Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-28 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 Maryland

1 stop

  1. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

City of Annapolis / Anne Arundel County

2 stops

  1. Annapolis — No General Business License Required

    Neither the City of Annapolis nor the State of Maryland requires a general business license. The Annapolis Department of Finance does not license businesses. Annapolis licenses only specific activities (peddlers/mobile vendors, bed-and-breakfasts, rental housing, trade contractors) through the City Clerk and Licenses & Permits Division. Businesses selling goods need a Maryland trader's license from the Anne Arundel County Clerk of the Circuit Court, and opening a commercial space in Annapolis requires a Certificate of Use from Planning and Zoning.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license exists; activity-specific licenses, if applicable, have their own feesNot applicable

  2. Anne Arundel County Animal Services — Commercial Kennel / Pet Care Business License

    If boarding pets overnight, Anne Arundel County requires a Commercial Kennel License from Anne Arundel County Animal Services (410-222-8900) for anyone in the business of boarding animals. Operating an in-home pet care business requires a Pet Care Business License under county code 12-4-710, which needs a lot of at least 20,000 square feet, zoning approval, and an Animal Services inspection; licenses expire June 30 and renew annually. Confirm fees and whether your Annapolis location falls under city or county animal rules with Animal Services.

    Official government source

    Annual license fee — confirm with Anne Arundel County Animal Services (410-222-8900); $25 late fee for untimely renewal1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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