Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Illinois — No State Pet Sitter License

   Illinois does not require a state license for pet sitting services. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes face minimal regulation. Boarding kennels with more animals may need to comply with local animal control ordinances. There is no statewide pet sitter licensing program in Illinois.

   Official government source

   No state fee·N/A

   No state fee

   N/A

2. Illinois Business Registration

   LLCs and corporations must register with the Illinois Secretary of State by filing Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation; limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships also register with the Secretary of State, but general partnerships do not. Sole proprietors and general partnerships using a trade name must file an Assumed Business Name registration with the Cook County Clerk and publish a legal notice; LLCs, LLPs, LPs, and corporations are exempt from that county filing.

   Official government source

   $150 for Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation); $50 flat for a Cook County Assumed Business Name registration·10 business days for a standard online filing with the Secretary of State; 24-hour service costs $250 total instead of $150

   $150 for Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation); $50 flat for a Cook County Assumed Business Name registration

   10 business days for a standard online filing with the Secretary of State; 24-hour service costs $250 total instead of $150

1. City of Chicago Limited Business License

   Pet sitting businesses operating in Chicago need a Limited Business License (LBL) from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), which is BACP's default license for service businesses. If you board, groom, train, or provide day care for dogs or cats at a facility, you need a BACP Animal Care License ($275) instead, which also requires a Chicago Animal Care and Control inspection.

   Official government source

   $500 for a two-year license (effective January 1, 2026)·BACP publishes no standard processing time; the license issues once zoning approval, the full application, and payment are complete

   $500 for a two-year license (effective January 1, 2026)

   BACP publishes no standard processing time; the license issues once zoning approval, the full application, and payment are complete

2. Chicago — Animal Care License (home boarding not allowed as a home occupation)

   Boarding animals at your Chicago home cannot be licensed as a home occupation: BACP's Home Based Business license expressly excludes 'animal care uses.' Grooming, boarding, breeding, training, or day care for dogs or cats requires a BACP Animal Care License at a zoning-approved location, and the premises must pass an inspection by Chicago Animal Care and Control. Pet sitting done only in clients' homes does not need this license. Contact BACP at 312-744-6249 before boarding animals at a residence.

   Official government source

   $275 Animal Care License fee (the $1,000 Home Based Business license is not available for animal care uses)·Varies with zoning review and the required Chicago Animal Care and Control inspection

   $275 Animal Care License fee (the $1,000 Home Based Business license is not available for animal care uses)

   Varies with zoning review and the required Chicago Animal Care and Control inspection

Official Sources

• City of Chicago — Business Licensing

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