Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $300–$750 est. 2–4 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 Pennsylvania

2 stops

  1. Pennsylvania — No State Pet Sitter License

    Pennsylvania does not require a state license for pet sitting services. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes are lightly regulated. Pennsylvania's Dog Law, enforced by the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, primarily targets commercial kennels and breeders — not pet sitters.

    Official government source

    No state feeN/A

  2. Pennsylvania Business Registration

    LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must register with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Sole proprietors using a trade name register with the county.

    Official government source

    $125 (LLC filing fee)Immediate (online) to 5 business days

City of Philadelphia / Philadelphia County

3 stops

  1. Philadelphia Commercial Activity License

    All businesses operating in Philadelphia, including pet sitting businesses, must obtain a Commercial Activity License from the City of Philadelphia Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    $300/year1–2 weeks

  2. Philadelphia Animal Care and Control — Kennel Permit (for boarding)

    If you board clients' pets at your home or a commercial facility in Philadelphia, a kennel permit from Philadelphia Animal Care and Control (ACCT Philly) may be required. Contact ACCT Philly to determine the specific requirements based on the number of animals you board.

    Official government source

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

  3. Philadelphia Zoning — Home Occupation (if boarding from home)

    Boarding animals at your Philadelphia home may require a Home Occupation permit and zoning approval from Philadelphia L&I. Philadelphia's zoning code regulates home-based business activities in residential districts.

    Official government source

    $50–$2002–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$750 · 2–4 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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