Dog Grooming Business Permit Requirements in Great Falls, MT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a dog grooming business in Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana.

Verified 2026-08-27 4 stops $150–$600 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 Montana

1 stop

  1. Montana — No Sales Tax

    Montana has no state or local sales tax. Businesses do not need a sales tax permit. However, businesses must register with the Montana Department of Revenue for applicable business taxes (e.g., withholding, corporate income tax if applicable).

    Official government source

    Free (business registration)Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

City of Great Falls / Cascade County

2 stops

  1. City of Great Falls — Business License / Safety Inspection Certificate (Great Falls Fire Rescue)

    Great Falls requires a Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) for each commercial business located within city limits, processed by Great Falls Fire Rescue under Title 5 of the City Code (406-727-8070). The fee is based on the square footage of the premises, and the process includes a fire/safety inspection. Home-based businesses instead obtain a Home Occupation Certificate, and businesses located outside city limits that work in the city need a Non-Resident Vendor Certificate. Renewals are due by the end of the calendar year.

    Official government source

    New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)1–3 weeks

  2. Great Falls — Business License; Commercial Kennel Permit if boarding (no grooming permit)

    Great Falls has no grooming-specific permit: a dog grooming shop needs the city Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) at commercial premises — grooming is explicitly excluded from home occupations. If you board or breed animals for compensation, the city requires a Commercial Kennel Permit, allowed only in C-2, C-3, GFIA, and I-1 zoning districts; contact Great Falls Animal Control.

    Official government source

    City business license $300+ new / $80+ renewal (by square footage); Commercial Kennel Permit fee set by Animal Control — contact the city1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$600 · 1–4 weeks

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Official Sources

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