Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $75–$450 est. 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; 3–6 weeks for home-based boarding (requires state and local permits)
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 Minnesota

2 stops

  1. Minnesota — No State Pet Sitter License (visiting only)

    Minnesota does not require a state license for pet sitters who visit clients' homes. Commercial boarding kennels require a $15/year state license from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

    Official government source

    No state fee (for visiting pet sitters)N/A

  2. Minnesota Business Registration

    LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

    Official government source

    $135 (LLC filing fee)Immediate (online)

City of Minneapolis / Hennepin County

3 stops

  1. City of Minneapolis Business License

    Pet sitting businesses operating in Minneapolis must obtain a business license from the City of Minneapolis Licenses and Consumer Services. The type of license depends on whether you visit clients' homes or board animals at your own location.

    Official government source

    $50–$200/year1–3 weeks

  2. Minnesota Board of Animal Health — Kennel License (for commercial boarding)

    If you operate a commercial kennel (boarding animals at a fixed facility in Minnesota), a kennel license from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health is required. The annual fee is $15. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes are generally not required to obtain this license.

    Official government source

    $15/year1–2 weeks

  3. Minneapolis Animal Care and Control — Local Kennel Permit (for boarding from home)

    Boarding animals at your Minneapolis home may require a local kennel permit from Minneapolis Animal Care and Control. Minneapolis has specific rules on the number of animals permitted in residential areas.

    Official government source

    $50–$200/year2–4 weeks (may require inspection)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$450 · 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; 3–6 weeks for home-based boarding (requires state and local permits)

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

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides