Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.

Verified 2026-08-31 5 stops $100–$450 est. 2–5 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from home
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Michigan

2 stops

  1. Michigan — No State Pet Sitter License

    Michigan does not require a state license for pet sitting services; in-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes are not regulated at the state level. MDARD's animal licensing categories are Animal Shelters, Large Carnivore Breeding, Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel Registration, and Pet Shops — there is no generic boarding-kennel license and no 'more than 3 animals' state threshold. Large-Scale Dog Breeding Kennel Registration applies only to facilities that house more than 15 intact female dogs that have whelped, i.e. commercial breeders. Ordinary dog kennel licensing is local, under Michigan's Dog Law (Act 339 of 1919) and Regulation 129 — MDARD directs operators to their township, city, and county officials, so confirm with Detroit and Wayne County.

    Official government source

    No state fee — Michigan charges nothing for pet sitting; any local kennel license fee is set by the city or countyN/A at the state level

  2. Michigan Business Registration

    LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Sole proprietors using a trade name should file with the county clerk.

    Official government source

    $50 (LLC filing fee)Immediate (online) to 5 business days

City of Detroit / Wayne County

2 stops

  1. City of Detroit Business License (not required for pet sitting)

    Detroit does not require a general business license — BSEED states 'Not all businesses need a license' and licenses only enumerated categories (nightclub/cabaret, vendor, lodging, theater/hall/stadium, amusement, consumer services (bathhouse, massage, tattoo), concert cafe, gas station, motor truck, vehicles for hire, parking lots, valet, cigarette retail, pet shop, second-hand sales, sexually oriented, special event). Pet sitting is not among them; the 'Pet shop' category covers retail animal sales, not in-home pet care. If you board animals, check Detroit Animal Care and Control separately.

    Official government source

    $0 — Detroit issues no business license covering pet sittingN/A

  2. Detroit Animal Care and Control — Kennel Permit (for boarding)

    If you board clients' pets at your home or a separate facility in Detroit, you may need a kennel permit from Detroit Animal Care and Control. Requirements depend on the number of animals you board. Contact Detroit Animal Care and Control for current requirements.

    Official government source

    could not verify; contact Detroit Animal Care and Control for current feecould not verify; contact Detroit Animal Care and Control

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$450 · 2–5 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from home

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Official Sources

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