May Update

As we head into the busy summer season, many pet professionals are seeing an increase in requests for in-home boarding. While it can feel like a natural way to bring in extra income, it’s also one of the most commonly misunderstood (and misregulated) services in New Jersey.

This month, we’re focusing on what you need to know before accepting boarding clients into your home.

📊 What We’re Seeing in NJ Right Now

Across New Jersey, more pet sitters are offering in-home boarding especially as travel picks up heading into summer.

At the same time, we’re also seeing:

• Increased neighbor complaints (noise, multiple dogs, traffic)

• Townships cracking down on unlicensed boarding

• Pet professionals unaware they may legally be operating as a kennel

Under New Jersey Statutes Title 4:19, boarding pets in your home for a fee may classify your business as a kennel or animal facility.

That means you could be subject to licensing, zoning, and inspection requirements whether you realize it or not.

Oversight is typically connected to the New Jersey Department of Health along with your local municipality.

🧰 Resources for Pet Care Professionals

To support consistency and professionalism across New Jersey, we are providing tools and resources for pet sitters and dog walkers.

🆓 Free Resource - In-Home Boarding Compliance Checklist (coming soon)

A quick, actionable checklist to help you determine:

• If you may be considered a kennel

• What to ask your township

• How to set up your home (if allowed)

• Whether boarding is the right fit for your business

💰 Paid Resource - NJ Pet Sitter Compliance Starter Kit (coming soon)

For those who want to go deeper, this upcoming resource will include:

• Plain-English breakdown of NJ regulations

• Township call scripts (so you know exactly what to ask)

• Service agreement add-ons for boarding clients

• Policy templates to protect your business

⭐ Industry Tip for May

Just because you’re a small, home-based business doesn’t mean you’re exempt from regulation.

In-home boarding carries more legal responsibility than drop-in visits or dog walking and in many cases, it’s not the most scalable or low-risk service to offer.

If you’re growing a team or looking for consistency, services like recurring dog walks and drop-in care are often a better long-term play.

🤝 For Pet Professionals in New Jersey

Before accepting any in-home boarding clients this season:

• Call your township and ask about kennel licensing and zoning

• Confirm if there are limits on the number of dogs allowed

• Ask whether inspections are required

• Make sure your insurance covers boarding in your home

Remember requirements vary town by town. What’s allowed in one area may not be allowed in another.

👇 Join the NJ Pet Care Network below to access future resources and updates