Pet Sitting Business Permit Requirements in Huntington, WV

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. West Virginia State Tax Department — Business Registration

   Before engaging in business activity in West Virginia every individual or business entity must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the WV Tax Division (WV Code §11-12-1 et seq.), applied for through the Business for West Virginia portal at business4.wv.gov or on form BUS-APP. A separate certificate is needed for each business name and each location. The certificate is permanent — it does not expire — until the legal name, location or ownership changes, and it must be surrendered when the business stops operating in West Virginia. It also authorises you to collect the 6% state sales tax plus any municipal sales tax of up to 1%.

   Official government source

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location·1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location

   1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

1. City of Huntington Finance Department — General Business License

   Huntington requires a General Business License for businesses operating within city limits. The Finance Department processes applications; a copy of the WV Business Registration Certificate is required. The license must be renewed annually (July 1-June 30) and displayed at your place of business. A Business & Occupation gross-receipts tax and a $5/week/employee City Service Fee apply separately.

   Official government source

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee·1–3 weeks

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee

   1–3 weeks

2. Cabell County Dog Shelter Permit

   There is no agency called 'Cabell County Animal Services,' but Cabell County does permit premises where dogs are kept. Under the Cabell County Commission ordinance adopted September 22, 2005 (Item 291), a Dog Shelter Permit Application is filed with the county Permit Officer, stating the number of dogs on the premises, the percentage of time spent outdoors and the method of confinement. The applicant consents to periodic inspection; the premises are inspected by a Cabell-Huntington Health Department official and enforcement is by the Cabell-Huntington Animal Control Shelter with the Cabell County Sheriff's Department. The permit must be displayed prominently on the premises and expires December 31 of the year issued. A boarding business inside Huntington city limits also needs the $20 city business license and should confirm kennel-use zoning with the city Planning & Zoning Division.

   Official government source

   $250 new shelter permit; $250 renewal; $50 per day violation fee·1–3 weeks (inspection required before approval)

   $250 new shelter permit; $250 renewal; $50 per day violation fee

   1–3 weeks (inspection required before approval)

Official Sources

• City of Huntington City Clerk
• Cabell County Animal Services

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