Dog Grooming Business Permit Requirements in Dover, DE

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Delaware — No Sales Tax

   Delaware has no state or local sales tax. Instead, Delaware levies a Gross Receipts Tax on the seller of goods or provider of services, based on total receipts. Register with the Delaware Division of Revenue.

   Official government source

   Free (gross receipts tax registration)·Immediate (online)

   Free (gross receipts tax registration)

   Immediate (online)

1. City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department — Business License

   Every business operating within Dover city limits must hold a city business license (City Code ch. 26, art. II), separate from any Certificate of Occupancy for the space. Fees are set per business-type category in Appendix F, most recently revised by Ordinance 2024-22 (adopted July 8, 2024). Manufacturers and contractors instead pay a rate on gross receipts, and merchants and bottlers a rate on gross purchases for resale, each with a minimum fee. Licenses are annual and prorated quarterly for businesses that start mid-year.

   Official government source

   Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).·1–3 weeks

   Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).

   1–3 weeks

2. Delaware Office of Animal Welfare — Kennel License (only if boarding more than 4 dogs)

   Delaware has no county animal services department and no state or county dog-grooming permit — a grooming business in Dover needs only the standard City of Dover business license. Dog and kennel licensing is run statewide by the Division of Public Health's Office of Animal Welfare (Delaware Animal Services, 302-255-4646). A Kennel License applies only if more than four dogs are kept at the location for show, trial, sale, breeding, boarding or similar purposes — for example if you board animals overnight.

   Official government source

   Kennel license, only if applicable: $70/year up to 12 dogs, $140 up to 25, $250 up to 50, $300 for more than 50·Kennel licenses are valid one year from the date of purchase

   Kennel license, only if applicable: $70/year up to 12 dogs, $140 up to 25, $250 up to 50, $300 for more than 50

   Kennel licenses are valid one year from the date of purchase

Official Sources

• City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department

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