Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Denver, CO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $100–$500 est. 2–5 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from home
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 Colorado

2 stops

  1. Colorado — No State Pet Sitter License

    Colorado does not require a state license for pet sitting services. In-home pet sitters are lightly regulated. Commercial boarding kennels may need to comply with local animal control regulations. Colorado has no statewide pet sitter licensing program.

    Official government source

    No state feeN/A

  2. Colorado Sales Tax License (if selling products)

    If you sell pet products in addition to pet sitting services, you need a Colorado Sales Tax License. Pet sitting services themselves are generally not subject to Colorado sales tax.

    Official government source

    $16/yearImmediate (online)

City of Denver / Denver County

3 stops

  1. Denver Business License

    All businesses operating in Denver, including pet sitting businesses, must obtain a Denver Business License from the Excise and Licenses Department. Pet sitters who visit clients' homes as well as those who board pets at their own home both need a business license.

    Official government source

    $50–$200/year1–3 weeks

  2. Denver Zoning — Home Occupation Permit (if boarding from home)

    Boarding clients' pets at your Denver home may require a Home Occupation permit and zoning compliance review from Denver Community Planning and Development. Denver's zoning code regulates business activities in residential zones, including the number of animals that can be kept.

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–4 weeks

  3. Denver Animal Shelter — Kennel License (for commercial boarding)

    If you operate a commercial pet boarding facility in Denver, a kennel license from Denver Animal Shelter may be required. This applies to facilities housing multiple animals for compensation. Contact Denver Animal Shelter for current requirements.

    Official government source

    $50–$200/year2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$500 · 2–5 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from home

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Official Sources

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