Hamilton, NJ Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Section 108-13.I, Restrictions on the sale of animals, is Hamilton's puppy-mill ordinance. It states plainly that "a pet shop may offer for sale only those animals that the pet shop has obtained from or displays in cooperation with: (a) An animal shelter; and (b) An animal rescue organization," and separately bars any pet shop from offering for sale "a dog or cat that is younger than eight weeks old." This sits inside a broader licensing scheme: any kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound must first obtain a license from the Health Officer (§ 108-13.A), submit an application disclosing the owner's name and address, the establishment's location, its purpose, and the maximum number of animals it will hold (§ 108-13.B), and pass a Division of Health review confirming compliance with state and local sanitation rules before a license issues (§ 108-13.C).

All such licenses expire June 30 each year (§ 108-13.D) and carry an annual fee set in Chapter 215-6, except shelters and pounds, which pay no fee (§ 108-13.E). A license can be revoked by the Township Council on recommendation of the State or local Division of Health for noncompliance, after a hearing (§ 108-13.F). Dogs kept at a licensed establishment may leave the premises only on a leash or in a crate or other safe control device (§ 108-13.H). Veterinary treatment centers operated by a licensed veterinarian are exempt from the entire article under § 108-14.