Stratford, CT Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)

The Stratford Zoning Commission adopted the current Zoning Regulations effective 1-1-2025, and Section 2.3 holds the definitions that decide how a veterinary practice is classified. An ANIMAL HOSPITAL is a facility for the care, grooming, diagnosis, and medical treatment of animals, including those in need of surgical procedures, and it can include overnight accommodation on premises for treatment, observation, and/or recuperation. The same definition states that an animal hospital is synonymous with a veterinary clinic, so renaming the business does not move it to a different row of the use table.

The Consolidated Use Table in Section 4.2.4 lists "Veterinary Clinic & Animal Hospitals" in the Animal Related group, after Dog Daycare. Section 4.2.2 explains the table's letters: P is permitted by right, S is special permit, A is administrative review, and a blank cell means the use is not permitted in that district. Read the row against the district columns, RS1 through MB, to find the designation for a given parcel. Under Section 4.2.3, a use the table does not allow is prohibited unless the Zoning Commission finds it similar in nature.

Parking is the numeric standard. Section 6.8.4 requires 1 space per 200 square feet of floor area for a veterinary clinic or animal hospital, unless the Zoning Commission specifically approves otherwise, and the required area is figured exclusive of driveways necessary for access. When two or more different uses share one lot, the spaces required are the sum of the requirements for each use.

Boarding changes the classification. The Section 2.3 definition of COMMERCIAL KENNEL expressly includes any veterinary hospital which boards or grooms dogs or cats for nonmedical purposes, and Section 4.4.4.C.1 requires a special permit under Section 7.3.4 for a commercial kennel building in a residence district.

Separately, Stratford Code § 83-23 requires each veterinarian practicing in the Town of Stratford to report in writing to the municipal Animal Control Officer within 24 hours when treating a domestic animal that shows signs of abuse or neglect.