Are DBS Checks Required To Work With Animals?
We’ve discussed requiring a DBS certificate to work with vulnerable adults and children, but what about animals? Are DBS checks needed to work with animals? In this article, we will discuss if DBS checks are required, what level of DBS Check a candidate will have to get, and which checks are needed for different job roles.
But first, we need to discuss what regulated activities are. Understanding regulated activities will make the rest of the article clearer.
What Are Regulated Activities?
Regulated activity refers to roles that involve working with children and vulnerable adults, jobs like teaching young children, or providing care in a mental facility or shelter.
As discussed earlier, an enhanced DBS check is required for anyone working on regulated activities. The check essentially reveals an applicant’s criminal history. So, a candidate with a criminal record cannot work on any regulated activity.
The Disclosure and Barring Service has the right to bar candidates from working with children or vulnerable groups. Anyone on the DBS barred list is not permitted to seek work in these areas. This means a candidate on the barred list would be breaking the law if caught applying to “regulated activity” classified jobs.
DBS Checks And Working Animals
When it comes to animals, it depends on the scope of the job they are asked to do, which will determine what level of DBS check they must undergo. Some jobs are required to feed animals, while others require more hands-on interaction with animals.
We will walk you through the most likely interactions a person might have with animals and what level of DBS check they require.
Zookeepers
For people working in the zoo, the level of DBS check they require depends on their job description. Workers that are only required to feed and clean up animals will only require a Basic DBS Check.
Workers that are required to work with animals on a little closer level than feeding might require a standard DBS check. At the same time, workers responsible for organizing children in the zoo to see certain animals on display will require an enhanced DBS check.
Veterinarians
Veterinarians will require at least a standard DBS check before being cleared to carry out their duties. This time, however, the Disclosure and Barring Service will be looking for criminal records and any records involving animal cruelty or maltreatment.
Vets are often left responsible for someone’s pet to care for and take care of. A DBS check will ensure that the vet is fit to take care of animals.
Pet Sitters
Pet sitters might not work with animals from a very close perspective like the vets, but they can also take a Basic DBS check since they are responsible for caring for people’s pets.
Although the DBS check isn’t required, a pet owner might still request a DBS certificate to gain more trust in the pet sitter. A clean record on the DBS check will further prove the candidate can work with animals.
Contact our trusted advisors today to learn more about DBS checks and how to get started on your application.