What do I need to work as a pet caretaker?
Are you planning to become a pet sitter and wondering if there are specific requirements or qualifications you need to meet? To answer this question, familiarize yourself with § 11 of the Animal Welfare Act.
What does § 11 of the Animal Welfare Act regulate?
Section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act regulates the permit requirement for the commercial keeping of vertebrate animals. The type of employment relationship, whether self-employed or registered through the mini job center, is irrelevant.
While mobile pet caretakers are not explicitly mentioned in the law, many veterinary offices consider them comparable to mobile commercial dog trainers and therefore also require a permit. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the relevant veterinary office to determine if you need a permit as a pet caretaker.
Applications for the permit must be submitted to the veterinary office, accompanied by evidence of expertise, usually through a competency certificate. This process can take several months.
What is a competency certificate?
The competency certificate is an examination for dogs and dog owners. The purpose is to determine if someone is capable of handling and controlling a dog.
The competency certificate is not uniformly regulated nationwide. In some federal states, it is mandatory for keeping certain dog breeds. For example, in Lower Saxony, a competency certificate is mandatory for all dog owners. In North Rhine-Westphalia, it is mandatory for owners of so-called 20/40 dogs (weighing at least 20 kg or 40 cm tall) and other specified breeds.
Since the competency certificate is not mandatory in all federal states, not all pet owners or pet sitters need to take the exam. It's best to inquire with the veterinary office about the rules in your region and for the dogs you care for. Further information can be found here.
Who needs a competency certificate?
Persons requiring the competency certificate under § 11 of the Animal Welfare Act include those involved in:
- Commercial keeping (e.g., animal boarding, day care, dog walking services)
- Keeping in an animal shelter or similar facility (e.g., rescue center, foster care)
- Commercial exhibition (e.g., filming, animal-assisted intervention/therapy)
What qualifies as a competency certificate?
There are various qualifications that can serve as a competency certificate; acceptance depends on local authorities. There is no nationwide regulation, so pet sitters should inquire with the veterinary office beforehand. A dog license does not automatically qualify as a competency certificate.
Where can I obtain a competency certificate?
The state veterinary chambers are usually responsible for administering the competency certificate. The veterinary chamber responsible for your place of residence can provide you with information.
Competency certificates are typically obtained through veterinary chambers and involve theoretical examinations. They are valid for life and can be renewed if necessary.
Find the relevant authorities for each federal state here.
