Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Washington — No State Pet Sitter License

   Washington does not require a state license for pet sitting. No state agency licenses pet sitters — the profession is absent from the Department of Licensing's list of regulated professions. In King County, boarding, daycare, and grooming operations need a Public Health Pet Business Program permit; in-home pet sitting generally does not.

   Official government source

   No state fee·N/A

   No state fee

   N/A

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

   Pet sitting services are subject to Washington's Business & Occupation tax at the service rate. If you sell pet products you must collect retail sales tax; in Seattle the combined rate is 10.55% - 6.5% state plus 4.05% local, location code 1726 - for the quarter beginning October 1, 2026. Rates change quarterly, so confirm with DOR's Tax Rate Lookup Tool.

   Official government source

   Included in state business license·Included with state business license

   Included in state business license

   Included with state business license

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

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.·You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.

   You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

2. Washington State Business License (UBI)

   A Washington Business License (UBI number) is required from the Department of Revenue if your gross income is $12,000 per year or more, if you collect retail sales tax, if you hire employees, or if you use a trade name — which covers nearly all pet sitting businesses. Apply online through the Business Licensing Service.

   Official government source

   $50 (processing fee to open the first location of a new business/UBI); $10 to add endorsements or a trade name to an existing license; $5 annual renewal·About 10 business days if filed online; up to 6 weeks by mail

   $50 (processing fee to open the first location of a new business/UBI); $10 to add endorsements or a trade name to an existing license; $5 annual renewal

   About 10 business days if filed online; up to 6 weeks by mail

3. Public Health - Seattle & King County Pet Business Permit (if boarding)

   If you board or house clients' pets rather than only visiting their homes, Public Health - Seattle & King County requires a pet business operating permit. The program covers commercial kennels, pet daycares, pet shops, grooming and mobile grooming facilities, animal shelters, and pet food retailers throughout King County including Seattle. Pet sitting in a client's own home, with no animals housed at your location, does not require this permit. New facilities and remodels go through plan review before opening, and permitted businesses are inspected.

   Official government source

   2026 annual operating permits: commercial kennel $506; pet daycare $506; pet grooming service $281; mobile pet grooming service $281; pet shop $506 ($281 aquarium only); animal shelter $506-$1,069 by adoption volume. Plan review for new or remodeled construction is $225 plus $225 per hour beyond the first hour; a plan submitted less than 30 days ahead carries a 50% penalty. Fees are approved by the King County Board of Health.·Submit plans and the permit application through the Public Health Permit Center; plan review and a pre-opening inspection are required before the permit is issued. Contact [email protected].

   2026 annual operating permits: commercial kennel $506; pet daycare $506; pet grooming service $281; mobile pet grooming service $281; pet shop $506 ($281 aquarium only); animal shelter $506-$1,069 by adoption volume. Plan review for new or remodeled construction is $225 plus $225 per hour beyond the first hour; a plan submitted less than 30 days ahead carries a 50% penalty. Fees are approved by the King County Board of Health.

   Submit plans and the permit application through the Public Health Permit Center; plan review and a pre-opening inspection are required before the permit is issued. Contact [email protected].

Official Sources

• Seattle — Business Licenses
• King County Regional Animal Services
• Washington DOR — Business License

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