Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a dog walking / pet sitting in West Valley City, UT. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Required for all LLCs. Annual renewal report separate (see below).
All LLCs must file annually to maintain good standing.
Required if business uses a name different from LLC's legal name. Valid for 5 years; renewal $22.
Services like dog walking/pet sitting are not subject to sales tax in Utah per current guidelines.
Required for withholding state income tax and unemployment insurance if employing workers.
Utah does not impose sales tax on most pet sitting and dog walking services, which are considered nontaxable service activities. However, if the business sells items such as pet food, leashes, or grooming products, a sales tax license is required. See Utah Admin. Code R881-3-102 for service taxability.
This registration is mandatory for employers to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Applies to LLCs with hired staff. See Utah Code § 59-11-103.
Employers must register with Utah Workforce Services to pay unemployment insurance (UI) tax under Utah Code § 35A-4-102. New employers pay 2.0% on first $43,800 of each employee’s wages (as of 2024).
Employers must file periodic withholding tax returns (Form TC-941) and remit withheld state income taxes. Frequency determined by Utah Tax Commission based on liability.
All Utah LLCs must file Form TC-20S (S Corporation) or TC-40 (C Corporation) or personal return if disregarded entity. Most single-member LLCs report income on owner’s Utah individual return (Form TC-40). The $100 minimum franchise tax applies to entities with Utah-source income. See Utah Code § 59-11a-101.
Many Utah cities (e.g., Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden) require a local business license or privilege tax registration. For example, Salt Lake City requires a Business License Application at slc.gov. Fees and requirements vary. Check with city clerk in jurisdiction of operation.
All LLCs conducting business in Utah must register with the Division of Corporations. DBAs must also be registered. See Utah Code § 48-1-401. This is separate from tax registrations and provides legal standing.
Dog walking/pet sitting classified under "Pet Services"; apply online via SLC Open Finance portal. Specific to location within city.
SLC Zoning Ordinance 21A.58.020 restricts home occupations; pet sitting may require neighbor notification if client animals on premises.
Required for businesses outside city limits; pet services listed under miscellaneous licenses.
Home-based businesses require additional zoning review; pet-related activities may need site inspection.
Pet sitting/dog walking requires "Animal Services" classification; home occupation permit separate if applicable.
Required for permanent signs over 12 sq ft; temporary signs limited. Varies by municipality (e.g., Provo Code 17.40).
Required for structural changes; zoning approval needed first. County/city building departments enforce.
May apply if providing overnight boarding; not typically for solo dog walking.
Required for monitored systems; similar in other cities like Ogden.
Required for all employers with one or more employees in Utah, including part-time workers. Sole proprietors are not required to carry coverage on themselves but may elect to do so. Coverage must be obtained through a licensed insurer or by qualifying as a self-insurer.
Not legally required by the State of Utah for dog walking or pet sitting businesses. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims. Some cities or contracts (e.g., with apartment complexes) may require proof of liability insurance.
Not legally required in Utah. However, it is recommended for pet care businesses to cover claims of negligence, such as failure to administer medication or improper supervision leading to injury. No state mandate exists for this coverage.
Utah does not require a surety bond (e.g., license bond) for dog walking or pet sitting businesses as part of licensing or registration. No state-level bonding mandate exists for this industry.
While Utah does not have a specific "commercial auto insurance" mandate by name, using a vehicle for business purposes (such as transporting pets) invalidates most personal auto policies. The Utah Motor Vehicle Insurance Act (Utah Code §31A-22-301) requires all motor vehicles operated on public roads to be covered by liability insurance. If used commercially, the policy must reflect commercial use. Failure to have appropriate coverage can result in penalties and denial of claims.
Not legally required. However, if the business sells tangible goods (e.g., homemade dog treats), product liability coverage is recommended. No Utah statute mandates this insurance for small pet-related businesses.
Not applicable to standard dog walking or pet sitting services. Only relevant if the business hosts events where alcohol is served. Utah strictly regulates alcohol service, but no liquor liability insurance mandate exists specifically for pet care businesses.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food regulates animal shelters, breeders, and exhibitors under the Animal Welfare Act, but does not require bonding or licensing for dog walkers or pet sitters. No bonding requirement exists for this business type.
All LLCs are required to obtain an EIN from the IRS regardless of whether they have employees. This is used for tax filing and reporting purposes.
As an LLC, the business owner reports income on their personal tax return (Schedule C). Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) applies to net earnings. This is not a separate federal license but a core tax obligation.
Applies only if the business hires employees. Requires providing a workplace free from recognized hazards (e.g., dog bites, leash injuries, vehicle safety during transport). No requirement for written safety plan unless mandated by inspection findings.
All U.S. employers must complete Form I-9 for each employee, regardless of business size or type. Applies to dog walking/pet sitting businesses that hire staff.
Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week). Applies to hourly or salaried employees in dog walking/pet sitting businesses. Independent contractors are not covered.
Only applies if the business employs 50 or more employees for at least 20 workweeks in the current or prior calendar year. Provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually. Not applicable to most small pet sitting businesses unless part of a large chain.
If the business sells franchises or business opportunities (e.g., licensing the brand to others), it must provide a written disclosure document at least 10 business days before receiving payment. Does not apply to standalone dog walking businesses not offering franchises.
Requires truthful advertising and disclosure of material connections (e.g., free services in exchange for reviews). Applies to all businesses, including pet services, using testimonials or influencer marketing.
Only applies if the business operates a physical facility that customers visit. Most dog walking and in-home pet sitting services are exempt unless they maintain an office or facility open to clients. Does not apply to home-based operations where clients do not visit.
Federal EPA regulations do not apply to typical dog walking or pet sitting businesses. Only large-scale animal facilities (e.g., breeding kennels, animal shelters with hundreds of animals) are subject to Clean Water Act permitting. Residential pet waste is not regulated federally.
There is no federal license required specifically for dog walking or pet sitting services. Businesses are not regulated by FDA, ATF, FCC, DOT, or USDA unless engaged in specialized activities (e.g., transporting animals across state lines commercially, selling pet food, or administering medication).
File online via the Utah Business Portal. No separate state tax filing is required for the annual report.
Register for a TPT license via the Utah Business Portal. Services such as dog walking are taxable under Utah Code 59‑10‑101(2).
Must register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Utah withholding account.
Employers must maintain a UUTA account and report wages each quarter.
Even a single employee triggers the requirement under Utah law.
Other Utah municipalities may have different fees and renewal dates; check the specific city/county website.
Includes required annual inspection by the Department of Agriculture.
Includes Minimum Wage, OSHA, Family & Medical Leave, etc.
Includes Utah Minimum Wage, Unemployment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation notices.
Includes TPT, withholding, unemployment, and workers’ comp records.
Includes I‑9 forms (retain for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination), wage statements, and timecards.
LLC taxed as a partnership must file Form 1065 and provide Schedule K‑1 to members.
Members report their share of LLC income on Schedule E.
While not mandated by law, many clients require proof of liability insurance.
Requires annual inspection; may be required even for <10 animals if the facility meets the definition of a kennel.
An EIN is an Employer Identification Number issued by the IRS, similar to a Social Security number for your business; you need one even if you don't have employees.
ADA compliance means ensuring your services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which may include accommodating service animals or offering alternative service delivery methods.
You should keep records of all income, expenses, mileage, and any other relevant financial transactions; the IRS may request these during an audit.
Failure to comply with FTC regulations can lead to fines, legal action, and damage to your business's reputation; it’s important to be truthful in your advertising.
No, there isn’t a single federal agency that specifically regulates dog walking or pet sitting; however, you must still comply with relevant federal laws like those from the IRS and FTC.
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