Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $75–$400 est. 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 5 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 Tennessee

2 stops

  1. Tennessee — No State Pet Sitter License

    Tennessee does not require a state license for pet sitting services. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes are lightly regulated. Commercial boarding kennels may need to comply with local Davidson County animal control regulations.

    Official government source

    No state feeN/A

  2. Tennessee Business Registration

    LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must register with the Tennessee Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a trade name register with the county clerk.

    Official government source

    $300 (LLC filing fee)Immediate (online) to 5 business days

City of Nashville / Davidson County

2 stops

  1. Metro Nashville Business License

    Pet sitting businesses operating in Metro Nashville-Davidson County must obtain a business license from the Metro Nashville Department of Finance. This applies to in-home visiting pet sitters and boarding operators. Renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $30–$100/year (minimum; scales with gross receipts)1–2 weeks

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

    If you board clients' pets at your home or a commercial facility in Nashville, Metro Animal Care and Control may require a kennel permit. The permit requirement depends on the number of animals boarded. Contact Metro Animal Care and Control for current requirements and inspection process.

    Official government source

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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$400 · 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 5 weeks if boarding from home

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Official Sources

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