Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Santa Fe, NM

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

   New Mexico levies a GROSS RECEIPTS TAX (GRT) rather than a conventional sales tax, and it applies to goods AND most services performed in New Mexico. Register (free) with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for a Business Tax Identification Number. The state GRT rate is 4.875% (since July 1, 2023); combined state + local rates range from about 5.125% to just over 9% depending on your location code — use the department's official rate map.

   Official government source

   Free (no registration fee)·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free (no registration fee)

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

1. City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Department — Business License

   Santa Fe requires a business license for anyone conducting business within city limits, administered by the Business Licensing office of the city's Planning and Land Use Department. Applicants first register with the New Mexico Secretary of State (for entities) and obtain state gross receipts tax registration, then apply through the city's online self-service portal; a Certificate of Compliance inspection is part of issuance. Licenses are valid for one year and renewed annually.

   Official government source

   License fee plus a Certificate of Compliance inspection fee; amounts are invoiced by the city — confirm with Business Licensing (505-955-6551)·1–3 weeks

   License fee plus a Certificate of Compliance inspection fee; amounts are invoiced by the city — confirm with Business Licensing (505-955-6551)

   1–3 weeks

2. City of Santa Fe Animal Services Division -- Professional Animal Care Permit (Pet Sitting)

   Pet sitters who board pets overnight at a residence or facility within the City of Santa Fe must obtain a Professional Animal Care Permit from the CITY of Santa Fe Animal Services Division (not the county), per City Code Chapter V -- pet sitting/dog walking is its own permit category, distinct from a boarding-kennel permit (which applies to larger commercial kennel facilities). The permit expires December 31 and renews by February 1. Contact Animal Services at 505-955-2701.

   Official government source

   ~$100/year (pet-sitting/dog-walking category)·1–3 weeks

   ~$100/year (pet-sitting/dog-walking category)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Santa Fe City Clerk
• Santa Fe County Animal Services

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