Do I need a business licenses to run a dog walking business?

Question

Like to start a small business - walking dogs. Wondering, if I need a business licenses if am working out of my home? Also, do I need insurance or do I need to be bonded?
Thanks 4 your input!

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* The Face in the Window: A Guide to Professional Dogwalking by Dianne Eibner
* Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Your Own Pet Sitting Business by Cheryl Kimball
* The Professional Pet Sitter: Your Guide to Starting and Operating a Successful Service Edition 2005 Newly-Revised Includes Business Forms by Lori Mangold

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

You won't need a license to work out of your home, but you do need to have insurance coverage, in-case a dog is injured in your care..VERY important! Say, one dog is fussing with another, and you relax your hold on one..and he escapes and gets hit by a car..If you don't have specific insurance for the business, the owner can attach your home or property....I have stumbled before, as dogs can get you off balance..and my own dogs have slipped away from me..it can happen, and you will feel much safer if you are insured..Your homeowners might cover it..but you need to make certain..
In my area, such a policy would run about $200 per year..

Answer 3

You might want insurance, even if you don't need it. If anything happens on to a dog while you're walking him or her, you'll want insurance to cover your butt. Especially if you're walking a purebred.

As for the liscense, you want to check with your State and/or county. I know in CA you need a small business license if you will be making over a certain amount per month/year. In fact, here, you can only hold a yard sale a certain amount of times before you need to have a small business license (they even have temporary ones just for this). If you sell crafted items out of your home, you need a small business license for more than twice a year. But again, that's in my state. You'll need to check with your state's business regulations, and then your county's just to be sure.

Answer 4

No, you don't need a business license. You should have some kind of insurance and you should talk with an insurance agent about that. No, you don't need a bond because you aren't going to be handling someone else's money. That's what bonds are for, to replace someones money if an employee decides to cut and run with the profits. You can work out of your home, and you should set a specific area aside as an office. It wouldn't hurt to have a business phone since it will be used only for business and be tax deductible on your income tax returns. You should keep some kind of simple records detailing who you worked for, the hours you worked, what you charged and, maybe, the animals worked with along with names and notes about them. I think, since this is going to be a dog-walking business, you technically will be working out of other people's homes, picking up the dogs and walking them. Remember to set your rates high enough to cover your travel time. To much unpaid travel time can and will reduce your profit, therefore your income. If you need anymore info or have questions, feel free to contact me. Just click on my name.

Answer 5

Yes, a license is a must. In most cities it is a misdemeanor to operate a business without one. You could see jail time and definitely HUGE fines.
Insurance isn't required by law, but it's a good idea in today's society. I have heard horror stories.
Bonding just ensures your customer that you are trustworthy. It's up to you, but then you can say on all your stuff:
Licensed, Bonded and Insured. Like they do on commercials.
Good luck

Answer 6

No, a license is not necessary because you're not operating a business out of your home. Insurance is a MUST. Bonding is really only needed when you have employees, incase someone has sticky fingers.

Answer 7

I have had a dog sitting, walking and training business for a while now. I would NOT suggest getting a liscense because its really not a big deal. No one is going to fine you. As far as insured and bonding goes, I am but its ONLY for the peace of mind of others. There really is no benefit other than advertisement.

Answer 8

Call a dog walker in a city a little ways away from you, but still in the same county or city. Ask them if they have a licence and insurance. Pretend to be an interested client, but ask the questions you want to know. They will know the answers.

Answer 9

I think it really depends on your location. Being insured and bonded definitely makes you look better to prospective customers.

Answer 10

No you don't have to