Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey.

Verified 2026-08-31 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 New Jersey

1 stop

  1. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate to 3 business days (online)

City of Paterson / Passaic County

2 stops

  1. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

    Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

    Official government source

    Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

  2. City of Paterson — Kennel / Animal Boarding License

    Passaic County does not operate an animal services department. In New Jersey, kennel, pet shop, shelter and pound licensing is a municipal function — the NJ Department of Health's Office of Veterinary Public Health only advises municipalities and local health departments on animal facility licensing and sanitary rules. So if you board pets overnight at your home or at a facility in Paterson, the license comes from the City of Paterson through Animal Control and the Division of Health in the Department of Health & Human Services, and the city's Mercantile License covers the business itself. Paterson's ordinances also cap how many animals you may keep at a residence, so check that limit before you accept overnight bookings.

    Official government source

    Paterson does not publish its kennel or animal boarding license fee online; these fees are set by municipal ordinance. Call the city at 973-321-1600 for the current amount.Expect an inspection of the boarding space before a license is issued; confirm the scheduling with the city rather than assuming a fixed turnaround.

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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