Dog Walking / Pet Sitting Permits & Licenses in Santa Fe, NM

New Mexico does not require a surety bond for dog walking or pet sitting businesses as part of state licensing. No bonding mandate exists at the state level for this industry.

If a business-owned or personally-owned vehicle is used for commercial purposes (e.g., transporting pets), personal auto insurance may not cover incidents. New Mexico requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Commercial use requires commercial auto insurance to ensure compliance and coverage.

Not mandated by New Mexico law. However, if the business sells tangible goods, product liability coverage is strongly recommended to protect against claims of harm due to defective or contaminated products. No state agency enforces this for pet service businesses.

Not required for standard dog walking or pet sitting services. Only relevant if the business hosts events where alcohol is served. The New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division regulates alcohol service but does not mandate liquor liability insurance for pet care businesses.

While not insurance, registration with the Taxation and Revenue Department is required for all businesses. This does not mandate insurance but is part of regulatory compliance. Local municipalities may impose additional licensing requirements.

While single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner's SSN, obtaining an EIN is strongly recommended for privacy and banking purposes. Required for opening a business bank account under the LLC name.

LLCs are pass-through entities by default. No federal income tax is paid at the entity level unless electing corporate taxation. Self-employment taxes apply to net earnings over $400.

Owners of dog walking/pet sitting LLCs must pay self-employment tax on net profits. Estimated taxes should be paid quarterly using Form 1040-ES.

While dog walking/pet sitting involves low-risk activities, employers must provide a safe workplace, report work-related injuries resulting in hospitalization, amputation, or fatality within 24 hours, and maintain OSHA Form 300 logs if required. No requirement for businesses with 10 or fewer employees unless in a high-risk industry (not applicable here).

Applies to all businesses serving the public. Dog walking/pet sitting businesses must ensure services are accessible to people with disabilities (e.g., allowing service animals, accessible websites if offering online booking). Physical premises are not required unless operating from a fixed location open to the public.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week), proper recordkeeping (Wage and Hour Division Form WH-1), and child labor compliance. Independent contractors must be properly classified.

Not mandated by New Mexico law. However, it is strongly recommended for pet service providers to cover claims of negligence, such as failure to administer medication or improper care. No state agency enforces this requirement.

Required for all LLCs. Must file Articles of Organization. Annual report required separately (see below).

Applies to all LLCs. Filing maintains good standing.

Applies if business uses a trade name/DBA. Valid for 2 years; renewal required.

Required for ALL businesses with gross receipts tax nexus (services like pet sitting subject to GRT). Combined Reporting Schedule (CRS-1) form.

Pet walking/sitting typically single-location, but required if applicable.

All businesses in New Mexico providing services or selling goods must register for Gross Receipts Tax (GRT), which functions like a sales tax. Dog walking and pet sitting services are subject to GRT. Registration is done via the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).

Required if the LLC has employees. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit it to the state. Registration is completed through the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).

All employers in New Mexico must register with the Department of Workforce Solutions and pay unemployment insurance taxes. The tax rate varies based on experience rating and industry. New employers are assigned a standard rate (as of 2024: 1.0% on first $29,500 of each employee’s wages).

Employers must verify identity and work authorization using Form I-9. E-Verify is not federally required for this industry but may be mandated by state law.

Requires eligible employees (worked 1,250 hours in past 12 months, employed 12 months, at covered worksite) to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for qualifying reasons. Most dog walking/pet sitting LLCs do not meet the 50-employee threshold.

Applies to all businesses engaged in commerce. Advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Applies to online ads, social media, and promotional claims (e.g., “licensed,” “insured,” “24/7 monitoring”). Negative option billing (automatic renewals) must be clearly disclosed.

The USDA regulates animal breeders and dealers under the Animal Welfare Act, but pet sitters and dog walkers are generally exempt unless boarding more than 20 dogs or operating as a commercial kennel. FDA, ATF, FCC, DOT, and other agencies do not regulate standard pet sitting or dog walking services.

All LLCs registered in New Mexico must file an Annual Report annually to remain in good standing. The report can be filed online via the Secretary of State's portal. This applies to all LLCs regardless of business type.

LLCs in New Mexico must file an annual franchise tax report. Most LLCs engaged in active business are exempt from paying the tax but must still file. The report is due April 15 each year. No franchise tax is due unless the LLC is classified as a corporation for tax purposes or exceeds certain thresholds.

Many cities and counties in New Mexico require a local business license or privilege tax. For example, Albuquerque requires a Business Tax Registration Certificate. Requirements and fees vary by location. Pet sitting and dog walking services are generally included under general service businesses.

Federal and state law requires all employers to report newly hired employees to the New Mexico New Hire Reporting Center. This is not a tax but a compliance requirement. Done online or by mail.

All LLCs registered in New Mexico must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. Most LLCs pay no fee, but those taxed as corporations must pay a $25 fee. This is separate from tax filings like GRT.

Required for all businesses operating within Albuquerque city limits. LLCs must provide state registration.

Fees scale with gross receipts: $50 (<$100k), higher tiers up to $500. Not required in municipalities.

Limits clients to 4 dogs max; no external signage; no employees. See § 14-14-5-4 ROA 1994.

Confirms property zoned for commercial pet services (C-1/C-2 zones typically allow).

Freestanding signs limited to 32 sq ft in commercial zones. § 14-14-7 ROA 1994.

Daytime dog walking exempt unless >10 dogs at once. Requires liability insurance proof.

Ensures fire safety for facilities housing animals. NFPA 101 compliance.

Required for monitored systems to reduce false alarms.

All businesses must register; pet services fall under general commercial.

No more than 25% of home floor area; no animal boarding overnight. Code § 14-3.8 SFCC 1987.

Dog walking explicitly exempt unless kenneling. Requires facility inspection.

May apply to door-to-door pet services. Standard business license $50/year otherwise.

Required for all employers with one or more employees in New Mexico, including part-time and temporary workers. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt. Coverage must be obtained through private insurance or self-insurance approved by DWS.

Not legally required by New Mexico state law, but strongly recommended for protection against third-party injury or property damage claims. May be required by contracts with clients or property managers.