New Jersey Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

New Jersey does not require a statewide commercial dog breeder license. State law requires that every dog seven months of age or older be licensed by the municipality where the owner lives, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. State law defines a kennel as any establishment where the business of boarding or selling dogs or breeding dogs for sale is carried on, except a pet shop (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1), and requires anyone who keeps or operates one to get an annual kennel license from the municipal clerk, with written approval from the local municipal and health authorities (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.8). Towns may add their own rules, such as zoning. Larger breeding operations that sell above federal thresholds may also need a USDA license as a Class A dealer under the federal Animal Welfare Act; breeders should confirm whether federal licensing applies to them.

Because there is no single statewide breeder license, breeders apply through their local municipality. Contact your town's municipal clerk or health department to ask whether a kennel license is required and how to apply; these offices also handle regular dog licenses. You will generally need proof of a current rabies vaccination that stays valid through at least ten months of the twelve-month licensing period, as several New Jersey towns require. If you sell dogs to pet shops, you must also follow disclosure rules under the Pet Purchase Protection Act, overseen by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. If your operation is large enough, you may need to apply separately for a USDA license under the Animal Welfare Act.

State law sets the annual kennel license fee at $10 for a kennel with accommodations for 10 or fewer dogs and $25 for more than 10 dogs (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.9), and kennel licenses expire June 30 each year. Individual dog license fees are set by each municipality within limits in state law. For example, the Borough of Waldwick charges $15 for spayed/neutered dogs and $18 for non-spayed/non-neutered dogs, and some towns add a late fee (Raritan Township charges an extra $10.00 per pet after the deadline for renewals). Some towns list other charges in their ordinances, so confirm the amount with your municipal clerk. Breeders should confirm exact amounts with their own municipality.

Kennels must meet the State Department of Health's kennel rules (N.J.A.C. 8:23A), which are enforced by the Department of Health and local health departments. A kennel license cannot be issued without written approval from the local health authority showing compliance, and it can be revoked for violations (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.8, 4:19-15.14). Breeders who fall under the federal Animal Welfare Act may be inspected by the USDA.

Licensed kennels must keep a record of every animal received or disposed of, including the date, description, license number, breed, age, sex, where it came from, and who it went to, and keep it on the premises for 12 months (N.J.A.C. 8:23A-1.13). Breeders who sell dogs to pet shops must also follow the Pet Purchase Protection Act. Breeders licensed under the federal Animal Welfare Act must follow USDA record-keeping rules. Check with your municipality and, if applicable, the USDA for the records you must keep.

Penalties depend on which rules apply. Municipal ordinances set fines for keeping unlicensed dogs, and towns note that the licensing fee is far less than the fines for having unlicensed dogs. Under the Pet Purchase Protection Act, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has fined pet stores for violations, such as failing to post required documents and disclosures or procuring puppies from an unlicensed breeder. Breeders who should be USDA-licensed but are not may face federal enforcement under the Animal Welfare Act. Under state dog law, operating a kennel without a license or violating the kennel rules carries a penalty of $5 to $50 per offense (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.19), and local ordinances may add their own fines.