Woodbridge, NJ Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Sourcing rule
- shelters or 501(c)(3) rescues only
- Minimum sale age
- 8 weeks
- Pet-shop license fee
- $225 annually
- License expiration
- every January 31
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 90 days
Summary
A Woodbridge pet shop cannot sell a puppy or kitten straight from a breeder. Section 11-6.3 limits stock to dogs and cats obtained from or displayed with an animal shelter or a nonprofit rescue organization, bars any sale of an animal younger than eight weeks, and requires a license from the Department of Health and Human Services before the shop can operate at all.
A pet shop may offer for sale only those dogs and cats that the pet shop has obtained from or displays in cooperation with: 1. An animal shelter facility; or 2. An Animal rescue organization. b. A pet shop shall not offer for sale a dog or cat that is younger than eight (8) weeks old.
Full Breakdown
3, "Restrictions on the Sale of Animals," added by Ordinance No. 2017-37, limits a pet shop to offering for sale only those dogs and cats it has obtained from or displays in cooperation with an animal shelter facility or an animal rescue organization, and bars offering for sale a dog or cat younger than eight weeks old. 1 defines "animal rescue organization" as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is, in whole or significant part, rescuing and placing animals in permanent homes, and "pet shop" as a retail establishment selling dogs and cats to the general public, expressly excluding kennels, shelters and rescue organizations themselves. 5. 18.
Violations & Fines
Selling non-shelter, non-rescue dogs or cats, or selling one under eight weeks old, is punishable under § 11-6.20 by a fine up to $500 or up to ninety days' imprisonment, or both, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense. The Municipal Council can also revoke a pet shop's license under § 11-6.19 after a hearing, on the State or Township Health Department's recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Woodbridge pet shop sell puppies from a breeder?
How young can a puppy or kitten be sold in Woodbridge?
What does it cost to license a pet shop in Woodbridge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Woodbridge
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Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle pet store rules.