Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $150–$700 est. 2–5 weeks for in-home pet sitting; 4–8 weeks if boarding (requires GDA kennel license and inspection)
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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. Also useful for opening a business bank account.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Georgia

2 stops

  1. Georgia Department of Agriculture — Kennel License (for boarding)

    If you board clients' pets at your home or facility for compensation, Georgia requires a Kennel License from the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA). It is unlawful to operate a kennel without a valid GDA license. Fees are based on maximum holding capacity (number of animals boarded at one time). The license is issued annually. If you are only visiting clients' homes to care for their pets and not boarding animals at your own location, this license is generally not required.

    Official government source

    $100–$400/year (based on holding capacity)2–4 weeks (includes inspection)

  2. Georgia Business Registration

    If operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, register your business entity with the Georgia Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a trade name registration with the Fulton County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $100 (LLC filing fee)1–5 business days (online)

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

2 stops

  1. City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate

    All businesses operating within Atlanta city limits, including in-home pet sitting businesses, must obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate from the City of Atlanta Department of Finance. This applies whether you visit clients' homes or operate from your own home. Renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $75–$200/year (based on number of employees)1–3 weeks

  2. Home Occupation Permit (if operating from your home)

    If you operate a pet sitting or boarding business from your home in Atlanta or Fulton County, you may need a Home Occupation Permit. Home-based boarding of clients' pets may also trigger zoning review. Verify with Fulton County Planning and Development whether your boarding activity exceeds home occupation limits.

    Official government source

    $50–$1501–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$700 · 2–5 weeks for in-home pet sitting; 4–8 weeks if boarding (requires GDA kennel license and inspection)

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Official Sources

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