10/01/2026
Should Professional Dog Handlers Be Background Checked?
I’ve been thinking about something and would genuinely like to hear what others in the dog community think.
As a licensed insurance professional, I’m accustomed to background checks and ongoing conduct requirements. Certain serious offenses — especially financial fraud, theft, or crimes against people — can affect whether someone is allowed to keep a professional license.
So why don’t we expect something similar in the dog world?
Professional handlers may be entrusted with valuable dogs, substantial amounts of client money, transportation, extended custody of animals, and sometimes access to homes, property, assistants and junior exhibitors.
Most importantly, they are entrusted with dogs we love.
Yet routine criminal background checks do not appear to be part of the published requirements for becoming an AKC Registered Handler.
I’m not suggesting that every past mistake should permanently disqualify someone. But should serious offenses such as animal cruelty, financial fraud, theft, violent crimes or sexual offenses trigger review before someone receives or keeps a professional designation?
And what role should the AKC and professional handler organizations play in vetting people who make their living at dog shows?
We talk a lot about protecting our dogs, exhibitors, juniors and the integrity of the sport.
Should background checks be part of that protection?