Business License

Do I Need a Business License?

Most people are very confused about this. Pet Sitting does not require a trade business license, but most states will require you to register your business with the state. To find out what your state licensing agency requires, visit the Small Business Administration's list of states and click on your state. This will take you straight to your state's business website. Once you are there, browse around to see what sort of licensing they will require of you. It is usually fairly easy to find this online, but if you are having trouble finding it, just find a phone number and give them a call. They will be able to tell you all you need to do to become a legal business entity.

Canada may require you to file Declaration of Trade Name Form. You may also be required to acquire a Master Business License or municipality license in each area you may service. For more information, visit your local city hall or goverment office.

In most of the UK, a pet sitting license is not required however, in some areas you may be required to hold a license if you walk more than 4 dogs. This license is free of charge. Visit http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/Home/EnvironmentandTransport/Dogs/dogwalking.htm for more information.

When you register for your business license, they will ask you what sort of business entity you will want to register under. There are a few options: Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Limited Liability Company and C or S Corporation.

In the next installment, we will talk about what each of these mean and which is the best for you.