Start Your Calgary Pet Care Services Business Today
This page is your practical starter guide to launching a Pet Care Services business in Calgary (non-veterinary) under NAICS 812910. It’s designed for entrepreneurs who want to care for pets through dog walking, pet sitting, in-home care, and small-daycare. You’ll get a clear overview of the eight essential requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to begin serving clients.
Here’s what you’ll learn: eight essential start-up requirements, how to obtain the necessary permits and Calgary licenses, and the insurance and safety standards you should meet. We’ll break down typical costs—registration, insurance, training, supplies, and marketing—and map out a practical timeline from your first planning day to your official launch. You’ll also pick up simple steps for client onboarding and staying compliant.
Calgary is a great fit for Pet Care Services: a pet-loving community plus a supportive small-business scene, access to clients in both urban and suburban neighborhoods, and clear local rules that keep things straightforward. With strong demand and a collaborative vibe among local entrepreneurs, you can start small, grow responsibly, and build a loyal local client base.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a pet care business in Calgary is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legally required identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency, and you cannot legally operate or open tax accounts without it. Having a BN is essential to set up tax accounts and, if you hire staff, payroll processes. It is non-negotiable and should be your first action when starting.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits. Maintain a clean, safe space for animals and staff, with proper handling and cleaning protocols and staff training. The City of Calgary requires a Business Licence to operate locally. If you have employees, plan for Alberta WCB Employer Registration. If you’re operating under a trade name or as a sole proprietorship, register Alberta Business Name Registration; if you aim to form a corporation or partnership, pursue Alberta Corporation Registration or Partnership Registration as applicable.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, you’ll need GST/HST Registration if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold (or if you want to reclaim input tax credits). Payroll Deductions Registration is required if you have employees. Choose your structure: Alberta Corporation Registration for a corporation, or Partnership Registration for a partnership. Alberta Business Name Registration applies if you’re using a trade name or operating as a sole proprietor.
Next steps and encouragement: Start with the BN application, then tackle the licence and any name or entity registrations. Gather documents, set up tax and payroll accounts, and align with Calgary’s licensing rules. If you’re unsure, consult an accountant or small-business advisor to map a simple, compliant plan. You’ve got this—these steps will get you legitimately up and running.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a pet care (except veterinary) services in Calgary:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Calgary. Apply to City of Calgary for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Calgary Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Alberta Business Name Registration (Trade Name/Sole Proprietorship) RequiredRegistration of business names (trade names) for sole proprietorships and partnerships with Alberta Corporate Registry (CORES) Register through authorized registry agent. Fee: $10 government + ~$50 service fee. Complete Declaration of Trade Name form (REG3018). Requires government-issued photo ID. Cannot use "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation". Registration does not grant name ownership. Contact: Service Alberta registry agent.
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Alberta WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees or contractors in Alberta. Workers' Compensation Board employer registration for workplace injury coverage in Alberta Register online at wcb.ab.ca. Most employers required by law. Minimum premium: $200. Premium rate based on industry classification per $100 assessable earnings. File annual return with worker earnings. Some industries exempt but can apply voluntarily. Contact: WCB at 1-866-922-9221.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Alberta Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating a business in Alberta. Registration to incorporate a business in Alberta. Incorporate through Alberta Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search ($30-40) 2. Prepare Articles of Incorporation 3. Submit through registry agent 4. Pay incorporation fees Government fee: $275 + ~$100 service fee. Annual return required ($50 government fee + ~$25 service fee). Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration for general or limited partnerships in Alberta. Register through Alberta Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Complete Partnership Registration form 3. Submit through registry agent 4. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships require registration. Government fee similar to trade name registration. Service fees not regulated - compare agents.
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