Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 5 stops $50–$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 Texas

2 stops

  1. No State Pet Sitter License Required (Texas)

    Texas does not require a state license for pet sitting or dog walking services. If you operate a commercial boarding kennel (boarding pets at a fixed commercial location), Texas may require an annual inspection through local animal control. Home-based boarding of a small number of pets (not a full commercial kennel operation) is generally unregulated at the state level.

    Official government source

    No feeN/A

  2. Texas Sales Tax Permit (if selling pet products)

    If you sell pet products (food, leashes, toys) in addition to pet sitting services, you must collect Texas sales tax on those sales. Pet sitting services themselves are generally not taxable. Apply through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Austin / Travis County

2 stops

  1. Travis County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    If operating under a business name other than your legal personal name, file an Assumed Name Certificate (DBA) with the Travis County Clerk. Austin does not require a general business license for most home-based businesses like pet sitting.

    Official government source

    $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)Same day to 1 week

  2. Austin Zoning Rules for In-Home Pet Boarding (no permit exists)

    Austin has no home occupation permit. Visiting clients' homes for pet sitting is fine. Boarding clients' pets at your own residence is riskier: a home occupation must produce no noise, odor, or other impacts beyond the property line (Land Development Code sec. 25-2-900), and operating what amounts to a kennel is a commercial use not allowed in residential zoning. Check with Austin Development Services before boarding animals at home.

    Official government source

    $0 (no permit exists); commercial kennel use would require commercially zoned premises2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $50–$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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