In an industry where controlled substances meet vulnerable animals and trusting clients, your team’s integrity isn’t just important—it’s essential. Criminal background checks are your first line of defense, identifying potential concerns before they become costly problems while demonstrating your commitment to excellence. Smart screening protects more than just your practice; it safeguards your team, your clients, and your reputation from day one.

A Sound Investment

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Time Your Screening Correctly

Wait until you’ve made a conditional offer of employment before running background checks to avoid potential discrimination issues and legal complications
Apply your screening process consistently to all candidates in similar positions, ensuring fair treatment and protecting your practice from claims of bias
Document your entire screening process and decision-making rationale to create a clear paper trail that protects against potential legal challenges down the road

Focus on Relevant Concerns

Avoid blanket exclusions of individuals with criminal records, as the EEOC’s guidance discourages automatically disqualifying candidates based solely on conviction history
Consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether it’s actually relevant to the veterinary position you’re filling
Evaluate each situation individually rather than applying rigid rules that could expose your practice to discrimination claims while potentially excluding qualified candidates

Guard Against Discrimination

Be compliant with federal law, never make background check decisions based on race, national origin, color, sex, religion, disability, genetic information, or age
Avoid asking only certain groups about specific issues, as selective screening is evidence of discrimination and opens you to liability
Stay informed about state and local laws that may restrict inquiries into criminal convictions or credit histories in your specific jurisdiction

Understand What You’re Checking

Conduct comprehensive screening that includes national criminal background checks, Social Security traces, and county-level searches covering the last seven years of residence
Verify identity and previous addresses to catch any misrepresentations about education, work history, or other qualifications that could impact job performance
Look for patterns or concerns that could create harm to employees through workplace violence, to clients through incidents on your premises, or to your business through financial loss

Build a Culture of Accountability

Use background checks as part of a broader commitment to safety and excellence that protects vulnerable animals, controlled substances, and trusting clients
Communicate your screening practices clearly to candidates so they understand your dedication to maintaining a safe, professional environment from day one
Create transparency around your hiring standards that reinforces your practice’s reputation for integrity and builds confidence among team members and clients alike

Cost-Effective Protection

At just $75 per background check, this small investment provides significant protection against potential risks that could cost your practice thousands in liability, turnover, or reputation damage.

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Simple, Thorough, & Done

We handle background checks through First Advantage, making the process straightforward and efficient. Provide the candidate’s basic information, and they’ll receive an email requesting authorization and additional details. Our screening includes national criminal background checks, Social Security traces, and county-level searches covering the last seven years. Results are typically delivered within 24-72 hours, giving you the information you need to make informed hiring decisions.

Background Checks