New Toms River Animal Shelter to Include Retail Store

A retail store can be added to the new township-run animal shelter following the passage of an ordinance this week.

The ordinance will allow a retail store on the shelter's premises that will be limited to the sale of items related to the ownership and care of dogs and cats, township officials said. The store will also provide spay and neutering services as well as township dog and cat licenses.

"I think the retail store is a wonderful opportunity to enhance the services that will be provided at our animal shelter," said Mayor Thomas Kelaher.

According to the ordinance, proceeds from the retail store must be accounted for and deposited into a dedicated fund for the shelter's operational costs.

The animal shelter project is part of a larger development that also includes a courtroom expansion and renovations to the police department. The new state-of-the-art, 7,900 square-foot facility will be nearly three times the size of the existing animal shelter on Whitesville Road, which has been subject to overcrowding and is out of step with current standards.

The kennels, which can house about thirty dogs and fifty cats, will feature large plexiglass enclosures and several runs, including a covered run for inclement weather. It will be one of only four municipally-owned animal shelters in New Jersey.

Those interested in adopting an animal now should contact the current shelter directly, township officials said. To view a list of adoptable pets, visit www.petfinder.com. The shelter is also looking for volunteers, according to officials.  Applications are available in person at the Toms River Animal Facility on Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.