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

Article II of Chapter 68 in the Wayne Township Code regulates kennels, pet dealers, pet shops, shelters and pounds. Section 68-25(A) bars any of them from being located, established or maintained in the Township without a license. The application goes to the Township Clerk, who issues it only after approval by the Health Department and ratification by the Township Council. Section 68-26 requires the application to describe the premises and carry the written approval of the Zoning Officer and Health Officer.

The sales rules are in § 68-25(C). A kennel, pet dealer or pet shop cannot sell, offer for retail sale, barter or auction dogs bred in puppy mills, and must comply with N.J.S.A. 56:8-95 through 56:8-95.1. The code defines a PUPPY MILL as any commercial dog-breeding facility that does not possess a USDA Class A License and owns or possesses more than 5 female dogs capable of reproduction in any 12 month period. Separately, no kennel, pet dealer or pet shop can offer a dog or cat younger than 8 weeks old for sale. The rule is not an adoption-only mandate: it targets puppy-mill dogs and underage animals.

A PET DEALER is any person engaged in the ordinary course of business in the sale of cats or dogs to the public for profit, or anyone who sells or offers for sale more than five cats or dogs in one year. A PET SHOP is a place of business, not part of a kennel, where animals including dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, rabbits, hamsters or gerbils are kept or displayed chiefly for sale. Licenses are not transferable to another owner or different premises and expire on the last day of June each year. Fees are set in Chapter 75, Fees. The Council can revoke a license on recommendation of the State or Township Department of Health after a hearing.