Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Bismarck, ND

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota.

Verified 2026-09-07 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 North Dakota

1 stop

  1. North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales and Use Tax Permit

    Required for any business selling taxable goods or services in North Dakota. The state sales tax rate is 5% for most retail sales, and cities and counties may levy additional local sales and use taxes that vary by location — check the Tax Commissioner’s local tax rate listings for your address. Apply for the permit in ND TAP, the state’s Taxpayer Access Point.

    Official government source

    FreeApply through ND TAP at least 30 days before you open for business, as the Tax Commissioner advises.

City of Bismarck / Burleigh County

2 stops

  1. No General Business License in Bismarck

    The City of Bismarck states plainly that it does not presently have a general business license. Certain occupations do require a license or permit specific to that use — building permits, food service, gaming, liquor sales, excavation and concrete work, taxi operations, and Fire Department permits among them — and the State of North Dakota licenses some occupations separately. Check whether your specific activity is regulated rather than assuming a general license applies. There is no City Clerk business license.

    Official government source

    No fee — Bismarck issues no general business license. Activity-specific permits carry their own fees.Not applicable

  2. Pet Boarding in Bismarck — No County Kennel Permit

    Burleigh County has no Animal Services or Animal Control department, so the county issues no kennel or animal boarding permit. Bismarck has no general business license either — the city licenses only specific regulated activities such as food service, alcohol, gaming, taxis, and building trades. A pet sitter boarding animals at a residence does need a Home Occupation permit from Building Inspections, and city animal ordinances still limit how many animals may be kept at a residence, so check those before boarding.

    Official government source

    No county kennel permit fee. The Home Occupation permit, if you board at home, is a flat $25.No kennel permit to wait on; a Home Occupation permit is issued by Building Inspections on application.

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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