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 New Mexico
Pet sitting and dog walking need no degree or state exam, but a few registrations come up in every state. Here is what New Mexico's own agencies say, checked October 7, 2026. Rules change, so follow each link before you file.
1. Register the business
Sole proprietors do not register their business structure with the state. LLCs register with the New Mexico Secretary of State. Check with your city and county about using a business name.
Source: New Mexico Business Portal, Register Legal Business Structure
2. Sales tax on pet sitting
Taxable
New Mexico's gross receipts tax applies to receipts from performing services in New Mexico, unless a specific exemption or deduction applies. We found no exemption for pet care; check with the Taxation and Revenue Department.
Source: NM Taxation and Revenue Department, Gross Receipts Tax Overview
3. Licenses for boarding and pet care
We found no statewide New Mexico license for pet sitting or in-home boarding. Your city or county may require a business license.
Source: New Mexico Business Portal
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.