Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a dog walking / pet sitting in Bismarck, ND. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Sole proprietors/LLC members exempt unless electing coverage.
Required for all LLCs. Annual report required thereafter ($50 fee, due by anniversary date).
Applies to all LLCs; filed online via SOS portal.
Renewal every 5 years ($10 fee). Not required if using exact LLC legal name.
Pet walking/sitting services generally not taxable per ND tax guidance.
Dog walking and pet sitting services are generally not taxable in North Dakota unless tangible goods are sold. If only services are provided, no sales tax permit is required. See NDCC §57-41-01 and ND Admin Code §81-02-01-04.
Employers must register if they pay wages to employees, even if only one employee. Applies to all employers operating in North Dakota. See NDCC §57-38-01 and ND Admin Code §81-08-01-01.
All employers with one or more employees must register. New employer rate is 2.5% on first $36,000 of each employee’s wages (as of 2024). See NDCC §52-01-02 and ND Admin Code §75-02-01-01.
LLCs are pass-through entities; income flows to owners who report on personal returns. However, the business must still register with the Tax Commissioner if it has North Dakota source income. No entity-level income tax, but registration may be required for reporting purposes.
North Dakota does not impose a franchise tax or gross receipts tax on LLCs. This is not required for any business structure in the state.
Most cities in North Dakota (e.g., Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks) require a local business license. Fees and requirements vary. For example, Fargo requires a Business Privilege License (https://www.fargo.gov/businesslicense). Verify with city clerk or county auditor.
Required for most businesses including pet services; dog walking/pet sitting classified under general business license. Check specific city code (e.g., Fargo City Code Chapter 31).
While North Dakota does not impose a statewide insurance mandate specific to pet‑care, local jurisdictions (e.g., Fargo’s Business License Ordinance) often require an animal‑bailee policy to protect clients’ pets against loss, injury, or death while in the provider’s care.
File online via the Secretary of State portal.
Other municipalities in ND have similar requirements; verify with the local city or county.
Requires an annual health inspection by the ND Department of Health.
Dog‑walking services are non‑taxable; tax applies only if you sell pet products.
LLC members report business income on their personal ND‑1 returns.
Initial UI registration required within 30 days of first payroll.
Self‑employed owners without employees are exempt.
Includes FLSA, OSHA, EEOC, etc.
Include invoices, receipts, payroll records, bank statements, and tax returns.
All dates are calendar‑year based; adjust for weekends/holidays as agencies typically extend deadlines to the next business day.
Fargo City Code Sec. 18-02 limits home occupations (e.g., no more than 2 clients at home simultaneously for pet sitting; no external signage). Similar rules in Bismarck (Bismarck City Code Title 22).
Pet sitting may be considered agricultural/animal service; verify use complies with zoning district (e.g., Cass County Zoning Ordinance Article 4). Rural counties may have fewer restrictions.
Bismarck City Code Chapter 10-08 regulates sign size/location. Not required for home-based without visible signs.
Grand Forks Code of Ordinances Sec. 34-41. Pet facilities may trigger if enclosing outdoor runs.
Fargo Fire Code (adopts IFC) requires inspection for businesses with public access or overnight pet boarding.
Bismarck Code Sec. 11-20-1. Required to reduce false alarms.
May apply if facility handles multiple animals; check local vector control ordinances. No food handling involved.
Fargo Code Sec. 18-14 limits noise 10pm-7am. Pet businesses must mitigate.
Required for change of occupancy classification.
North Dakota law (Workers’ Compensation Act, §§ 1‑01‑01 et seq.) requires any employer with at least one employee to maintain workers’ comp insurance or be self‑insured with Department approval. Coverage must meet statutory benefit limits (e.g., $100,000 medical, $500,000 total disability, $500,000 death).
North Dakota does not impose a statewide general liability insurance requirement for pet‑care services, but local jurisdictions often list it as a prerequisite for a general business license.
Professional liability is not mandated for dog‑walking or pet‑sitting businesses in ND, but it is recommended to protect against claims of negligence or property damage.
North Dakota does not have a statewide surety‑bond requirement for dog‑walking or pet‑sitting businesses. Some cities may impose a modest bond as part of their local business‑license process.
ND law requires any vehicle used for business to carry at least the state‑minimum liability limits. Many insurers recommend a commercial auto policy for higher limits and coverage of business‑use exclusions.
The business described does not sell physical products; therefore product liability insurance is not required nor typically recommended.
Liquor liability insurance is only relevant to businesses that sell or serve alcoholic beverages, which does not apply to a dog‑walking/pet‑sitting LLC.
You will likely need to pay self-employment tax, federal income tax, and potentially estimated income taxes quarterly to the IRS. The specific amount will depend on your business’s profits and your individual tax situation.
Yes, even if you don't plan to hire employees, the IRS requires an EIN if you operate as a corporation or partnership. It's also recommended for sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs for business purposes.
ADA compliance means ensuring your services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which may involve accommodating service animals or modifying your services to meet specific needs. Costs vary depending on necessary accommodations.
You should keep records of all income and expenses, including invoices, receipts, bank statements, and mileage logs. The IRS requires you to retain these records for a certain period, typically three years.
The FTC requires that all advertising claims are truthful and not misleading. You must avoid deceptive practices and clearly disclose any material connections with reviewers or endorsers, and comply with consumer protection rules.
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