Pet Sitting Service Permit Requirements in Savannah, GA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS. Also recommended if you plan to open a dedicated business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. Pet Sitter / Pet Care Insurance

   While not federally required, pet sitting businesses should carry general liability insurance and pet care, custody, and control (CCC) insurance to cover injuries, escapes, or accidental deaths of animals in your care. Professional organizations like PSI (Pet Sitters International) and NAPPS offer member insurance programs. Most clients and professional standards bodies recommend at least $1 million in liability coverage.

   Official government source

   $200–$1,500/year depending on coverage and business size·Obtained before accepting clients

   $200–$1,500/year depending on coverage and business size

   Obtained before accepting clients

1. Georgia — Pet Sitting License Requirements

   Georgia issues no license for pet sitting or dog walking when you visit clients' homes. But if you board, hold, or keep clients' dogs or cats at your own location for a fee, the Georgia Department of Agriculture requires a Kennel License - GDA applies it to boarding, holding, training, breeding, catteries, and grooming shops alike, and it requires a pre-inspection. Local animal control ordinances in Chatham County apply on top of the state license.

   Official government source

   No fee for visiting-only sitters. Boarding at your own location requires a GDA Kennel License at a capacity-based fee quoted in GDA's online application.·None for visiting-only sitters; a kennel license requires a GDA pre-inspection before issuance.

   No fee for visiting-only sitters. Boarding at your own location requires a GDA Kennel License at a capacity-based fee quoted in GDA's online application.

   None for visiting-only sitters; a kennel license requires a GDA pre-inspection before issuance.

2. Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Registration

   Pet sitting and dog walking are not among Georgia's enumerated taxable services, so those fees are not taxable. If you also sell pet products, those sales are taxable at the combined rate where the buyer takes delivery: 7% in Chatham County (Savannah) and 8.5% in Richmond County (Augusta) per DOR's rate chart effective July 1, 2026.

   Official government source

   Free. Georgia charges no fee to register for a sales and use tax number through the Georgia Tax Center.·Register online at the Georgia Tax Center; the Department of Revenue emails the tax account number within about 15 minutes of submission.

   Free. Georgia charges no fee to register for a sales and use tax number through the Georgia Tax Center.

   Register online at the Georgia Tax Center; the Department of Revenue emails the tax account number within about 15 minutes of submission.

1. Savannah — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Pet sitting businesses operating within the City of Savannah — including dog walking, in-home pet care, and pet transportation — must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the City of Savannah Revenue Department (Savannah and Chatham County are separate governments; a business inside Savannah city limits licenses with the city, not the county). The city also requires a Business Location Approval Application (verifying zoning compliance) before issuing the certificate. Home-based pet sitters should confirm whether receiving clients/pets at their residence triggers zoning review.

   Official government source

   $50–$350/year depending on city fee schedule·1–3 weeks

   $50–$350/year depending on city fee schedule

   1–3 weeks

2. Savannah / Chatham County — Animal Care Facility Permit (if boarding)

   If you board clients' pets at your home or a commercial facility in Savannah, you may need an animal care facility, kennel, or pet boarding permit. Animal control and animal services in the area are administered by Chatham County Animal Services, and the City of Savannah also maintains its own animal ordinance inside city limits. Home-based boarding of a small number of animals may be exempt, but commercial-scale boarding requires a permit and inspection -- confirm with Chatham County Animal Services and City of Savannah Development Services.

   Official government source

   $50–$300 (permit fee)·1–4 weeks

   $50–$300 (permit fee)

   1–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Savannah Business Licensing
• Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Registration
• Pet Sitters International (PSI)

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