Tomorrow, Thursday, December 11, 2025, the New Jersey Senate Economic Growth Committee will consider Senate Bill 2511, which seeks to repeal the state’s consumer protection laws for pet purchases and implement a statewide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all dog owners to contact the Senate Economic Growth Committee to explain why S.2511 is unsound public policy and should not be further considered.
BACKGROUND
Since 2012, approximately 150 municipalities in New Jersey have enacted local bans on retail pet sales. These local bans have already removed consumer protections for many residents. Senate Bill 2511 would expand these restrictions statewide, eliminating consumer protections for all New Jersey pet purchasers.
IMPACTS
If enacted, S.2511 would negatively impact many individuals. It seeks to impose an expansive definition of pet dealer (any person engaged in the ordinary course of business in the sale of cats or dogs to the public for profit OR any person who sells or offers for sale more than five cats or dogs in one year) without substantively addressing its impacts, like:
- How the sale of puppies from one large litter would qualify someone as a pet dealer;
- Whether the definition would trigger local zoning issues for those described as a pet dealer;
- Repealing New Jersey’s Pet Purchase Protection Act—which allows for consumer restitution if an animal they purchase becomes seriously ill or dies within 14 days after purchase and a veterinarian certifies that the animal as unfit for purchase;
- Remove critical consumer safeguards for families purchasing pets; and
- Limit consumer choice to shelters, rescues, or unregulated online sellers.
Additionally, because S.2511 would impose a statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at pet stores, the bill would likely put existing stores out of business because their sales would not be “grandfathered” under the bill. To survive, these small businesses would be forced to change their business model to only selling pet foods and supplies, forcing them to compete with big-box and online retailers. However, big-box and online retailers can realize economies of scale that result in lower prices for customers in ways that small, independent retailers cannot. Unable to compete, these small businesses usually close after they are forced to change their business model.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Dog owners, fanciers, and enthusiasts in New Jersey are strongly encouraged to attend the Senate Economic Growth Committee hearing on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM in Committee Room 4, 1st Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, New Jersey, to offer testimony or submit a slip to the Committee in opposition to S.2511.
New Jersey residents are also strongly encouraged to contact the members of the Senate Economic Growth Committee to urge opposition to S.2511 and explain why eliminating consumer protections for pet purchasers and forcing retail stores that support pet owners to go out of business, both consequences of S.2511, would ultimately harm New Jersey dog owners.
SENATE ECONOMIC GROWTH COMMITTEE – CONTACT INFORMATION
Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez – Chair
Phone: (856) 541-1251
Email: SenCruzPerez@njleg.org
Shirley K. Turner – Vice-Chair
Phone: (609) 323-7239
Email: SenTurner@njleg.org
Kristin M. Corrado
Phone: (973) 237-1360
Email: SenCorrado@njleg.org
Joseph R. Pennacchio
Phone: (973) 227-4012
Email: SenPennacchio@njleg.org
Britnee N. Timberlake
Phone: (973) 395-0150
Email: SenTimberlake@njleg.org
LEARN MORE – AKC GR LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER RESOURCES
Consumer Protection Laws Protect the Public and Animals
Bans On Retail Pet Sales Fail to Protect Pets, Undermine Responsible Pet Choice
AKC Government Relations Legislative Action Center
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org or (919) 816-3720