Personal care and services · LLC guide · updated
How to start an LLC for a pet grooming and pet care business
Groomers, dog walkers and pet sitters care for animals owners love. A cut during grooming, a dog that slips its leash or a bite injury can bring claims. An LLC holds the van, the client agreements and the animal bailee coverage.
Our registered agent is optional: $74.25 a year, the same at renewal. Questions first? Ray or Vinny picks up at (954) 470-8356.
- EIN
- Business license
- Animal bailee coverage
- Kennel permit if boarding
Pet Grooming and Pet Care Business businesses in the U.S.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2022 (NAICS 812910) and U.S. Census Bureau, Nonemployer Statistics 2022 (NAICS 81291), the latest U.S. totals.
Why pet grooming and pet care business owners form an LLC
Pet injuries
Nicks, burns from dryers and escapes.
Bites
Bites to staff or other people.
Home access
Pet sitters with house keys face theft accusations.
An LLC keeps the company's debts and claims away from your personal assets when you run it as its own business: its own bank account, contracts signed in its name, and no mixing of money. It does not cover your own negligence, and lenders often ask for a personal guarantee. Insurance comes first.
Licenses and registrations for a pet grooming and pet care business
Federal items link to the agency's own page. State and local rules vary, so pick your state at the top for your state's business portal. Tick items off as you go; the list remembers your progress on this device.
- We do thisForm the LLC and get its EINAlmost every registration above asks for the company's legal name and EIN, so this comes first. We file the LLC with your state for $123.75 plus the state fee, and can get the EIN for $41.25; the IRS also issues it free online.
Insurance and taxes to plan for
Insurance
- Animal bailee coverage
Covers pets in your care.
- General liability
Covers bites and injuries to people.
- Bonding
Pet sitters often carry a bond for home access.
Taxes
- Van and equipment
Grooming vans and equipment are depreciable.
- Mileage
Track mileage for mobile services.
Have owners sign an agreement naming the LLC, with emergency vet authorization and payment terms.
Forming the LLC itself: 7 steps in every state
- 1. Check the name
- 2. Name a registered agent
- 3. File with the state
- 4. Sign an operating agreement
- 5. Get an EIN
- 6. Open a bank account
- 7. Keep it in good standing
The filing office, fee and yearly report change by state. Open your state's step-by-step guide.
What it costs to form a pet grooming and pet care business LLC
| Cost | File it yourself | With Vermilion Vitez |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (paid to the state) | $35 to $520 | $35 to $520 |
| Filing service, operating agreement included | $0 | $123.75 |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | $0 yourself, or $41.25 if we get it |
| Registered agent, per year (optional) | $0 if you serve yourself | $74.25 |
State fees as charged at our checkout. Industry licenses, permits, bonds and insurance above are separate and set by each agency. Checkout shows the card processing fee before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license for pet grooming?
Most states do not license groomers, but your city may require a business license and boarding needs a permit in some places.
What insurance does a groomer need?
Animal bailee coverage, general liability and coverage for the van if mobile.
Should a dog walker form an LLC?
Many do once they have regular clients or hire walkers.
Does USDA regulate pet sitting?
Generally no. USDA licensing covers dealers, exhibitors and some breeders.
How much does it cost to form an LLC for a pet grooming and pet care business?
Your state's filing fee ($35 to $520 depending on the state) plus $123.75 if we file it, with the operating agreement included. Industry licenses, bonds and insurance are extra and set by each agency.
Is this page legal or tax advice for my pet grooming and pet care business?
No. It summarizes public rules in general terms, with links to the agencies that set them. For your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA, or book a free call with us.
Related industries
Ready when you are
Have us file your Pet Grooming and Pet Care Business LLC
$123.75 plus your state's filing fee, with the operating agreement included. Checkout shows the full total, card processing fee and all, before you pay.
Rather talk first? Call Ray or Vinny at (954) 470-8356.