Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, Virginia.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $75–$450 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. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 Virginia

2 stops

  1. Virginia — No State Pet Sitter License

    Virginia does not require a state license for pet sitting services. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes are lightly regulated. Commercial kennel operations may need to comply with local animal control regulations.

    Official government source

    No state feeN/A

  2. Virginia State Corporation Commission — Business Registration

    LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must register with the Virginia SCC. Sole proprietors using a trade name file a fictitious name with the SCC.

    Official government source

    $100 (LLC) or $75 (corporation) filing feeImmediate (online) to 5 business days

City of Virginia Beach / Virginia Beach City

3 stops

  1. Virginia Beach Business License (BPOL)

    All businesses operating in Virginia Beach, including pet sitting businesses, must obtain a Business License from the Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue under the BPOL (Business, Professional, and Occupational License) tax. The license is renewed annually based on gross receipts.

    Official government source

    $30–$200/year (based on gross receipts; minimum $30)1–2 weeks

  2. Virginia Beach Animal Control — Kennel Permit (for boarding)

    If you board clients' pets at your home or a commercial facility in Virginia Beach, a kennel permit from Virginia Beach Animal Control may be required. Requirements depend on the number of animals boarded. Contact Virginia Beach Animal Control for current thresholds and inspection requirements.

    Official government source

    $50–$200/year2–4 weeks (may require inspection)

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

    Boarding animals at your Virginia Beach home may require a Home Occupation zoning compliance review. Contact Virginia Beach Planning and Community Development to determine if your boarding activity requires approval.

    Official government source

    $50–$1502–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$450 · 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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