Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Dover, DE

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Delaware — No Sales Tax

   Delaware has no state or local sales tax. Instead, Delaware levies a Gross Receipts Tax on the seller of goods or provider of services, based on total receipts. Register with the Delaware Division of Revenue.

   Official government source for Delaware — No Sales Tax (opens in a new tab)

   Free (gross receipts tax registration)·Immediate (online)

   Free (gross receipts tax registration)

   Immediate (online)

1. City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department — Business License

   Every business operating within Dover city limits must hold a city business license (City Code ch. 26, art. II), separate from any Certificate of Occupancy for the space. Fees are set per business-type category in Appendix F, most recently revised by Ordinance 2024-22 (adopted July 8, 2024). Manufacturers and contractors instead pay a rate on gross receipts, and merchants and bottlers a rate on gross purchases for resale, each with a minimum fee. Licenses are annual and prorated quarterly for businesses that start mid-year.

   Official government source for City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department — Business License (opens in a new tab)

   Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).·1–3 weeks

   Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).

   1–3 weeks

2. Delaware Office of Animal Welfare — Kennel License

   Kennel licensing in Delaware is handled statewide by the Division of Public Health's Office of Animal Welfare (Delaware Animal Services) — there is no Kent County animal services department. Anyone maintaining a kennel where more than four dogs are kept for show, trial, sale, breeding, or other purposes may take a kennel license in place of individual dog licenses. Occasional overnight pet sitting below that threshold does not require one.

   Official government source for Delaware Office of Animal Welfare — Kennel License (opens in a new tab)

   $70/year for up to 12 dogs, $140 up to 25 dogs, $250 up to 50 dogs, $300 for more than 50 dogs·Licenses are purchased annually and are valid one year from the date of purchase

   $70/year for up to 12 dogs, $140 up to 25 dogs, $250 up to 50 dogs, $300 for more than 50 dogs

   Licenses are purchased annually and are valid one year from the date of purchase

Official Sources

• City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department
• Kent County Animal Services

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