Pet Sitting Service Permit Requirements in Eugene, OR

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting service in Eugene, Lane County, Oregon.

$100 -- $600 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from a home or commercial facility 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Eugene / Lane County Requirements

2 requirements
1

Eugene — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

Pet sitting businesses operating in Eugene — including dog walking, in-home pet care, and pet transportation — must obtain a general business license or occupational tax certificate from the city or county. Home-based pet sitters may need a Home Occupation Permit if clients or their pets visit your residence. Check with the Lane County licensing office for specific requirements.

$50–$350/year depending on city fee schedule1–3 weeks
Official government source
2

Eugene / Lane County — Animal Care Facility Permit (if boarding)

If you board clients' pets at your home or at a commercial facility in Eugene, you may need an animal care facility, kennel, or pet boarding permit from the city or county animal control authority. Regulations vary significantly by municipality. Home-based boarding of a small number of animals (typically 1–3) may be exempt, but commercial-scale boarding requires a permit and inspection.

$50–$300 (permit fee)1–4 weeks
Official government source

Oregon State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Oregon — Pet Sitting License Requirements

Oregon does not require a state license for pet sitting. Commercial boarding kennels that board animals for profit must comply with local county or city regulations in Lane County. The Oregon Department of Agriculture regulates livestock and animal health but does not license individual pet sitters.

No fee for in-home sitters (commercial kennel licenses vary)N/A for individual in-home sitters
Official government source
2

Oregon — No Sales Tax

Oregon has no state sales tax. Pet sitting and dog walking services are not subject to sales tax. Register your business entity with the Oregon Secretary of State for income tax purposes.

Free (if registration needed)Immediate (online)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

2 requirements
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.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source
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.

$200–$1,500/year depending on coverage and business sizeObtained before accepting clients
Official government source

Official Sources

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