New Jersey § 4:22-17

Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 4:22-17, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4:22-17.

a. Proper shelter for a dog, domestic companion animal, or service animal shall be

a structure or other type of protection that meets, at a minimum, the following standards

and requirements: (1) It provides at all times (a) adequate ventilation to allow the dog, domestic companion

animal, or service animal to remain dry and maintain a normal body temperature, (b)

access to water in a sanitary and liquid state, (c) exposure to natural or artificial

light according to a regular cycle of day and night, (d) sufficient space so that

the dog, domestic companion animal, or service animal can easily turn around in a

full circle and lie down on the animal's side with limbs outstretched, and (e) when

the animal is in a normal sitting position in the proper shelter, the top of the head

of the animal cannot touch the ceiling of the proper shelter; (2) It is maintained in a manner to minimize the accumulation of any waste, other

debris, precipitation, or other moisture inside, surrounding, and underneath any area

or structure providing proper shelter, and to provide reasonable protection from flooding; (3) It is soundly constructed to prevent the sagging or collapse of any part of the

structure or protection, and is maintained in good repair with no exposed sharp points

or edges; (4) It remains in an upright position at all times; (5) In the event of adverse environmental conditions as set forth in paragraph (1)

of the definition of that term in section 1 of this act, 1 it is an enclosed structure that has (a) a solid roof, solid walls with a single

opening no larger than necessary to allow the dog, domestic companion animal, or service

animal to comfortably enter and exit the structure, and a floor that is not the ground,

and (b) insulation, dry bedding, and a windbreak at the entrance that are sufficient

to keep the dog, domestic companion animal, or service animal dry and maintain the

animal's normal body temperature; and (6) In the event of adverse environmental conditions as set forth in paragraph (2)

of the definition of that term in section 1 of this act, it provides the dog, domestic

companion animal, or service animal with adequate shade or other cooling area by natural

or artificial means to allow the animal to maintain a normal body temperature. b. Any part of the residence of an owner, or other person with custody or control,

of a dog, domestic companion animal, or service animal shall be proper shelter for

a dog, domestic companion animal, or service animal, provided that the part of the

residence, and the use thereof, are in compliance with the requirements for proper

shelter set forth in this section. c. Proper shelter for a dog, domestic companion animal, or service animal shall not

include: (1) a crawl space under a building or a part of a building, such as under steps, a

deck, or a stoop; (2) the space under a vehicle; (3) the inside of a vehicle if the dog, domestic companion animal, or service animal

is kept in the vehicle in a manner or for a length of time that a person should reasonably

know poses an adverse risk to the health or safety of the animal; or (4) any structure or protection (a) made from pressure-treated wood which contains

the chemicals arsenic or chromium, (b) with a floor consisting of wire or chain-link

or having openings through which the paw, hoof, or foot of a dog, domestic companion

animal, or service animal, as applicable, can pass, or (c) that is located outdoors

and is made from cardboard or other materials that are easily degraded by the elements. 1

N.J.S.A. § 4:22-17.1.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 4:22-17

What does New Jersey Statutes § 4:22-17 cover?

Section 4:22-17 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Jersey § 4:22-17?

A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 4:22-17" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Jersey law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.

How does New Jersey § 4:22-17 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.