When it's completed, among the amenities that the new Toms River Animal Shelter is likely to have that didn't exist in the old one is the means to pay for itself.

Toms River animal shelter
Sign marks location of new Toms River animal shelter (Jason Allentoff, Townsquare Media NJ)
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Township Council members tonight expect to approve a township code revision to allow installation of a retail shop on site. Proceeds would enter a dedicated fund to pay for operations.

According to township officials, people will be able to also buy dog and cat licenses and have their pets spayed or neutered, all within the complex.

It's rising on Oak Avenue, just a couple of thousand feet from Hooper Avenue, adjacent to the township police station and justice complex that are being expanded and renovated as part of one project.

Plans call for 7,900 square feet of space, which officials estimate to be about triple the size of the outgoing shelter on Whitesville Road. They expect to have room for about 30 dogs and 50 cats, with plexiglass enclosures and several runs.

Toms River is home to one of only four remaining municipally-run shelters in the Garden State.

Anyone looking for an adoptable dog or cat at the shelter can see a list at www.petfinder.com. Prospective volunteers can get applications at the animal facility any Tuesday through Saturday, 1 until 4 PM.

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