Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

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

Verified 2026-08-28 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. 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 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 Registration (Revenue Division)

    Portland has no flat-fee general business license. All businesses operating in Portland - including sole proprietors and home-based businesses - must register for the City of Portland Business License Tax with the Revenue Division within 60 days of starting business. Registration is free. The tax is 2.6% of net business income with a $100 minimum, filed annually on a combined return with the Multnomah County Business Income Tax (2% of net income; gross receipts under $100,000 are exempt from the county tax). Businesses with gross receipts under $75,000 (tax years beginning in 2026; rising to $100,000 in 2027) are exempt from the city tax but must still register. The Metro Supportive Housing Services 1% business income tax applies only to businesses with gross receipts over $5 million.

    Official government source

    Free to register; no annual license fee. Tax: 2.6% of net income ($100 minimum) only if gross receipts exceed $75,000 (2026 threshold; $100,000 from 2027)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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