Pet Sitting Service Permit Requirements in Aurora, IL

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. Illinois — Pet Sitting License Requirements

   Illinois requires facilities that care for animals for a fee to obtain a license under the Illinois Animal Welfare Act. This applies to kennels and doggy daycare facilities. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes may be exempt, but home-based boarding operations should verify requirements with the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Animal Welfare Division.

   Official government source

   No fee for in-home sitters (commercial kennel licenses vary)·N/A for individual in-home sitters

   No fee for in-home sitters (commercial kennel licenses vary)

   N/A for individual in-home sitters

2. Illinois Department of Revenue - Retailers' Occupation Tax (Sales Tax) Registration

   Pet sitting and dog walking are services, not sales of tangible personal property, so they are not subject to Illinois Retailers' Occupation Tax. You only need a sales tax account if you also sell goods such as food, treats, leashes or toys. In Aurora the combined general merchandise rate is 8.500% effective August 1, 2026 (6.25% state-imposed rate plus local taxes), up from 8.250%. Register on Form REG-1 through MyTax Illinois.

   Official government source

   No registration fee·About 1-2 business days online through MyTax Illinois; 6 to 8 weeks for a mailed paper Form REG-1

   No registration fee

   About 1-2 business days online through MyTax Illinois; 6 to 8 weeks for a mailed paper Form REG-1

1. Aurora — Business Registration

   The City of Aurora requires businesses to complete a Business Registration through the city's Licenses and Registration page (YourVoice portal). Aurora does not issue a general business license or 'occupational tax certificate' — its named licensing programs are mobile food units, contractors, liquor, hotels, and peddlers/solicitors, none of which cover pet sitting. Home-based pet sitters should also confirm zoning compliance with Development Services if clients or their pets come to the residence.

   Official government source

   No fee published for Aurora business registration; confirm the current amount with the City of Aurora at 311 or 630-256-4636·Not published by the city; confirm with Aurora at 311 or 630-256-4636

   No fee published for Aurora business registration; confirm the current amount with the City of Aurora at 311 or 630-256-4636

   Not published by the city; confirm with Aurora at 311 or 630-256-4636

2. Illinois Animal Welfare Act License (if commercial boarding)

   Commercial pet boarding/kennel facilities in Illinois generally must obtain a state Animal Welfare Act license (225 ILCS 605) from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, not a separate Aurora city permit. The state application fee is $350 per license type, with annual renewal by June 30. Small-scale, incidental home pet sitting (not operating as a boarding kennel) may fall outside this framework -- confirm with IL Dept of Agriculture and City of Aurora Animal Control for your specific scale of operation.

   Official government source

   $350 (state license application fee)·Varies -- preliminary inspection required before issuance

   $350 (state license application fee)

   Varies -- preliminary inspection required before issuance

Official Sources

• Aurora Business Licensing
• Illinois Department of Revenue — Retailer's Occupation Tax Registration
• Pet Sitters International (PSI)

Related Guides