Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

$100 -- $700 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; 4–8 weeks if boarding 4+ pets at your home (kennel permit required) 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Los Angeles / Los Angeles County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC)

All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles, including pet sitting businesses, must obtain a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) from the LA Office of Finance. Small businesses with under $100,000 in gross receipts may qualify for an exemption.

$0–$500+/year (based on gross receipts; small business exemption under $100K)1–2 weeks
Official government source
2

LA County Animal Control — Kennel License (for boarding 4+ animals)

In the City of Los Angeles, a kennel is defined as any location where 4 or more dogs are kept. If you board 4 or more clients' pets at your home at one time, a kennel permit from LA Animal Services is required. For in-home visiting pet sitters (going to clients' homes), no kennel license is needed.

$100–$400/year (varies by number of animals)3–6 weeks (requires inspection)
Official government source
3

LA City Zoning — Home Occupation Permit (if boarding from home)

Boarding animals at your Los Angeles home may require a Home Occupation permit from the City of LA Department of City Planning. LA's zoning code limits the scale of home-based business activities.

$50–$2002–4 weeks
Official government source

California State Requirements

2 requirements
1

California — No State Pet Sitter License

California does not require a state-level license for pet sitting services. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes are lightly regulated. Kennel licensing in California is handled at the local (city/county) level, not the state level.

No state feeN/A
Official government source
2

California Seller's Permit (if selling pet products)

If you sell pet products, you need a California Seller's Permit from CDTFA. Pet sitting services are generally not subject to California sales tax.

FreeImmediate (online)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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