As much as we may treat them like children, do you need a DBS check to work with your furry friends?
While an enhanced DBS check is mandatory for working with children and vulnerable adults, it is a basic DBS check that is usually obtained for working with animals. That is unless the work involves providing medical care for animals or conducting sessions or workshops for the aforementioned vulnerable groups.
What level of DBS check is required for a vet?
You can request a standard check when someone first becomes a vet or is responsible for killing animals humanely. Vets can be left responsible to make crucial welfare decisions on behalf of an animal, so it is important to check for any records of animal cruelty, neglect, or malpractice.
What about other veterinary staff?
For reception staff or individuals with the responsibility for basic cleaning, maintenance or feeding the animals, then a basic DBS check can be carried out.
What about dog sitters/walkers or owners of a kennel/groomers?
If you work in these industries, you might consider applying for a basic check to demonstrate trustworthiness to potential clients. Basic checks can be obtained directly through the DBS, which can be beneficial for those who are self-employed or starting a new business.
If you are an employer, you can check employees or volunteers to a basic level with the support of DDC.
What check can be requested for zoo keepers or pet shop workers?
For individuals cleaning, feeding, or working with animals, a basic DBS check can be requested.
However, if you employ individuals to run workshops, shows, or petting sessions with animals where children will be present and participating, you may want to consider an enhanced DBS check due to the contact with individuals under 18. More information can be found on our enhanced DBS check page.
Who can be checked if I own a riding school?
If you employ individuals or have volunteers to work with and provide care to horses, you can request a basic DBS check.
If, as part of their role they also provide teaching, supervision, and help children learn to ride horses, then you may want to consider an enhanced DBS check. This is because of the contact with the children rather than the horse. More information about the level of DBS check required when working with children can be found on our regulated activity page.
What about those working for animal charities or individuals working with assistance or therapy animals?
For those teaching or running sessions to under 18s on behalf of a charity, an enhanced DBS check should be considered. This relates to the work with children, as opposed to with animals. For individuals who are fundraising, researching, or maintaining welfare for animals a basic DBS check can be requested.
If the animal is providing therapy to vulnerable groups, the individual leading the session may be eligible for an enhanced DBS check. This is because, with the animal, they are providing a care service.
In Summary:
If you employ individuals to care for an animal but they are not a registered vet, as the employer you can apply for a basic level DBS check on staff.
For vets or those responsible for killing animals humanely, then a standard DBS check can be requested initially.
For those who work with animals but their role also involves working with vulnerable groups then an enhanced DBS check should be considered.
