Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $250–$800 est. 2–5 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 10 weeks if boarding from home (zoning review required)
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Illinois

2 stops

  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.

    No state feeN/A

  2. Illinois Business Registration

    LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must register with the Illinois Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Cook County Clerk.

    $150 (LLC) or $175 (corporation) filing fee5–10 business days

City of Chicago / Cook County

2 stops

  1. City of Chicago Limited Business License

    Pet sitting businesses operating in Chicago must obtain a Limited Business License (LBL) from the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). The LBL is required for service businesses. If you operate a boarding facility for animals, a regulated license may apply.

    Official government source

    $250 per 2-year period (as of 2025; recently increased)2–4 weeks

  2. Chicago Zoning — Home Occupation (if boarding from home)

    Pet sitting that involves boarding animals at your Chicago home may be subject to home occupation restrictions. Chicago's zoning code limits the types and scale of business activities permitted in residential districts. If you regularly board multiple animals, contact the Chicago Department of Planning and Development to determine if a special use permit is required.

    Official government source

    Varies ($0–$500 for zoning review)2–8 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $250–$800 · 2–5 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 10 weeks if boarding from home (zoning review required)

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides