Pet Sitting Service Permit Requirements in Richmond, 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 Richmond.

   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. Richmond — Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL)

   Pet sitting businesses operating in Richmond — including dog walking, in-home pet care, and pet transportation — must obtain a BPOL (Business, Professional and Occupational License) from the Department of Finance. Businesses with gross receipts of $5,000 or less owe $0; those with $5,001–$500,000 pay a flat $30 license fee; above $500,000 the Personal Service rate of $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts applies. Home-based pet sitters who have clients or pets come to the residence must also obtain a residential Certificate of Zoning Compliance covering the home occupation, submitted through Richmond's Online Permit Portal.

   Official government source

   $0 (gross receipts $5,000 or less); flat $30/year ($5,001–$500,000); above $500,000, $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (Personal Service category)·1–3 weeks

   $0 (gross receipts $5,000 or less); flat $30/year ($5,001–$500,000); above $500,000, $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (Personal Service category)

   1–3 weeks

2. Richmond / the City of Richmond — Animal Care Facility Permit (if boarding)

   Richmond Animal Care & Control does not issue a standalone "animal care facility" or boarding permit — its licensing products are limited to individual pet licenses ($10/cat or dog), breeding permits ($200/animal), and chicken permits ($60). A commercial pet-boarding operation may instead need zoning approval as a kennel/animal-boarding use; confirm with Richmond Planning and Development Review, Zoning Administration (804-646-6340) and Richmond Animal Care & Control (804-646-5573) before operating.

   Official government source

   No animal-control facility permit exists; a zoning review fee may apply — confirm with Zoning Administration·Varies — confirm with Zoning Administration

   No animal-control facility permit exists; a zoning review fee may apply — confirm with Zoning Administration

   Varies — confirm with Zoning Administration

Official Sources

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

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