Toms River, NJ Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot
- Two acres
- Kennel/dwelling buffer
- 150 feet minimum
- Outdoor curfew
- No animals outside 9pm-7am
- Front setback
- 100 feet
Summary
Toms River Township treats veterinary clinics, hospitals and animal care facilities as a conditional use requiring a two-acre lot, wide setbacks for kennels and runs, and a curfew barring animals from being kept outdoors between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Veterinary clinics or hospitals or animal care facilities are permitted as a conditional use in those zones specified, subject to the following standards: Minimum lot area: two acres... Minimum front yard setback, principal or accessory structures, including kennels, pens and runs: 100 feet... No building or area used for kennels, pens or runs shall be located closer than 150 feet to any dwelling... no animals may be kept out-of-doors between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954830; v33 updated 2026-04-22; through 04-22-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under § 348-9.17, a veterinary clinic, hospital or animal care facility needs a minimum two-acre lot with 300-foot width on larger tracts, a 100-foot front setback and 50-foot side/rear setbacks that apply to buildings and to kennels, pens or runs alike. No kennel, pen or run can sit closer than 150 feet to any dwelling. The facility must house animals indoors overnight, since none may be kept outdoors between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., and operators must submit noise-control measures including soundproofing plus baffles or dense screening around outdoor runs.
Violations & Fines
Operating a veterinary facility that violates these lot, setback or outdoor-hours standards is a Chapter 348 zoning violation, carrying a minimum $100 fine for a first offense and $200 for each later one, with each day counted separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Toms River vet clinic keep dogs outside overnight?
How close can a vet clinic's kennels be to a house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Toms River
Compare Toms River to another location·View the New Jersey animal ordinances overview
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