Personal care and services · LLC guide · updated
How to start a pet sitting business and form its LLC
A pet sitting LLC usually needs only a local business license; boarding pets in your home can need a kennel permit or zoning approval. USDA does not license pet sitters. Plan for animal bailee and liability insurance. As of October 2026.
To start a pet sitting business, form an LLC in your state and get its EIN. Then line up what this business needs on top of that: business license, animal bailee coverage, and kennel permit if boarding. Insurance to plan for: general liability and fidelity bond.
Registered agent service, provided through our partner Registered Agents Inc, 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 Sitting 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 sitting business owners form an LLC
Pet sitters care for animals in clients' homes, or board them in their own. A pet that gets sick, escapes or is injured, and missing-item claims in clients' homes, are the risks. An LLC holds the client agreements and keeps a claim with the company.
Sick or injured pets
Illness, escapes and injuries while the owner is away.
Home access
Holding keys and alarm codes invites theft or damage accusations.
Boarding at home
Boarding pets in your home can trigger zoning and kennel rules.
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 sitting 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 injury to pets in your care.
- General liability
Covers damage in clients' homes and bites.
- Fidelity bond
Many clients look for bonding when you hold keys.
Taxes
- Mileage
Driving to clients' homes is deductible; keep a log.
- Home boarding costs
If you board pets at home, part of home costs may be deductible; a CPA can tell you how.
In-home sitting avoids kennel and zoning rules. If you add boarding later, check your city first and add it to the LLC's insurance. This is a common pattern, not advice for your situation; an attorney in your state can tell you whether it fits.
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 sitting 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 service through our partner Registered Agents Inc, 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 to start a pet sitting business?
Usually only a local business license. Boarding pets in your home can need a kennel permit or zoning approval.
Does USDA license pet sitters?
No. The Animal Welfare Act generally does not cover sitters, walkers or groomers.
What insurance does a pet sitter need?
General liability, animal bailee coverage and often a bond.
Should a solo pet sitter form an LLC?
Many do, to separate business and personal money and to sign client agreements in a company name.
How much does it cost to form an LLC for a pet sitting 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 sitting 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. For help with the filing itself, book a free call with us.
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Have us file your Pet Sitting 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.