Start a pet care business

Typically $300 to $2,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It can start part-time, around another job.

Licenses and permits

Information, not legal advice

This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.

The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city. Pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page.

What it takes

To start: Typically $300 to $2,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Time: It can start part-time, around another job.
License to practice: The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits.
How it charges: Per walk or visit, with packages for regulars.

Pet first aid
Liability insurance, and the bonding clients often ask for
Leashes, waste bags and a way to get around your area

What goes wrong early

A lost or hurt pet without insurance
Weather and holidays change demand
Walks per day are capped by distance between clients

Steps to start

Check the licenses and permits. The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
Get what you need to start. Pet first aid. Liability insurance, and the bonding clients often ask for. Leashes, waste bags and a way to get around your area. Typically $300 to $2,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
Set your prices. Per walk or visit, with packages for regulars.
Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (walks and visits, your area, reviews and a new-client form) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and pack running low. You approve anything that matters.

What Allpage sets up

Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (walks and visits, your area, reviews and a new-client form) and turns on review requests after visits, booking reminders, rebooking reminders and pack running low. You approve anything that matters.

Review requests after visits. Asks customers for a review the day after they come to a session or appointment.
Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.
Rebooking reminders. Asks customers to book again a set time after a visit, if they haven’t already.
Pack running low. Tells customers when their pack is down to its last few visits, so they can buy another in time.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a pet care business?

Typically $300 to $2,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.

Can I start a pet care business part-time?

It can start part-time, around another job.

Does a pet care business need a license?

The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.

How do businesses like it usually charge?

Per walk or visit, with packages for regulars.

What goes wrong early?

A lost or hurt pet without insurance. Weather and holidays change demand. Walks per day are capped by distance between clients.