Pet Sitting Service Permit Requirements in Jacksonville, FL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS. Also recommended if you plan to open a dedicated business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. Pet Sitter / Pet Care Insurance

   While not federally required, pet sitting businesses should carry general liability insurance and pet care, custody, and control (CCC) insurance to cover injuries, escapes, or accidental deaths of animals in your care. Professional organizations like PSI (Pet Sitters International) and NAPPS offer member insurance programs. Most clients and professional standards bodies recommend at least $1 million in liability coverage.

   Official government source

   $200–$1,500/year depending on coverage and business size·Obtained before accepting clients

   $200–$1,500/year depending on coverage and business size

   Obtained before accepting clients

1. Florida - No State Pet-Sitting or Boarding License (local rules apply)

   Florida has no state-level license for pet sitting, dog walking, or boarding kennels - neither FDACS nor DBPR issues one. Regulation of boarding/kennel facilities is local (county/municipal animal ordinances and zoning). In-home pet sitters and dog walkers in Jacksonville generally need only a local business tax receipt from the City of Jacksonville/Duval County Tax Collector.

   Official government source

   No state fee (local business tax receipt fees vary)·N/A for individual in-home sitters

   No state fee (local business tax receipt fees vary)

   N/A for individual in-home sitters

2. Florida Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration

   Pet sitting and dog walking services are not subject to sales tax in Florida (not enumerated taxable services). If you also sell pet products (food, leashes, accessories), those sales are taxable at 6% state + Duval County's 1.5% discretionary surtax (7.5% combined in Jacksonville). Register with the Florida Department of Revenue only if selling taxable products.

   Official government source

   Free (if registration needed)·Immediate (online)

   Free (if registration needed)

   Immediate (online)

1. Jacksonville — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Pet sitting businesses operating in Jacksonville — including dog walking, in-home pet care, and pet transportation — must obtain a general business license or occupational tax certificate from the city or county. Home-based pet sitters may need a Home Occupation Permit if clients or their pets visit your residence. Check with the Duval County licensing office for specific requirements.

   Official government source

   $50–$350/year depending on city fee schedule·1–3 weeks

   $50–$350/year depending on city fee schedule

   1–3 weeks

2. Jacksonville / Duval County — Animal Care Facility Permit (if boarding)

   If you board clients' pets at your home or at a commercial facility in Jacksonville, you may need an animal care facility, kennel, or pet boarding permit from the city or county animal control authority. Regulations vary significantly by municipality. Home-based boarding of a small number of animals (typically 1–3) may be exempt, but commercial-scale boarding requires a permit and inspection.

   $50–$300 (permit fee)·1–4 weeks

   $50–$300 (permit fee)

   1–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Jacksonville Business Licensing
• Florida Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration
• Pet Sitters International (PSI)

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