Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $100–$500 est. 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from home
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 Oregon

2 stops

  1. Oregon — No State Pet Sitter License

    Oregon does not require a state license for pet sitting services. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes are lightly regulated. Oregon has no state sales tax, so pet sitting services are not subject to sales tax. Local county kennel regulations apply to boarding operations.

    Official government source

    No state feeN/A

  2. Oregon Combined Employer Registration (if you have employees)

    Pet sitting businesses with employees must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue and Employment Department. Oregon has no state sales tax, but income tax withholding is required for employees.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Portland / Multnomah County

2 stops

  1. City of Portland Business License Tax Certificate

    All businesses operating in Portland, including pet sitting businesses, must obtain a Business License Tax Certificate from the City of Portland Revenue Bureau. Pet sitters who visit clients' homes and those who board pets at their own location both need this certificate. Portland also has a Multnomah County Business License and a Metro Supportive Housing Services tax.

    Official government source

    $100–$400/year (Multnomah County business license; based on gross receipts)1–2 weeks

  2. Multnomah County Animal Services — Kennel License (for boarding)

    If you board clients' pets at your home or a commercial facility in Multnomah County, a kennel or animal facility license from Multnomah County Animal Services may be required. Requirements depend on the number of animals you board. Contact Multnomah County Animal Services for current thresholds.

    Official government source

    $50–$200/year2–4 weeks (may require inspection)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$500 · 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from home

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Official Sources

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