Launch a Saint John Pet Care Services Business Today
This page is your practical starter guide to launching a pet care services business in Saint John. For NAICS 812910, you’ll get a clear, step-by-step overview of the eight essential requirements to legally operate—from registrations to basic permits—and what it will realistically cost and how long it takes to set up. It’s a no-nonsense road map designed to move you from idea to your first client with confidence.
Eight essential requirements, from business registration and local zoning checks to pet-care-specific licenses, insurance, and solid client contracts, sit at the core. You’ll learn what permits you’ll need, typical costs, and a realistic timeline—plus practical tips on home-based operations, safety standards, equipment, pricing, and service areas. By the end, you’ll have a practical checklist you can act on this week.
Saint John’s welcoming small-business scene and pet-friendly neighborhoods make this the perfect place to start. With a growing community of pet owners, you’ll find steady demand for dog walking, pet sitting, and other non-vet care—plus local support to help you succeed.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a pet care service in Saint John is the Business Licence. This licence is issued by the City of Saint John and you cannot legally run a pet care business in the city without it. Having this licence is non-negotiable and serves as the foundation for everything else you’ll need to do to operate legally and responsibly in Saint John.
Beyond licensing, you’ll need to cover health, safety, and permits basics. If you hire staff, you must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect workers and ensure a safe workplace. You’ll also want to be aware of any local permit or zoning requirements if you operate from a specific site. Establish clear health and safety practices for handling pets and customer interactions to keep people and animals safe.
For the business and tax side, you’ll handle registration and numbers. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and you should register your New Brunswick business name (SNB) if you’re using a name other than your own. Choose your business structure and complete the relevant registrations (Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration). You may also need GST/HST Registration (if your revenue meets the threshold) and Payroll D deductions Registration if you have employees. If you hire help, these accounts keep taxes and reporting on track.
Next steps: start with securing the City of Saint John Business Licence, then register your business name (SNB) if applicable, set up the appropriate corporate structure, and obtain your BN. Plan for GST/HST and payroll accounts as needed, and arrange WorkSafeNB coverage. With these in place, you’ll have a solid, compliant start to your pet care business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a pet care (except veterinary) services in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
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