Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in San Diego, San Diego County, California.

$75 -- $700 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; 4–8 weeks if boarding 7+ pets at your home (kennel license required) 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: February 15, 2026.

San Diego / San Diego County Requirements

3 requirements

City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

All businesses operating in San Diego, including pet sitting businesses, must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the City of San Diego City Treasurer. Renewed annually.

$50–$300/year1–2 weeks

Official government source

San Diego County Animal Services — Kennel License (for boarding 7+ animals)

San Diego defines a 'kennel' as any location where 7 or more dogs, cats, or similar small animals are kept. If you board 7 or more clients' pets at your home at one time, a kennel license from San Diego County Animal Services is required. For smaller-scale boarding (under 7 animals), no kennel license is needed. In-home visiting pet sitters do not need this license.

$100–$400/year3–6 weeks (requires inspection)

Official government source

San Diego Zoning — Home Occupation (if boarding from home)

Operating a pet boarding business from your San Diego home may require a Home Occupation permit from San Diego Development Services. Boarding multiple animals may exceed home occupation limits in residential zones.

$100–$3002–4 weeks

Official government source

California State Requirements

2 requirements

California — No State Pet Sitter License

California does not require a state-level license for pet sitting services. Kennel licensing is handled at the city/county level. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes are lightly regulated.

No state feeN/A

Official government source