Launch Your Surrey Pet Care Services Business Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a pet care services business (excluding veterinary) in Surrey, aligned with NAICS 812910. Learn a clear road map from idea to launch, including a six-item requirements overview, the permits you’ll need, estimated startup costs, and a realistic timeline. We break down the essential licensing and registrations you’ll face in Surrey, along with typical fees and processing times so you can plan confidently.
By reading this page, you’ll learn exactly what you need to begin: the six essential requirements, where to apply for permits, and the costs you should budget for. You’ll get a practical timeline from setup to first appointment, plus tips on choosing a business structure, insurance, and minimum operating standards for pet care services in a non-clinical setting.
Surrey’s growing pet-loving community, proximity to Vancouver, and supportive small-business resources make this a smart, accessible market for pet care. Plus, with six clear steps to check off, you’ll have an attainable plan to hit the ground running.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a pet care business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally run your business without it. A BN is used for tax reporting, payroll and other dealings with the government, so securing it is non-negotiable and essential before you open your doors.
Next, there are mandatory operational requirements that cover health, safety, and permits. Start with a City of Surrey Business Licence to legally operate pet care services in the municipality. If you plan to use a business name rather than your own name, you’ll also need BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. In addition, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration is required to keep workplaces safe, especially if you hire staff or bring on contractors.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll want to make sure you have your BN in place and set up tax accounts as needed. GST/HST registration is required if your taxable revenue meets or exceeds the threshold (and you may choose to register earlier, if you wish). If you have employees, you’ll also need to handle Payroll Deductions Registration with the Canada Revenue Agency to manage withholdings and remittances properly.
You’re on your way to launching a compliant, well‑run pet care service. A practical next step is to check Surrey’s licensing portal and CRA/B.C. registries, gather the needed documents, and start applying. Once these basics are in place, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to open confidently and keep things running smoothly for you and the pets you serve.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a pet care (except veterinary) services in Surrey:
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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 Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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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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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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