Wayne, NJ Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Dogs and cats are capped separately in Chapter 68 of the Wayne Township Code. Section 68-6(C) bars keeping, harboring or maintaining more than five dogs of licensing age in any one place within the Township of Wayne. A dog of licensing age is one that has reached seven months or has a set of permanent teeth, so younger puppies are not counted toward the five. The only exception printed is for the licensed establishments under Article II of the chapter: kennels, pet dealers, pet shops, shelters and pounds.

Section 68-54 sets the cat limit at five on any property in the Township, and § 68-54(B) says six cats or more is a violation of the article. The cat chapter defines an owner broadly, to include anyone who harbors or maintains a cat or knowingly permits a cat to remain for 2 or more meals on or about premises they occupy, so a household feeding strays can reach the limit.

Every dog of licensing age needs a Township license and metal registration tag. The application is made in January each year to the Department of Health, renewals are due by February 15, and a new dog must be licensed within 10 days of acquisition or of reaching licensing age. A late fee of $10 applies after February 15. Cats over six months of age must be vaccinated and licensed, with renewals due no later than February 15 as well. Animal Control Officers and the Police Department enforce the chapter. A kennel, pet dealer, pet shop, shelter or pound license is issued by the Township Clerk after Health Department approval and ratification by the Township Council, and expires on the last day of June.