Start Your Toronto Pet Care Services Business Today
This page provides a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Pet Care Services business in Toronto (NAICS 812910). It highlights the eight requirements you’ll need to meet, along with the permits, registrations, and startup costs involved. Use the clear checklist and realistic timeline to move from idea to opening your doors with confidence.
What you’ll learn: how to register your business in Ontario, secure the municipal licenses or permits needed to operate in Toronto, and protect your business with essential insurance (general liability and employee coverage if you hire). We break down typical startup costs—permits, insurance, equipment, and branding—and map out a practical 4–8 week timeline to get ready.
Why Toronto? A pet-loving market and strong demand for dog walking, pet sitting, and in-home care create steady opportunities. With diverse neighborhoods and busy families, you can build a trusted local brand—and tap into a thriving ecosystem of clients and services in Canada's largest city.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a pet care business in Toronto is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal obligation you cannot opt out of or operate without. It means putting safety first: establishing workplace policies, providing training (on animal handling, equipment, and emergency procedures), conducting risk assessments, and keeping records of incidents and safety measures. This requirement is non-negotiable—without OHSA compliance, you cannot legally run the business.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that keep your business safe and legitimate. Alongside OHSA compliance, ensure you have workers’ safety coverage through WSIB and follow Employment Standards for anyone you hire (minimum wage, hours, breaks, overtime, vacation). You’ll also want to obtain the necessary permits to operate in Toronto, including a city business licence, and align your activities with local bylaws and waste disposal rules. Grouping these helps you stay compliant and create a safe, trustworthy service for clients and their pets.
On the business and tax side, you’ll need essential registrations and numbers. Start with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) for tax reporting and dealings with payroll and GST/HST. If you operate under a trade name, register it as an Ontario business name (ServiceOntario). If you have employees, set up payroll deductions. Depending on your services and revenue, you may also need GST/HST registration and to keep up with your city licence. Planning these steps early keeps your operations smooth and legally aligned.
Next steps: map out your staffing, safety plan, and licensing tasks in sequence. Begin with OHSA-compliance actions, then secure WSIB and Employment Standards, apply for licences, and set up your BN and GST/HST arrangements. You’re on the right track—take it one step at a time, and you’ll be ready to serve pets and their people with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a pet care (except veterinary) services in Toronto:
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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 Toronto. Apply to City of Toronto 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 Toronto Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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