Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a pet sitting business in Seattle, King County, Washington.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $200–$600 est. 2–4 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 Washington

2 stops

  1. Washington — No State Pet Sitter License

    Washington State does not require a state license for pet sitting services. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes are lightly regulated. Local county kennel regulations apply to boarding operations.

    Official government source

    No state feeN/A

  2. Washington Sales Tax (if selling products or taxable services)

    Pet sitting services may be subject to Washington's B&O tax (Business and Occupation tax) at the service rate. If you sell pet products, collect retail sales tax. King County combined rate is approximately 10.25%.

    Official government source

    Included in state business licenseIncluded with state business license

City of Seattle / King County

3 stops

  1. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

    All businesses operating in Seattle, including pet sitting businesses, must obtain a Business License Tax Certificate from the City of Seattle Finance Department. Pet sitters who visit clients' homes and those who board pets at their own location both need this certificate. Renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $110–$2,000/year (based on gross receipts tier; minimum $110 for new businesses)1–2 weeks

  2. Washington State Business License (UBI)

    All Washington businesses must obtain a state Business License (UBI number). Pet sitting businesses register with the Washington Department of Revenue online.

    Official government source

    $90 (initial application)1–2 weeks

  3. King County Animal Control — Kennel License (for boarding)

    If you board clients' pets at your home or a commercial facility in King County, a kennel license from King County Animal Control may be required. Requirements depend on the number of animals and whether you are in Seattle or unincorporated King County. Contact King County Animal Control for current requirements.

    Official government source

    $50–$300/year2–4 weeks (may require inspection)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$600 · 2–4 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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