Pet Sitting Service Permit Requirements in Reno, NV

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS. Also recommended if you plan to open a dedicated business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. Pet Sitter / Pet Care Insurance

   While not federally required, pet sitting businesses should carry general liability insurance and pet care, custody, and control (CCC) insurance to cover injuries, escapes, or accidental deaths of animals in your care. Professional organizations like PSI (Pet Sitters International) and NAPPS offer member insurance programs. Most clients and professional standards bodies recommend at least $1 million in liability coverage.

   Official government source

   $200–$1,500/year depending on coverage and business size·Obtained before accepting clients

   $200–$1,500/year depending on coverage and business size

   Obtained before accepting clients

1. Nevada — Pet Sitting License Requirements

   Nevada does not require a state license for pet sitting. Commercial boarding facilities may need a county or city animal facility permit. The Nevada Department of Agriculture regulates livestock and does not license pet sitters. Check with the Reno animal control authority for any facility permit requirements.

   Official government source

   No fee for in-home sitters (commercial kennel licenses vary)·N/A for individual in-home sitters

   No fee for in-home sitters (commercial kennel licenses vary)

   N/A for individual in-home sitters

2. Nevada Department of Taxation — Sales Tax Permit

   Pet sitting and dog walking services are generally not subject to sales tax in Nevada. However, if you sell pet products (food, leashes, accessories) in addition to services, those sales may be taxable at the Washoe County combined rate of 8.265%. Register with the Nevada Department of Taxation to confirm your obligations.

   Official government source

   $15 per business location, if a permit is required (form TAX-F006)·Immediate (online)

   $15 per business location, if a permit is required (form TAX-F006)

   Immediate (online)

1. Reno — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Pet sitting businesses operating in Reno — including dog walking, in-home pet care, and pet transportation — must obtain a City of Reno business license, applied for through the One Regional Licensing & Permits portal (onenv.us), which also serves Sparks and Washoe County. Home-based pet sitters apply as a home-based business and must meet Reno's home-based business criteria under Reno Municipal Code 18.03.405(k). Washoe County licensing applies only to unincorporated addresses.

   Official government source

   One-time application processing fee $40 (commercial) or $25 (home based), plus applicable Planning Division Review and Building Compliance Review fees of $90 each (commercial) or $38 each (home based); the annual license fee is based on gross receipts, starting at $70 for gross receipts of $20,000 or less (City of Reno FY2026/2027 adopted fee schedule)·1–3 weeks

   One-time application processing fee $40 (commercial) or $25 (home based), plus applicable Planning Division Review and Building Compliance Review fees of $90 each (commercial) or $38 each (home based); the annual license fee is based on gross receipts, starting at $70 for gross receipts of $20,000 or less (City of Reno FY2026/2027 adopted fee schedule)

   1–3 weeks

2. Reno / Washoe County — Commercial Animal Welfare Permit (if boarding)

   If you board clients' pets overnight as a business — at your home or a commercial facility in Reno — Washoe County Code 55.455 requires a Commercial Animal Welfare Permit from Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS), which serves Reno, Sparks, and unincorporated Washoe County. The permit covers pet stores, kennels, and boarding facilities and involves inspection. Separately, keeping more than five adult dogs in Reno requires a WCRAS variance permit. Daytime-only dog walking and drop-in sitting at clients' homes do not require this permit.

   Official government source

   No permit fee currently assessed per the WCRAS fee schedule (fee pending a business impact survey); confirm with WCRAS (775) 353-8900·1–4 weeks

   No permit fee currently assessed per the WCRAS fee schedule (fee pending a business impact survey); confirm with WCRAS (775) 353-8900

   1–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Reno Business Licensing
• Nevada Department of Taxation — Sales Tax Permit
• Pet Sitters International (PSI)

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