Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in New York City, New York County, New York.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $200–$1,000 est. 1–2 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; 6–10 weeks for boarding establishments (permit, inspection, and certification required)
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New York

2 stops

  1. New York State — No State Pet Sitter License (visiting only)

    New York State does not require a license for pet sitters who visit clients' homes. In New York City, boarding animals commercially requires a Small Animal Boarding Establishment permit from the NYC Health Department. State legislation to regulate pet boarding has been proposed in recent sessions — check current status before relying on the absence of state rules.

    Official government source

    No state feeN/A

  2. NY Sales Tax — Certificate of Authority

    Pet care services in NYC — boarding, sitting, dog walking, grooming — are taxable in New York (pets are tangible personal property; maintaining/servicing them is a taxable service). Obtain a free Certificate of Authority from the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance before making taxable sales; the NYC combined rate is 8.875%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of New York City / New York County

3 stops

  1. NYC DCA Business License / Registration

    Pet sitting businesses in New York City that visit clients' homes generally need to register their business with New York State (LLC, corporation) but do not need a specific NYC consumer protection license for visiting pet sitters. Ensure your business entity is properly registered.

    Official government source

    Varies by entity type1–5 business days

  2. NYC DOHMH — Small Animal Boarding Establishment Permit (for boarding 3+ dogs)

    New York City requires a Small Animal Boarding Establishment Permit from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) for any establishment where animals are boarded, sheltered, or maintained for a fee — including home-based boarding. Requirements: a supervising manager with an Animal Care and Handling Certificate, proof of Workers' Compensation and Disability insurance, a Certificate of Authority to Collect Sales Tax, and a DOHMH inspection before opening. All permits expire December 31 each year.

    Official government source

    $70/year ($35 if applying July 1–December 31); permits expire December 31 annually4–8 weeks (requires inspection)

  3. NYC Animal Care and Handling Certificate

    The supervising manager of a boarding establishment must complete an approved Animal Care and Handling Course and obtain an Animal Care and Handling Certificate before the Small Animal Boarding Establishment Permit is issued.

    Official government source

    $39 (DOHMH Animal Care and Handling Course; pay by certified check or money order, separate from the permit fee)1–4 weeks (depending on course availability)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$1,000 · 1–2 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; 6–10 weeks for boarding establishments (permit, inspection, and certification required)

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Official Sources

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