Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Fort Wayne, IN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.

Verified 2026-09-03 4 stops $100–$500 est. 1–4 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop
  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Indiana

1 stop
  1. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.

    Official government source

    $25 one-time registration feeImmediate (online via INBiz)

City of Fort Wayne / Allen County

2 stops
  1. Fort Wayne — No General Business License

    Fort Wayne has no general city business license, and there is no "Department of Neighborhood Code Enforcement" business license. The city's official Starting a Business guide states: "The City of Fort Wayne does not currently require a general business license." What does apply: register your business name with the Allen County Recorder if it does not include the owner's last name, verify zoning with the Allen County Department of Planning Services, and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Allen County Building Department after final inspection of any commercial space.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license exists. Related fees: Certificate of Assumed Business Name $25 (Allen County Recorder); Allen County Building Department permit and contractor license fees vary by project.Not applicable — there is no general license to apply for. Certificate of Occupancy timing depends on Allen County Building Department plan review and final inspection.

  2. Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control — Kennel/Cattery Permit

    Boarding or housing pets overnight at a home or facility in Fort Wayne, beyond the number allowed as ordinary pets, requires a Residential or Commercial Kennel/Cattery Permit from the City of Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control — not from an "Allen County Animal Services" agency. Applications are made in person at the Animal Care & Control business office, 3020 Hillegas Road (260-427-1244). Proper zoning may be required, and the number of unaltered animals at the address determines which permit applies.

    Official government source

    Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control permit fees: Residential Kennel/Cattery $400 for 1–2 unaltered animals or $500 for 3 or more (maximum 7 total); Commercial Kennel/Cattery $500 to $1,000. A Pet Shop Permit is $300 and a Grooming Establishment permit $100. Late or reinstatement fee $50.No processing time is published. Apply in person at the Animal Care & Control business office during its posted hours (Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Wednesday until 7 p.m.); call 260-427-1244 to confirm current timing.

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$500 · 1–4 weeks

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Official Sources

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