Local Government Minister Chris Collins said the stricter standards being forced on pet establishments are in response to concerns from the New Brunswick SPCA.
The organization wanted more power to enforce the rules in order to prevent abuse, Collins said.
"The kennels and pet stores and animal shelters will require a licence. They'll be regularly inspected by the New Brunswick SPCA to make sure they meet the standard of shelter, water and feeding for pets across the province," Collins said.
The new regulations will rank among the strongest in Canada, according to the minister.
The regulations will apply to pet stores, kennels and animal shelters both commercial and non-commercial that are located in municipalities and in rural areas starting June 1.
When the rules are in place, people who own more than five dogs over six months of age will be forced to follow nationally established standards of care for those animals.
The new rules also carry a series of exemptions.
Businesses selling animals considered livestock, as well as groomers, training operations, research and educational facilities, veterinary clinics boarding animals for medical reasons, and boarding and riding stables for horses will all be immune from these laws.
Additionally, circuses and zoos will not need licences.
SPCA supports changes
Joy Bacon, the president of the New Brunswick SPCA, said in a statement that the reforms give the organization more oversight over pet stores and kennels and "enable us to prosecute those who wilfully neglect their animals."
Kevin White, an animal protection officer with the SPCA in Bathurst, said the changes give officers across the province enforceable guidelines when inspecting pet establishments.
"Some pet stores would be getting some of their dogs that they have for sale from puppy mills," White said.
"Now with this they are going to have to produce proof of where the dogs are coming from and where the dogs are going to."'
