Pet Sitting Service Permit Requirements in Spokane, WA

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. Washington — Pet Sitting License Requirements

   Washington does not require a state license for in-home pet sitting. Commercial boarding facilities that board animals for compensation at a dedicated facility may need a state Animal Shelter/Boarding License from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. In-home pet sitters who visit clients' homes in Spokane are generally exempt from state licensing.

   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. Washington Department of Revenue — Business License (includes sales tax)

   Pet sitting and dog walking services are generally not subject to sales tax in Washington. However, if you sell pet products (food, leashes, accessories) in addition to services, those sales may be taxable at the applicable rate of 6.5% state + 2.4% local. Register with the Washington revenue department to confirm your obligations.

   Official government source

   Free (if registration needed)·Immediate (online)

   Free (if registration needed)

   Immediate (online)

1. Spokane — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Pet sitting businesses operating in Spokane — including dog walking, in-home pet care, and pet transportation — must obtain a general business license or occupational tax certificate from the city or county. Home-based pet sitters may need a Home Occupation Permit if clients or their pets visit your residence. Check with the Spokane County licensing office for specific requirements.

   Official government source

   $50–$350/year depending on city fee schedule·1–3 weeks

   $50–$350/year depending on city fee schedule

   1–3 weeks

2. Spokane / Spokane County — Animal Care Facility Permit (if boarding)

   If you board clients' pets at your home or at a commercial facility in Spokane, you may need an animal care facility, kennel, or pet boarding permit from the city or county animal control authority. Regulations vary significantly by municipality. Home-based boarding of a small number of animals (typically 1–3) may be exempt, but commercial-scale boarding requires a permit and inspection.

   $50–$300 (permit fee)·1–4 weeks

   $50–$300 (permit fee)

   1–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Spokane Business Licensing
• Washington Department of Revenue — Business License (includes sales tax)
• Pet Sitters International (PSI)

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