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Lakewood, NJ Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Dog cap
Three dogs per unit
Applies to
Multiple-dwelling units only
Multiple dwelling defined
2+ separate housekeeping units
Enforcing agency
Animal Control Officer
First offense fine
Up to $200

Summary

Lakewood Township caps dogs at three per dwelling unit inside a multiple dwelling; the limit does not extend to single-family homes. Code § 5-11 is enforced by the Animal Control Officer under Chapter 5's general fine schedule, and 'multiple dwelling' covers any building with two or more separately housekeeping units, attached or not.

No more than three dogs shall be allowed in any dwelling unit of a multiple dwelling.

View official code

Full Breakdown

' Read together, the cap reaches apartments, condominiums, and attached townhouse-style units, but the text is silent on single-family detached homes, so it does not create a citywide pet-limit ordinance. 1. A landlord or resident who exceeds the three-dog cap in a qualifying unit is subject to Chapter 5's general penalty schedule at § 5-12: up to $200 for a first offense, $200 to $300 for a second, and a mandatory $500 fine plus up to 40 hours of community service and/or 10 days in the Ocean County Jail for a third offense.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more than three dogs in one multiple-dwelling unit is punished under Chapter 5's general fine schedule at § 5-12: up to $200 for a first offense, $200 to $300 for a second, and a mandatory $500 fine with up to 40 hours of community service and/or up to 10 days in the Ocean County Jail for a third.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs can I keep in a Lakewood apartment?
Code § 5-11 limits any dwelling unit inside a multiple dwelling, defined in § 5-1.1 as a building with two or more separate housekeeping units, to no more than three dogs. The cap does not extend to single-family detached homes, which the ordinance does not address.
Does the three-dog cap apply to condos and townhouses?
Yes. Section 5-1.1 defines 'multiple dwelling' to include horizontally or vertically attached dwelling units even under different ownership, so attached condominiums and townhouses count as multiple dwellings subject to the three-dog limit in § 5-11.
What is the penalty for exceeding the dog limit in a Lakewood multi-unit building?
Because § 5-11 carries no fine of its own, a violation falls under Chapter 5's general penalty at § 5-12: up to $200 for a first offense, $200 to $300 for a second, and a mandatory $500 fine plus up to 40 hours community service or 10 days in jail for a third.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lakewood

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsWildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Lakewood rules

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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities

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Brick, NJ
Significant Restrictions