Pet Sitting Service Permit Requirements in Norfolk, VA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS. Also recommended if you plan to open a dedicated business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. Pet Sitter / Pet Care Insurance

   While not federally required, pet sitting businesses should carry general liability insurance and pet care, custody, and control (CCC) insurance to cover injuries, escapes, or accidental deaths of animals in your care. Professional organizations like PSI (Pet Sitters International) and NAPPS offer member insurance programs. Most clients and professional standards bodies recommend at least $1 million in liability coverage.

   Official government source

   $200–$1,500/year depending on coverage and business size·Obtained before accepting clients

   $200–$1,500/year depending on coverage and business size

   Obtained before accepting clients

1. Virginia — Pet Sitting License Requirements

   Virginia does not require a state license for pet sitting or dog walking. Commercial boarding facilities must comply with local zoning and animal control ordinances. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) regulates companion animal dealers and shelters but does not license individual pet sitters in Norfolk.

   Official government source

   No fee for in-home sitters (commercial kennel licenses vary)·N/A for individual in-home sitters

   No fee for in-home sitters (commercial kennel licenses vary)

   N/A for individual in-home sitters

2. Virginia Department of Taxation — Sales Tax Registration

   Pet sitting and dog walking services are generally not subject to sales tax in Virginia. However, if you sell pet products (food, leashes, accessories) in addition to services, those sales are taxable at the combined 6% rate in both Richmond and Norfolk (4.3% state + 1% local + 0.7% regional). Register with the Virginia Department of Taxation to confirm your obligations.

   Official government source

   Free (if registration needed)·Immediate (online)

   Free (if registration needed)

   Immediate (online)

1. Norfolk — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Pet sitting businesses operating in Norfolk — including dog walking, in-home pet care, and pet transportation — must obtain a general Business License (BPOL) from the Commissioner of the Revenue before commencing operation. The fee is a flat $50/year minimum for gross receipts under $100,000; above that, $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (Repair, Personal, and Business Services classification). Home-based pet sitters must also comply with Norfolk's home-occupation zoning standards if clients or pets visit the residence, verified as part of this same application (no separate permit).

   Official government source

   $50/year flat minimum (gross receipts under $100,000); above that, $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (Repair, Personal, and Business Services category)·1–3 weeks

   $50/year flat minimum (gross receipts under $100,000); above that, $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (Repair, Personal, and Business Services category)

   1–3 weeks

2. Norfolk — Animal Care Facility / Kennel Approval (if boarding)

   Commercial-scale pet boarding in Norfolk may require zoning approval for a kennel use and may be subject to Norfolk Animal Care Center requirements. The city does not publish a standalone animal care facility permit for small pet-sitting or boarding operations, and thresholds vary with the number of animals and the location. Contact Norfolk Animal Care Center at 757-441-5505 and the Department of City Planning to confirm what your operation needs before you take bookings.

   Official government source

   No standalone permit fee is published — confirm with Norfolk Animal Care Center and City Planning·1–4 weeks

   No standalone permit fee is published — confirm with Norfolk Animal Care Center and City Planning

   1–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Norfolk Business Licensing
• Virginia Department of Taxation — Sales Tax Registration
• Pet Sitters International (PSI)

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