Bookings, deposits and client texts for a pet sitting business, with these forms ready to sign on your phone.
Pet Sitting Business: BookingBookings, deposits and client texts for a pet sitting business, with these forms ready to sign on your phone.
How to start a pet sitting business in Minnesota
Pet sitting and dog walking need no degree or state exam, but a few registrations come up in every state. Here is what Minnesota's own agencies say, checked October 7, 2026. Rules change, so follow each link before you file.
1. Register the business
LLCs form by filing Articles of Organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State. A sole proprietor whose business name does not contain their full name must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Secretary of State, which is renewed each year.
Source: Minnesota Secretary of State: Types of Minnesota businesses
2. Sales tax on pet sitting
Taxable
Minnesota taxes pet care, including care at your home or the owner's home, walking and exercising, boarding and grooming. Someone who is not in the business, like a neighbor helping out, does not collect tax. Register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Source: Minnesota Department of Revenue: Sales of Boarding and Grooming Services
3. Licenses for boarding and pet care
We found no statewide license for pet sitting or in-home boarding. Minnesota's kennel license covers places that take in strays, impounded or surrendered dogs and cats, not boarding. Cities and counties may require a business or kennel license, so check locally.
Source: Minnesota Statutes ยง347.31: definitions
4. Also worth checking
- Your city or county: a local business license, and home-business (zoning) rules if dogs stay overnight in your home.
- Insurance: ask an agent about liability coverage and bonding for pet sitters.
- Paperwork: a written service agreement, a veterinary release and a key agreement for every client.
Free forms for your first clients
Pet Sitting Contract TemplateThe agreement a client signs before the first booking: services, rates, deposit, cancellations, vet care, home access and behavior.Dog Walking Contract TemplateFor regular walks: schedule, leash and equipment, solo or group walks, bad weather, cancellations and payment.Pet Sitting Client FormEverything to collect from a new client before the first visit: contacts, feeding, medications, vet, behavior and routine.Veterinary Release Form for Pet SittersLets the sitter get a pet seen by a vet when the owner can't be reached, with a spending limit the owner sets.Key Release Form for Pet SittersHow keys and entry codes are handed over, stored, used and returned, and who pays if one is lost.Pet Sitting Meet-and-Greet ChecklistWhat to cover when meeting a new client and pet: the walk-through, health and safety, and the paperwork.Pet Sitting Invoice TemplateA one-page invoice: services by date, fees, the deposit received and the balance due.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.