Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Dallas, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $50–$400 est. 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from home or facility
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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. In-home pet sitters are largely unregulated at the state level. Commercial boarding kennels may be subject to local animal control requirements.

    Official government source

    No feeN/A

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

    If you sell pet products in addition to pet sitting services, you must collect Texas sales tax on product sales. Pet sitting services themselves are generally not taxable in Texas.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Dallas / Dallas County

3 stops

  1. Dallas County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    If operating under a business name other than your legal personal name, file a DBA with the Dallas County Clerk. Dallas does not require a general business license for most home-based service businesses like pet sitting.

    Official government source

    $23 ($0.50 for each additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if a deputy takes the acknowledgment instead of a notary)Same day (in person) to 1 week

  2. City of Dallas — Kennel Permit (for boarding)

    Boarding clients' pets in Dallas may trigger Dallas City Code Chapter 7 requirements for commercial animal establishments/kennels, administered by Dallas Animal Services. Thresholds and permit terms depend on the number of animals kept; contact Dallas Animal Services to confirm whether a permit applies to your operation.

    Official government source

    Unverified -- confirm current permit fee with Dallas Animal Services2–4 weeks (may require inspection)

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

    Boarding animals at a Dallas residence must comply with the city's home-occupation conditions and the animal-keeping limits in Dallas City Code Chapter 7. Beyond a small number of animals you may fall under commercial animal establishment rules -- verify with Dallas Development Services and Dallas Animal Services.

    Official government source

    $0 for zoning compliance itself (no home-occupation permit exists)2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $50–$400 · 1–3 weeks for in-home visiting pet sitting; up to 6 weeks if boarding from home or facility

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides