Should Dog Walkers Get a DBS Check?
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Jul 17, 2025
- 5 min read
Should Dog Walkers Get a DBS Check?
Pros, Cons and Client Trust
If you’re a dog walker, one of the most common questions you’ll hear — from clients and new professionals alike — is whether you need a DBS check. The short answer is no, it’s not legally required, but the longer answer is more nuanced.
This guide explains what the law says, when a DBS check is optional, and how it can affect client trust and professionalism.
What Is a DBS Check?
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a criminal record check used in the UK to help assess whether someone is suitable for certain types of work. (Old CRB)
There are three levels:
Basic DBS check – shows unspent convictions
Standard DBS check – shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands
Enhanced DBS check – includes the above and additional checks for regulated activity
For most dog walkers, only a Basic DBS check is relevant. [onlinedbsc...ecks.co.uk], [apdws.co.uk]
Is a DBS Check a Legal Requirement for Dog Walkers?
No. Dog walkers and pet sitters are not legally required to have a DBS check to operate in the UK. [onlinedbsc...ecks.co.uk], [carecheck.co.uk]
This is because dog walking does not count as “regulated activity” under DBS rules. Regulated activity applies to roles involving children or vulnerable adults, not animals alone.
However, some platforms, agencies, or membership organisations may require a DBS check as part of their own standards.
When a DBS Check May Be Required
A higher‑level DBS check may be required if your role involves:
Working regularly with children or vulnerable adults
Running therapy animal sessions in schools, hospitals, or care homes
Teaching, supervising, or instructing people alongside dogs
In these cases, the DBS check is required because of the people involved, not because of dog walking itself. [dbschecks.org.uk], [ucheck.co.uk]
Why Many Dog Walkers Choose to Get a DBS Check Anyway
Even though it’s not mandatory, many dog walkers choose to obtain a Basic DBS check voluntarily.
Common reasons include:
Reassuring clients when you have access to their home and keys
Standing out in a competitive market
Demonstrating professionalism and transparency
Meeting expectations of cautious or first‑time clients
Industry bodies such as the Association of Professional Dog Walkers & Sitters (APDWS) actively encourage Basic DBS checks for reassurance purposes. [apdws.co.uk]
Pros of Getting a DBS Check
✅ Builds trust with clients
✅ Adds credibility to your business
✅ Reassures clients when you enter their home
✅ Can help secure bookings over competitors
✅ Shows professionalism and accountability
A DBS check won’t replace good reviews or experience — but it often helps clients feel confident choosing you.
Cons of Getting a DBS Check
❌ Not legally required (so some see it as unnecessary)
❌ Cost involved (though a Basic check is relatively low‑cost)
❌ Needs renewing to remain current
❌ Can give a false sense of security if relied on alone
A DBS check is only one part of trust‑building — it does not guarantee skill, experience, or animal welfare standards.
What Level of DBS Check Is Appropriate for Dog Walkers?
For most dog walkers:
✅ Basic DBS check – appropriate and sufficient
❌ Standard or Enhanced checks – usually not applicable unless working with people in regulated roles
Self‑employed dog walkers can apply for a Basic DBS check themselves through official channels. [onlinedbsc...ecks.co.uk], [apdws.co.uk]
How DBS Checks Affect Client Trust
From a client’s perspective, dog walking is about trust:
Trusting someone with their dog
Trusting someone with their home
Trusting someone when they’re not there
A DBS check won’t win clients on its own — but combined with insurance, clear policies, and good communication, it can make the decision easier for them.
The Bottom Line
Dog walkers do not legally need a DBS check
A Basic DBS check is optional but widely recommended
It’s most useful for client reassurance, not compliance
Higher‑level DBS checks are only needed when working with people in regulated settings
For many professionals, a DBS check is a business decision, not a legal one.
A Note on The Dog House, Professionalism & Purpose
This space is written on one clear assumption:
you are a professional, not a casual pet lover with a lead and some spare time.
The Dog House exists because pet care, when done properly, is skilled work. It involves responsibility, judgement, boundaries, risk management, and decision-making — often under pressure and without applause.
Caring deeply does not mean operating loosely.
In fact, the more you care, the more structure you need.
You are allowed to:
• Treat your role as a profession, not a favour
• Expect clients to respect your time, policies, and expertise
• Put systems in place that protect your energy as well as your income
• Talk openly about boundaries, burnout, and business realities
• Acknowledge that loving animals does not mean tolerating poor behaviour from people
• Build a business that fits around your life, not one that consumes it
The Dog House is not about being harsh, cynical, or closed-off.
It is about being clear, grounded, and realistic.
Clarity reduces conflict.
Structure reduces stress.
Professionalism protects everyone — including the animals.
This space is here to support you in doing this work well, ethically, and sustainably, for the long term.
Because pet care businesses built on clarity and self-respect don’t just get by — they last.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
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