Pet Sitting Service Permit Requirements in Allentown, PA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting service in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.

Verified 2026-08-31 6 stops $100–$600 est. 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from a home or commercial facility
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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

2 stops

  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

    FreeImmediate (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 sizeObtained before accepting clients

State of Pennsylvania

2 stops

  1. Pennsylvania — Pet Sitting License Requirements

    Pennsylvania does not require a state license for pet sitting or dog walking itself. Under the Dog Law, a kennel license from the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is required for "any establishment in or through which at least 26 dogs are kept or transferred in a calendar year, or a boarding kennel as defined in this act" — so the 26-dog count is cumulative over a calendar year, not animals held at one time, a boarding kennel needs a license regardless of how many dogs it takes, and cats are not covered by the Dog Law. Allentown sitters who only visit clients' homes for walking or drop-in care are generally outside kennel licensing; if you board dogs for a fee at your own residence, confirm your status with the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement (717-787-3062).

    Official government source

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

  2. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

    Pet sitting and dog walking services are generally not subject to sales tax in Pennsylvania. However, if you sell pet products (food, leashes, accessories), those sales are taxable at 6% — Allentown (Lehigh County) has no local sales tax add-on, unlike Philadelphia or Allegheny County. Register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to confirm your obligations.

    Official government source

    Free (if registration needed)Immediate (online)

City of Allentown / Lehigh County

2 stops

  1. Allentown — City Business License

    Pet sitting businesses operating in Allentown — including dog walking, in-home pet care, and pet transportation — must obtain an annual Business License from the City of Allentown Bureau of Revenue & Audit. The license is valid for the calendar year and can be applied for through the city's Citizen Self-Service portal. Home-based pet sitters should also confirm home-occupation zoning compliance with the city before operating.

    Official government source

    $35/yearAbout 1 week (apply via the city's online portal)

  2. Pennsylvania Kennel License (if boarding dogs)

    Pennsylvania licenses kennels at the state level: the PA Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement issues annual kennel licenses, and an establishment that keeps or boards dogs for compensation may need a boarding-kennel class license (annual applications due by January 1). Allentown does not issue a separate animal care facility permit, but home-based boarding must comply with city zoning. Confirm which kennel class applies with the Bureau (717-787-3062) and check zoning with the city before boarding animals at home.

    Official government source

    Varies by kennel class per the state fee schedule; confirm with the Bureau of Dog Law EnforcementVaries; annual license, applications due by January 1

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$600 · 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from a home or commercial facility

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