Lakewood, NJ Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License expires
- January 31 each year
- Kennel (10 or fewer dogs) fee
- $10
- Kennel (more than 10 dogs) fee
- $25
- Pet shop fee
- $10
- Shelter or pound fee
- None
- Zoning sign-off
- Required before licensing
Summary
Lakewood Township requires a Township Clerk license, Zoning Officer sign-off and Health Officer inspection to run a pet shop, kennel, shelter or pound under Code § 5-3. The code sets licensing and sanitation standards; it does not impose a retail sale ban or adoption-only mandate.
Any person who keeps or operates, or proposes to establish a kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound, shall apply to the Township Clerk for a license entitling him to keep or operate such establishments; such licenses shall not be transferable to another owner or different premises. Prior to issuance of the license, the applicant shall obtain a written confirmation from the Zoning Officer that the use is permitted in the particular zone where the establishment is located.
Full Breakdown
1 requires anyone operating or proposing to establish a kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound to obtain a Township Clerk license, which is not transferable to another owner or premises; before issuance, the applicant must get written confirmation from the Zoning Officer that the use is permitted in that zone. 2). 3). 5). 6). 8). Nothing in this chapter restricts what animals a pet shop may sell or requires an adoption-only model.
Violations & Fines
A pet shop, kennel, shelter or pound license can be revoked by the Township Committee, after a hearing, on the recommendation of the State Department of Health or local Board of Health for failure to comply with sanitation and disease-control rules under § 5-3.6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lakewood Township require a special permit to open a pet shop?
Does Lakewood ban pet shops from selling dogs and cats?
How much does a pet shop license cost in Lakewood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the New Jersey animal ordinances overview
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Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle pet store rules.