Mobile Dog Grooming Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a mobile dog grooming in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Verified 2026-09-02 5 stops $100–$450 est. 1–3 weeks for all registrations
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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.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Georgia

2 stops

  1. Georgia Department of Agriculture - Kennel License (grooming operations)

    Georgia has no grooming-specific occupational license and no state grooming board. However, GDA's Kennel License page states the license is required for an establishment where dogs or cats are maintained for boarding, holding, training, or similar purposes for a fee, and expressly names a grooming shop as such an establishment - so confirm your setup with GDA's Companion Animals program rather than assuming grooming is unregulated. Professional certifications (NDGAA, IPG) remain optional.

    Official government source

    No fee if GDA confirms a kennel license is not required; otherwise the capacity-based Kennel License fee quoted in GDA's online application.Confirm with GDA before operating; a kennel license requires a pre-inspection.

  2. Georgia Sales Tax Registration

    Pet grooming services are generally NOT subject to Georgia sales tax — grooming falls under the state's Personal and Laundry Services industry, which is exempt from sales tax (Georgia taxes services only in six enumerated categories, not personal-care services). Selling retail pet products (shampoo, accessories) is taxable at the combined rate (8.9% in Atlanta/Fulton County). Confirm current treatment with the Georgia Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

2 stops

  1. City of Atlanta Business License

    All businesses operating within Atlanta city limits must obtain a business license from the Atlanta Office of Revenue. Mobile dog groomers are classified under pet services. Apply online through the Atlanta permitting portal.

    Official government source

    $191 annual registration fee for tax year 2026 ($75 for tax year 2025 and prior), plus a flat $50 tax on the first $10,000 of gross receipts, plus a gross-receipts tax at the NAICS-based tax-class rate (e.g. 1.88 per $1,000 for tax class 5 in 2026), plus $25 per employee (first employee exempt)1–3 weeks

  2. Fulton County Business Tax Certificate (Fulton Industrial District only)

    Fulton County issues a Business Occupational Tax Certificate only to businesses located in the Fulton Industrial District (an unincorporated area) -- it does not require a county license for mobile dog groomers elsewhere in unincorporated Fulton County. Businesses based within Atlanta or other incorporated cities are licensed by that city, not the county.

    Official government source

    Fees vary; not published online -- confirm with Fulton County Finance1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$450 · 1–3 weeks for all registrations

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