Dog Walking / Pet Sitting Permits & Licenses in Milwaukee, WI

Wisconsin allows cities and villages to impose a local privilege tax on businesses. For example, Milwaukee imposes a $25 annual tax. Check with city clerk or treasurer. Not all jurisdictions impose this tax. Registration is typically with the city, not state.

Required for most businesses including pet services; dog walking/pet sitting listed as needing license

Limits clients/traffic; no more than 25% of home for business; pet sitting may trigger stricter review

Prohibits animal boarding if >2 animals; dog walking dispatch from home allowed with limits

Dog walking exempt unless overnight boarding; health inspection required

Pet sitting limited to household pets only; commercial prohibited in residential zones

Required for kennel/boarding facilities; dog walking businesses typically exempt unless facility built

Home occupation signs limited to 4 sq ft unlit

Requires rabies vaccination records, sanitation inspection

Pet facilities require fire suppression if >10 occupants/animals

Required for pet facilities housing animals overnight

Required for all LLCs. Annual report also required ($25 fee, due by end of 4th month of tax year).

All LLCs must maintain a registered agent with physical Wisconsin address.

Renew every 5 years ($15 fee). Not required if using exact LLC name.

Services like pet sitting generally not subject to sales tax. Register online via My Tax Account.

Dog walkers may have liability if employees walk dogs. Quarterly wage reports required.

Required unless exempt. Proof of coverage must be posted. No state license for pet services found.

Required for all LLCs to maintain good standing.

All businesses operating in Wisconsin must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for state tax accounts, including income tax, sales tax (if applicable), and employer withholding tax. Registration is done via the Wisconsin Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).

Dog walking and pet sitting services are generally NOT subject to Wisconsin sales tax as they are considered non-essential personal services. However, if the business sells tangible personal property (e.g., pet supplies, retail items), a sales tax permit is required. As of October 1, 2023, Wisconsin does not impose sales tax on most pet services unless tied to taxable goods.

Required for any business that withholds state income tax from employee wages. Must be registered through Wisconsin TAP. Employers must file Form WT-9, withholding tax returns, quarterly (Form WT-9X) or monthly based on liability.

All employers with one or more employees must register with the DWD for Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax. New employers pay a standard rate (currently 3.05% for 2024) on the first $14,000 in wages per employee annually. Rate may change after three years based on experience rating.

Wisconsin does not have a franchise tax on LLCs. However, LLCs are pass-through entities; profits are reported on owners' personal Wisconsin income tax returns (Form 1). Single-member LLCs report on Schedule S of Form 1. Multi-member LLCs file Form 3 as a partnership. Due date is March 15 (same as federal partnership return).

All LLCs with employees or multiple members must obtain an EIN. Even single-member LLCs often need one for banking or tax purposes. Apply online via IRS.gov.

Mandatory for all employers with one or more employees in Wisconsin, including LLC members if they opt in. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt unless they elect coverage. Coverage must be obtained through a licensed insurer or by self-insurance approval.

Not legally required by the state of Wisconsin for dog walking/pet sitting businesses, but strongly recommended. Some municipalities or property managers may require proof for operating permits or access agreements. Often bundled with business owner's policy (BOP).

Wisconsin law requires all motor vehicles registered or operated in the state to have liability insurance meeting minimum limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage. Personal policies exclude business use; commercial policy required for pet transport.

Wisconsin does not require a surety bond for dog walking or pet sitting businesses under ATCP 81 or other statutes. No license bond is mandated for this business type at the state level.

Not mandated by Wisconsin law for pet care businesses. However, it is strongly recommended to cover claims of negligence, injury, or failure to perform services. Not a legal requirement at federal or state level.

Not mandated by Wisconsin unless business sells tangible goods. If selling pet treats or accessories, product liability coverage is not legally required but highly recommended due to risk of injury claims. No state statute mandates it for small businesses.

Only applicable if the business hosts events involving alcohol (e.g., pet party with drinks). Wisconsin requires liquor liability insurance as part of alcohol licensing under DOR. Not relevant for standard dog walking/pet sitting operations.

Single-member LLCs are disregarded entities; income reported on owner’s Form 1040 via Schedule C. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 (partnership return) by March 15. Pass-through taxation applies. Estimated quarterly tax payments may be required if tax liability exceeds $1,000 annually.

FUTA applies to employers who paid $1,000 or more in wages to employees in any calendar quarter of the current or preceding year. Most Wisconsin employers receive a 5.4% credit for state UI tax paid, reducing federal rate to 0.6%.