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Business
License
If you are planning a
pet grooming business in your home, do NOT assume you do not need
a business license. In fact, do not assume it is legal to have one
in the home, even if someone else in your community is operating
one. If they are, it likely is okay, but you must be certain.
Regardless of whether you intend to open a home, mobile van or
commercial location pet grooming business, personally make the
trip down to the city or town hall, including the county offices,
for those towns or cities where you will be providing services. If
applicable, ask if a home occupation permit (or similarly named
document) is required when you locate your office in your home.
Describe your business and where it will be operating, and ask if
you need a business license. Ask what other business requirements
apply to you. For example, some local and county governments have
regulations for advertising your business on your mobile van.
Really! If you are operating in your home, you are increasing
traffic in your neighborhood and there may be regulations that
apply to you. Some cities have special taxes in addition to state
or federal taxes. For example, in San Francisco there is a
"business tax" based on your payroll collected by the
city. Ordinarily, states don't require a special permit for a pet
grooming business, but ask!
Don't
overlook your local Chamber of Commerce.
Typically your town,
city or county hall can be very helpful, but don't overlook the
assistance provided by your local Chamber of Commerce. In fact, if
you are relocating to a new area to start your business, or in the
future you move to a new area, call the local Chamber of Commerce
representing the area where you are moving to, and ask for a
"new business package."
You may find they even know how
many household own pets. Certainly they will provide you with
telephone numbers for local government, demographics of the area
and leads to many helpful services. Find A Groomer, Inc. reports
that there are Chamber of Commerce offices for even small towns
that have purchased From Problems to
Profits in order to assist new and existing pet care
businesses in their community. Your local Chamber of Commerce can
help your business to get noticed. Be sure your business is listed
with them.
You may have to file
your business' "assumed" or "fictitious" name
within your county and state. When you investigate business
license requirements, ask about filings for a fictitious name too.
If your business name is simply, Sherrill Smith, Pet Groomer and
you are the only owner, you probably won't need to file a
fictitious statement, but if you operate as Sherrill's Barking
Lot, you will. The filing procedure is typically very simple.
Don't overlook it though.
If you are uncertain
about licenses, permits, fictitious name statements and any other
regulations, do you and your business a favor, and seek
professional assistance.
Finally, there are a
couple more steps to planning your legal and insurance strategy on
the next page.
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