Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Great Falls, MT

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

Verified 2026-08-27 4 stops $100–$500 est. 1–4 weeks
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 Animal Control — Multiple Animal Permit / Commercial Kennel Permit

    If you board pets overnight at your Great Falls residence, city limits apply: more than 2 dogs and 2 cats requires a Multiple Animal Permit from Animal Control (fee based on the number of animals; includes a home inspection). Boarding for compensation is a commercial kennel, which requires a Commercial Kennel Permit and is allowed only in C-2, C-3, GFIA, and I-1 zoning districts. Pet-sitting in clients' homes needs only the city business license.

    Official government source

    Multiple Animal Permit: fee based on number of animals (contact the Animal Shelter). Commercial Kennel Permit: contact Great Falls Animal Control for the current fee1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides