Mobile Dog Grooming Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. No State Grooming License Required

   Texas does not require a state-level license for pet groomers. No mandatory training or certification is required by the state, though professional credentials (NDGAA, IPG) are recommended.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Texas Sales Tax Permit

   Pet grooming is a taxable service in Texas. The combined rate in Houston (Harris County) is 8.25%. Register free with the Texas Comptroller.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

3. Commercial Vehicle Registration

   Mobile grooming vans used for commercial purposes must be registered with the Texas DMV. Register at your county tax assessor-collector office.

   Official government source

   $50.75 base (vehicles up to 6,000 lbs) plus weight-based increases and county fees; heavy trucks can exceed $200/year·Same day

   $50.75 base (vehicles up to 6,000 lbs) plus weight-based increases and county fees; heavy trucks can exceed $200/year

   Same day

1. City of Houston Commercial Pet Service Facility Permit (BARC) — applies to mobile grooming

   Houston has no general business license, but mobile dog groomers are covered by the Commercial Pet Service Facility Permit administered by BARC Animal Enforcement — the ordinance definition 'includes a mobile commercial pet service business.' The permit is $200/year. Business personal property (van, equipment) is rendered to HCAD for property tax; that is a tax filing, not a license.

   Official government source

   $200/year (BARC Commercial Pet Service Facility Permit)·1–2 weeks

   $200/year (BARC Commercial Pet Service Facility Permit)

   1–2 weeks

2. Harris County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   Required if operating under a business name other than your legal name. Filed with the Harris County Clerk.

   Official government source

   $24 (notarized; plus $0.50 per additional owner) or $25 + $1 witnessing fee if not notarized·Same day to 1 week

   $24 (notarized; plus $0.50 per additional owner) or $25 + $1 witnessing fee if not notarized

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• City of Houston — Health Department
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit
• Texas DMV — Register Your Vehicle

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