothly.
Dog Boarding Regulations in New Jersey
In New Jersey, any facility that boards dogs for a fee must be licensed through its local municipality and inspected by the local health department to ensure compliance with state and local regulations. Boarding kennels are required to meet strict standards for sanitation, housing, ventilation, heating, and protection from extreme temperatures, as outlined in N.J. Admin. Code § 8:23A. Facilities must provide adequate heat in the winter, proper ventilation in the summer, and maintain clean, safe conditions for all animals. Licenses expire annually on June 30 and are renewed only after passing inspection, making regular compliance essential for continued operation.
Dog Vet Regulations in New Jersey
Veterinarians and veterinary facilities in New Jersey are regulated by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, which oversees licensing, education, and ethical standards. Veterinarians must renew their licenses every two years, and facilities using titles such as “hospital” or “clinic” must meet specific service and staffing requirements. Veterinary practices are also bound by animal care and facility rules, which mandate sanitary conditions, proper ventilation, lighting, cleanable surfaces, waste disposal, and disease prevention. Local health departments may require inspections or plan reviews for new or renovated facilities, and veterinarians are obligated to maintain accurate medical records for all patients and treatments to remain compliant with state law.
Dog Grooming Regulations in New Jersey
There is currently no statewide requirement in New Jersey for all dog groomers to be licensed, though several bills have been introduced to change that and establish grooming standards, exams, and oversight. Proposed legislation, such as “Bijou’s Bill” and other pet grooming licensing acts, aim to define grooming tasks, require proof of vaccination, and set safety and operational rules. On the local level, some municipalities already have ordinances affecting grooming and animal care. For example, Jersey City has adopted its own Chapter 90 Animal Ordinances, which include definitions, fees, and local regulations related to animals under its “Dogs and Other Animals” section.
Dog Shelter Regulations in New Jersey
In New Jersey, dog shelters must be licensed by their local municipality and inspected at least once a year by the local health department to ensure compliance with state sanitary and animal care standards. Regulations outlined in N.J.A.C. 8:23A-1.4 require shelters to provide proper indoor housing with adequate heating, ventilation, lighting, and cleanable surfaces, while also preventing overcrowding and ensuring each animal has enough space to move comfortably. Shelters are also required to hold impounded animals for a minimum of seven days, provide notice to owners, and scan for microchips to identify pets whenever possible. In addition, they must meet “proper shelter” standards, offering protection from extreme weather, access to clean water and shade, and safe, well-maintained structures to safeguard the health and welfare of the animals in their care.
Dog Trainer Regulations in New Jersey
Dog trainers are not currently required to hold a license, but dogs participating in training must be properly licensed according to state law. While the profession is largely unregulated, lawmakers have introduced bills such as S3814 and A1212 that would create a Dog Training Licensing Board, establish qualifications for trainers, and prohibit harmful training methods. If adopted, these measures would bring oversight to the industry, setting consistent standards and ensuring trainers use safe, humane practices.
Dog Breeder Regulations in New Jersey
Dog breeders in New Jersey are regulated under the state’s Pet Purchase Protection Law and local licensing requirements. Breeding kennels must be licensed annually by their municipality, inspected by local health authorities, and comply with sanitation, building, and zoning standards outlined in state law. Pet stores are only allowed to source animals from USDA-licensed breeders with good inspection records, and they must file annual reports documenting the origin of the dogs and cats they sell. In addition to these statewide rules, some municipalities impose stricter requirements, such as limiting the number of litters or animals a breeder can keep, making it important for breeders to review both state and local regulations before operating.
K-9 Dog Facilities in New Jersey
K-9 dog facilities in New Jersey are primarily associated with law enforcement and search and rescue operations, and they follow specialized training and operational standards rather than the rules that apply to commercial kennels. The state has issued official K-9 Policy and Training Standards that outline qualifications for trainers, performance objectives, and ongoing training requirements for working dogs. Facilities such as the Union County Sheriff’s K-9 Search & Rescue Unit, the Atlantic County K-9 Training Academy, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit all provide structured training in obedience, scent detection, tracking, and handler protection, ensuring dogs are well-prepared for public safety duties. These facilities are highly regulated and distinct from boarding kennels, focusing on service, discipline, and law enforcement readiness.
Dog Kennel Laws By City in New Jersey
Dog kennel laws in New Jersey vary by city and can be influenced by factors such as the number of dogs permitted, facility size, and local zoning ordinances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to check directly with your city’s planning or health department, and you can use the chart below as a helpful starting point.
| Bayonne | Planning & Zoning |
| Brick | Planning |
| Camden | Planning & Development |
| Cherry Hill | Planning |
| Clifton | Planning |
| East Orange | Planning & Development |
| Edison | Planning & Zoning |
| Elizabeth | Planning |
| Franklin Township | Planning & Zoning |
| Hamilton | Planning |
| Jersey City | City Planning |
| Lakewood | Planning |
| Middletown | Planning & Zoning |
| Newark | Planning & Zoning |
| Old Bridge | Planning & Zoning |
| Passaic | Planning & Economic Development |
| Paterson | Planning & Zoning |
| Toms River | Planning & Zoning |
| Trenton | Planning |
| Union City | Planning & Zoning |
| Woodbridge | Planning & Development |
Dog Kennel Laws By County in New Jersey
Dog kennel laws in New Jersey can also differ by county, with rules often shaped by local health departments, zoning boards, and animal control offices. Some counties may have stricter requirements for licensing, inspections, or the number of dogs allowed compared to others. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to contact your county’s health department or municipal clerk, and you can use the chart below as a helpful reference.
| Atlantic County | Planning & Development |
| Bergen County | Planning |
| Burlington County | Planning |
| Camden County | Planning |
| Cape May County | Planning |
| Cumberland County | Planning |
| Essex County | Planning |
| Gloucester County | Planning |
| Hudson County | Planning |
| Hunterdon County | Planning & Land Use |
| Mercer County | Planning |
| Middlesex County | Planning |
| Monmouth County | Planning |
| Morris County | Planning & Preservation |
| Ocean County | Planning |
| Passaic County | Planning |
| Salem County | Planning |
| Somerset County | Planning |
| Sussex County | Planning |
| Union County | Planning |
| Warren County | Planning |
Invest in Quality Commercial Dog Kennels
Operating a commercial kennel, shelter, boarding facility, or breeder operation in New Jersey requires more than just meeting basic care standards; it also means following local and state regulations that protect both animals and businesses. To help owners create safe, compliant, and professional spaces, we offer custom commercial kennels built with durability and comfort in mind at The Dog Kennel Collection. With features like polyurea flooring, composite decking, shingle roofs, and flexible layouts, these kennels are designed to meet regulatory needs while giving dogs a secure, comfortable environment. Choosing a purpose-built commercial kennel not only supports compliance but also strengthens client trust and ensures your business stands out for quality and care.
