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.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $100–$700 est. 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; 4–8 weeks if boarding 4+ pets at your home (kennel permit required)
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of California

2 stops

  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.

    Official government source

    No state feeN/A

  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.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

3 stops

  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.

    Official government source

    $0–$500+/year (based on gross receipts; small business exemption under $100K)1–2 weeks

  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.

    Official government source

    $100–$400/year (varies by number of animals)3–6 weeks (requires inspection)

  3. Los Angeles Home-Based Boarding — Zoning Reality

    Los Angeles issues no home occupation permit; home businesses are allowed by right only within strict home-occupation conditions (no visible commercial activity, limited client visits, no atypical equipment). Boarding multiple animals at a residence generally exceeds those conditions, and keeping 4 or more dogs makes the premises a 'kennel' under the LA Municipal Code, requiring a Dog Kennel permit ($305) from LA Animal Services.

    Official government source

    $0 (no home occupation permit exists); LA Animal Services Dog Kennel permit $305 if 4+ dogs are kept2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$700 · 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; 4–8 weeks if boarding 4+ pets at your home (kennel permit required)

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides