Starting a pet walking business is an exciting opportunity for animal lovers who want to build a flexible and rewarding career.
But before you leash up your first dog or book a client, you’ll need to ensure your business is legally compliant. Whether you’re operating solo or planning to grow into a team of walkers, understanding your local licensing and permit requirements is critical to staying on the right side of the law.
This guide covers every permit, license, and legal document you may need to legally operate a pet walking business in the U.S. in 2025.
Requirements vary by location, but we’ll break them down into clear categories, provide cost ranges, and share step-by-step instructions so you can launch with confidence. Let’s get into it.
Required Licenses and Permits for Pet Walking Businesses
| License/Permit | Required? | Applies To | Cost Range | Where to Obtain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Registration (LLC/Sole Prop) | ✅ Yes | All pet walking businesses | $0 – $500 | State Secretary of State website |
| DBA (“Doing Business As”) | ✅ If using a brand | Businesses using a name not your own | $10 – $100 | County Clerk or State Business Office |
| Local Business License | ✅ Often required | Most cities and counties | $25 – $150 | Local government or business portal |
| Zoning Permit | 🚫 Sometimes | Home-based businesses | $50 – $300 | Local zoning/planning office |
| Sales Tax Permit | 🚫 Only for sales | If selling products (not services) | Free – $50 | State Department of Revenue |
| Animal Handling/Pet Service License | 🚫 Sometimes | Areas with animal service rules | $25 – $150 | Local animal control or business dept |
| General Liability Insurance | ✅ Strongly advised | All pet walkers | $200 – $600/year | Private insurer |
| Bonding Insurance | ✅ If hiring staff | Employees handling client keys | $100 – $300/year | Private insurer |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance | ✅ If hiring staff | Employers with W-2 employees | Varies by state | State insurance board/private insurer |
Register Your Business (LLC or Sole Proprietor)
The first legal step is establishing your business entity. You can choose to operate as a Sole Proprietor, which is the easiest and least expensive option, or register as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which provides personal liability protection.
An LLC separates your personal assets from your business, offering more credibility and safeguarding your finances in case of lawsuits.
If you’re just testing the waters, a Sole Proprietorship is fine. However, forming an LLC is a smart long-term strategy, especially if you plan to expand or hire employees.
Registration is typically done through your state’s Secretary of State office. Most states now offer fast and affordable online filing.
Cost Breakdown:
| Entity Type | Typical Cost | Filing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietor | $0 – $100 | 1–5 days |
| LLC (Single-Member) | $50 – $500 | 1–14 days |
📌 Pro Tip: Some states also require a registered agent for LLCs—this can be yourself or a paid service (~$50–$150/year).
File a “Doing Business As” (DBA) Name
If you’re using a name other than your legal name—like “Downtown Dog Walkers” instead of “John Smith”—you need to register a DBA. This is also referred to as a “fictitious business name” or “trade name.” A DBA gives you legal permission to operate under a chosen brand name and is required in most states.
Registering a DBA is a simple process handled at the county or state level, depending on where you operate. It also makes opening a business bank account much easier, especially when operating as a sole proprietor.
Cost:
- $10 – $100, depending on the region
- Some areas may require public notice in a newspaper (additional cost)
Get a Local Business License
Most cities and counties require a general business license to operate legally.
This is your local government’s way of tracking commercial activity and ensuring businesses are paying taxes and complying with ordinances. Even if you don’t have a storefront, you likely still need one if you’re operating within city limits.
Licensing is typically handled by the City Hall, County Clerk, or Business Licensing Department. You’ll provide your name, business details, services offered, and may need to show proof of insurance or zoning approval.
Cost:
- $25 – $150/year, depending on your city or county
- Some areas may charge an annual renewal or inspection fee
Zoning and Home Occupation Permits
If you’re running your business from home—handling administrative work, client meetings, or keeping dogs temporarily—you may need a Zoning Permit or Home Occupation Permit. These ensure your business doesn’t violate local residential zoning laws.
This is particularly important if:
- Clients come to your home
- You store pet supplies or host animals
- You have employees visiting your property
You’ll need to check with your local planning or zoning board to determine what’s required.
Cost:
- $50 – $300, depending on municipality
⚠️ Even if you don’t interact with clients at home, always verify this with your city.
Animal Handling or Pet Business License
Some municipalities require a special Animal Care or Pet Services License. These are common in areas with strict animal welfare laws, such as:
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- San Francisco
- Miami-Dade County
You may need to pass a background check, attend a training, or prove experience. Requirements vary significantly, so check with your local animal control department or public health division.
Cost:
- $25 – $150, typically renewable annually
Sales Tax Permit (If Selling Products)
While services like dog walking are often tax-exempt, if you sell leashes, collars, pet treats, or other merchandise, you’ll need a Sales Tax Permit. This is issued by your state’s Department of Revenue and allows you to collect and remit sales tax.
Registering is usually free, but failure to obtain one when needed can result in penalties.
Business Insurance (Highly Recommended)
Though not technically a “license,” insurance is often a requirement for operating professionally, and some cities won’t issue licenses without proof of coverage. At minimum, you should have.
Types of Insurance:
| Type | What It Covers | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | Injuries to pets or third parties, property damage | $200 – $600/year |
| Bonding | Theft claims (esp. if you enter clients’ homes) | $100 – $300/year |
| Workers’ Comp (if hiring) | Medical costs for employee injuries on the job | Varies by state |
| Pet Care Insurance | Lost keys, emergency vet bills, pet escapes | $150 – $400/year |
Some insurers specialize in pet care businesses, such as:
- Pet Care Insurance
- Pet Sitters Associates
- Next Insurance
Startup Compliance Cost Summary
| Category | Low-End Estimate | High-End Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Registration | $0 | $500 |
| DBA Registration | $10 | $100 |
| Business License | $25 | $150 |
| Zoning Permit (if needed) | $50 | $300 |
| Pet Services License | $25 | $150 |
| Insurance (basic) | $200/year | $600/year |
| Total (est.) | $310 | $1,800+ |
Where to Apply for Licenses
| State | Business Portal |
|---|---|
| California | CalGold |
| Texas | Texas.gov |
| Florida | Sunbiz |
| New York | NY Business Express |
| Illinois | MyTax Illinois |
💼 Tip: Always double-check local city and county requirements in addition to state rules.
Final Thoughts
Getting your pet walking business legally compliant may seem overwhelming, but it’s manageable with the right roadmap.
At a minimum, most walkers need to register their business, get a local business license, and carry liability insurance. Depending on your services and where you live, you might also need a zoning permit, pet care license, or bonding insurance.
Doing this the right way from the beginning saves you from fines, legal issues, and loss of client trust. It also positions your business as credible and professional, helping you stand out in an industry where reputation is everything.
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general business advice for informational purposes only. For specific legal or tax guidance, please consult with a licensed professional in your area.
To learn more on how to start your own pet walking business check out our completely free guide and newsletter here.
👉 Up Next: Essential Equipment You’ll Need to Launch Your Pet Walking Business