Kennels, pet shops, animal shelters and pounds must be inspected at least annually by the local health department and found in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances before municipalities can license their operation. The regulations for the sanitary operation of kennels, pet shops, animal shelters and pounds address specific requirements that must be met in order for a satisfactory rating to be issued for the facility.
Animal rescue groups are not regulated by the State or local health departments unless they operate an animal shelter facility. Rescue facilities shall comply with the provisions of the animal cruelty statutes.
- Requirements for Disease Control and Health Care Programs for Kennels, Pet Shops, Pounds and Shelters
- Guidelines for Municipal licensure of Animal Facilities
Instructions to access Communicable Disease Service regulations:
The Communicable Disease regulations below can be found online. LexisNexis provides free public access to the New Jersey Administrative Code and the New Jersey Register at http://www.lexisnexis.com/njoal.
If you need help using the Lexis Nexis site, please refer to the Instructions for Viewing Regulations link: Instructions for Viewing Regulations
You can view the following regulations: N.J.A.C. Chapter 8:23, Importation of Animals, Rabies Reporting, Transportation of Confined Animals, and Control of Avian Chlamydiosis in Pet Birds and Chapter 8:23A, Sanitary Operation of Kennels, Pet Shops, Shelters and Pounds
