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

Track these permits automatically

Get deadline alerts and compliance monitoring for your pet sitting business in Los Angeles, CA. Never miss a renewal or face a surprise inspection.

Start Tracking Free
Free forever for 1 business No credit card needed 60, 30 & 7-day alerts

Official Sources

Related Guides

Track these permits automatically

Get deadline alerts and compliance monitoring for your pet sitting business in Los Angeles, CA. Never miss a renewal or face a surprise inspection.

Start Tracking Free
Free forever for 1 business No credit card needed 60, 30 & 7-day alerts