Do I need a licence to run a pet service in the US?

By OnlyPaw Editorial · Published 2026-03-11 · 8 min read · Filed in Business

A state-by-state overview of pet service licensing in the US: dog walking, sitting, boarding, grooming, and pet taxi. What's required, what's optional.

Pet-service licensing in the US varies wildly. A dog walker in Texas needs almost no paperwork. A dog boarder in New York City needs a Department of Health permit. Below is a plain-language, state-and-city view of what actually applies.

This is not legal advice. Confirm with your local authority before you start.

The federal picture

The federal government regulates commercial animal-related activity through the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Animal Welfare Act. Small-scale pet-service providers (walkers, sitters, home boarders) are generally not directly regulated at the federal level.

Interstate commercial pet transport is a federal activity requiring USDA registration for certain volumes and vehicle sizes. If you cross state lines for commercial pet transport, read the USDA APHIS pet transportation guidance.

State-level rules

Most states leave pet-service regulation to local jurisdictions. A few have state-wide requirements.

• California: no state-wide walker licence. Groomers and boarding facilities may need state registration. Local jurisdictions add rules.
• New York: no state-wide walker licence. NYC and some other cities require specific permits.
• Texas: minimal state-level pet-service regulation. Local city rules apply.
• Florida: no state-wide walker licence. Some counties add rules.
• Illinois: no state-wide walker licence. Chicago and Cook County add rules.
• Massachusetts: local jurisdictions.
• Washington: state business licence required for commercial activity, plus local rules.

City-level rules

City rules are where most compliance work happens.

New York City:

• Business licence required for most commercial activity.
• Commercial pet grooming and boarding require NYC Department of Health permits.
• Off-leash dog walking in parks is restricted; fines apply.

Los Angeles:

• Business tax registration through LA Finance.
• Commercial boarding needs a Department of Animal Services permit.
• Off-leash restrictions in most parks.

Chicago:

• Business licence through BACP.
• Commercial grooming and boarding under Chicago Municipal Code Ch. 4-384.

Miami and Miami-Dade:

• Local Business Tax Receipt required.
• Miami-Dade Animal Services approval for commercial boarding.

Seattle:

• Seattle business licence.
• Commercial pet grooming and boarding require additional permits.

Austin:

• City of Austin business registration.
• Home boarding may require animal-services permit.

Dog walking specifically

In most US cities, dog walking itself does not require a specific licence beyond a general business registration. Exceptions:

• Some cities cap the number of dogs walked simultaneously (typically 4-6).
• Off-leash walking is regulated in most public parks.
• Commercial vehicle use requires commercial auto insurance.

Pet sitting specifically

Pet sitting is largely unregulated at the state and local level. Providers still need:

• General business registration.
• Insurance appropriate to the service.
• Sales tax registration in states that tax services.

Home boarding specifically

Home boarding is the most-regulated service in the US.

• Some cities require Department of Health permits.
• Some counties limit the number of dogs boarded.
• Zoning laws often affect home-based boarding.
• Fire code compliance may be inspected.

Do not start home boarding without checking your specific city and county rules.

Grooming specifically

Grooming licensing varies.

• New York State does not license groomers.
• Some California counties require groomer registration.
• Massachusetts and Connecticut have discussed groomer licensing but do not require it state-wide.

Groomers should still hold industry certifications and business licences.

Pet taxi specifically

Pet taxi is regulated as commercial vehicle transport.

• Commercial auto insurance required in every state.
• USDA registration for interstate commercial pet transport.
• Some cities require rideshare-style permits for commercial passenger transport, which may or may not extend to animal passengers.
• Vehicle inspection may be required.

Training specifically

Dog training is not licensed at the state level in the US. Certifications are voluntary but expected in the professional market.

• CCPDT, KPA, IAABC are the recognised certification bodies.
• Some cities require business licences and specific commercial venue permits for group classes.

Sales tax

Some states tax services. Check with your state's Department of Revenue.

• Sales tax on pet services in some states (varies).
• Sales tax on pet grooming in most states that tax services.
• Sales tax on pet boarding in some states.

Health and safety

• OSHA rules apply to any employees or contractors you hire.
• Rabies vaccination requirements apply to any pet in your care in most states.
• Zoonotic disease disclosures may apply in some services.

Homeowner's association rules

If you live in an HOA-governed area, check your covenants. Many HOAs restrict home businesses, including home boarding, home grooming, and home training.

Landlord and lease rules

If you rent, your lease likely restricts business use. Confirm with your landlord before starting.

The verification link

Verified providers on established platforms have their business paperwork organised in one place.

OnlyPaw is a pet-services marketplace covering walking, sitting, boarding, grooming, training, and pet taxi. Providers upload ID, selfie, and service-specific documents (business licence, boarding permit, driving licence for taxi) during 24-48 hour verification. Payouts land Monday to bank transfer or PayPal, $50 minimum, 5 percent platform fee.

The one habit that avoids licensing trouble

Before advertising a new service, call your city's business licensing office and ask specifically what applies.

Ten minutes on the phone avoids months of trouble.

Sales tax by state

Some U.S. states tax pet services.

• Grooming: taxable in most states that tax services.
• Boarding: taxable in some states.
• Walking and sitting: typically not taxable but check.

Register with your state's Department of Revenue if applicable. Under-collecting sales tax owed becomes personal liability.

The multi-state provider

Providers operating in multiple states face additional complexity.

• Business registration in each state.
• Tax filings per state.
• Insurance riders per state.

Most solo providers stay in one state to keep this manageable.

Ready to earn on your own terms?

Get your paperwork right before your first paid booking. Set up your OnlyPaw provider profile at onlypaw.net/pages/signup-provider.html, upload your business registration during verification, and get verified in 24 to 48 hours.

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