Pet Sitting Service Permit Requirements in San Jose, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. Business Insurance (recommended — not a government requirement)

   No federal license, permit, or insurance mandate applies to pet sitting. General liability plus pet care, custody, and control (CCC) coverage is strongly recommended by professional associations and often expected by clients, but it is a private insurance purchase, not a legal requirement. Premiums vary widely by coverage and business size — get quotes from insurers or association programs such as Pet Sitters International or NAPPS.

   Official government source

   Varies by insurer and coverage (no government fee)·Obtained before accepting clients

   Varies by insurer and coverage (no government fee)

   Obtained before accepting clients

1. California — Pet Sitting License Requirements

   California does not require a state license for pet sitting or dog walking. If you operate a commercial boarding facility, you must comply with local animal control ordinances. The California Department of Consumer Affairs does not license pet sitters. Home-based boarding may trigger local kennel permit requirements in San Jose.

   Official government source

   No fee for in-home sitters (commercial kennel licenses vary)·N/A for individual in-home sitters

   No fee for in-home sitters (commercial kennel licenses vary)

   N/A for individual in-home sitters

2. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Seller's Permit

   Pet sitting/dog walking services are not subject to California sales tax. If you also sell pet products, those sales are taxable — San Jose's combined sales tax rate is 9.375% (not 7.25% + 0.25% = 7.5%). Verify current rate on the CDTFA rate lookup.

   Official government source

   Free (if registration needed)·Immediate (online)

   Free (if registration needed)

   Immediate (online)

1. San Jose Business Tax Certificate

   Businesses operating in San Jose must register with the City of San José Finance Department, pay the city business tax, and receive a Business Tax Certificate (sometimes informally called a business license). The tax is based on employee count: base tax $222.89 (1-2 employees) effective July 1, 2026, plus $37.98 for each employee from the 3rd through 35th (higher rates for larger tiers), plus a $4 state SB-1186 disability-access fee. Rates are CPI-adjusted each July 1. Register online, by mail, or in person with the Finance Department.

   Official government source

   $222.89/year base tax (businesses with 1-2 employees) effective July 1, 2026, plus incremental per-employee tax ($37.98 each for employees 3-35, higher tiers above), plus a $4 state disability-access fee (SB-1186)·1–3 weeks

   $222.89/year base tax (businesses with 1-2 employees) effective July 1, 2026, plus incremental per-employee tax ($37.98 each for employees 3-35, higher tiers above), plus a $4 state disability-access fee (SB-1186)

   1–3 weeks

2. San Jose Animal Establishment Permit (Commercial Kennel) — SJMC Title 7

   Boarding clients' pets for compensation in San Jose makes the operation a 'commercial kennel' under San José Municipal Code Title 7 (Animal Care and Control), which requires an animal establishment permit through San José Animal Care & Services, with facility standards and inspection. Visiting pet sitters who care for animals in clients' homes are not commercial kennels. Contact Animal Care & Services for current permit fees.

   Official government source

   Contact San José Animal Care & Services for current animal establishment/commercial kennel permit fees·1–4 weeks

   Contact San José Animal Care & Services for current animal establishment/commercial kennel permit fees

   1–4 weeks

Official Sources

• San Jose Business Licensing
• California Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Seller's Permit
• Pet Sitters International (PSI)

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