Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City County, Virginia.

$75 -- $450 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from home 6 requirements

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

Virginia Beach / Virginia Beach City County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Virginia Beach Business License (BPOL)

All businesses operating in Virginia Beach, including pet sitting businesses, must obtain a Business License from the Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue under the BPOL (Business, Professional, and Occupational License) tax. The license is renewed annually based on gross receipts.

$30–$200/year (based on gross receipts; minimum $30)1–2 weeks
Official government source
2

Virginia Beach Animal Control — Kennel Permit (for boarding)

If you board clients' pets at your home or a commercial facility in Virginia Beach, a kennel permit from Virginia Beach Animal Control may be required. Requirements depend on the number of animals boarded. Contact Virginia Beach Animal Control for current thresholds and inspection requirements.

$50–$200/year2–4 weeks (may require inspection)
Official government source
3

Virginia Beach Zoning — Home Occupation (if boarding from home)

Boarding animals at your Virginia Beach home may require a Home Occupation zoning compliance review. Contact Virginia Beach Planning and Community Development to determine if your boarding activity requires approval.

$50–$1502–4 weeks
Official government source

Virginia State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Virginia — No State Pet Sitter License

Virginia does not require a state license for pet sitting services. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes are lightly regulated. Commercial kennel operations may need to comply with local animal control regulations.

No state feeN/A
Official government source
2

Virginia State Corporation Commission — Business Registration

LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must register with the Virginia SCC. Sole proprietors using a trade name file a fictitious name with the SCC.

$100 (LLC) or $75 (corporation) filing feeImmediate (online) to 5 business days
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

Get your personalized permit checklist

Find out exactly which permits and licenses your pet sitting business needs in Virginia Beach, VA — with costs, timelines, and official links.

Get Your Permit Report — $9.99
Ready in ~60 seconds Secure payment via Stripe Official links & citations

Related Guides

Stop guessing about permits

Know exactly what permits your business needs

Get a personalized permit report with every license, registration, and permit required for your business — with costs, timelines, and official application links.

Get Your Permit Report — $9.99
Ready in ~60 seconds Secure payment via Stripe 50 states, 4,000+ jurisdictions