# The Background Check Process for Becoming a Wag! Pet Caregiver > The Background Check Process for Becoming a Wag Pet Caregiver Wag is committed to safety which is why all Pet Caregivers must successfully complete Source: https://support.wagwalking.com/en_us/the-background-check-process-for-becoming-a-wag-pet-caregiver-SkOIWGhnbx Last updated: 2026-05-15T23:05:50.734Z #### Wag! is committed to safety, which is why all Pet Caregivers must successfully complete a mandatory background check. This process is essential for building credibility and trust with Pet Parents, who depend on the reliability of Caregivers with their pets and homes. Wag! partners with **Vetty**, a third-party background check provider, to conduct **identity verification** and a **comprehensive background screening**.  For detailed information about the checks performed, please visit the [**Wag! + Vetty webpage**](https://vetty.co/wagvetty-background-screening/). #### ### **Preparation for Your Background Check** #### Before you begin, have the following legal documents ready:   Your **Social Security Number (SSN)** **One** **of the following** valid forms of U.S. government-issued ID: * U.S. State-issued Driver’s License * U.S. Passport * State identification card #### # **Step-by-Step Background Check Process** ## 1\. Pay the Non-Refundable Fee #### From the [**Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal**](https://wagwalking.com/walker/signin?redirect_url=/walker/signup), pay the background check application fee to trigger the Vetty invitation link. This fee is non-refundable due to the administrative costs of the review and vetting process. _By submitting payment, all applicants agree to this policy._ ## 2\. Receive the Vetty Invitation #### Once payment is complete, Vetty sends you a welcome email with a link to their candidate application. To proceed with your application to become a Pet Caregiver, you must complete this required background check with Vetty. When completing the Vetty Candidate Application, be sure to use the same email address you used to begin your sign up on the Wag! Platform. #### **⚠️** _**Important:**_ _This is a unique link for your specific application. Please do not share it._ ## 3\. Submit the Vetty Candidate Application #### Complete all requested information on the Vetty application using the email link. ####   _**No Middle Name?**_ If you don't have a middle name, simply enter a space and proceed_._ ####   _**What if I need to come back to the application?**_ The Vetty application process is time-sensitive. If you cannot complete your application in a single session, please return to it quickly. _The application will become inactive, and require support intervention for access, if it remains unfinished for 21 days._ To prevent your application from being archived as "Incomplete," ensure all necessary steps and required documents are submitted promptly. _If your application is archived, you need to contact support to discuss potential reinstatement. Please contact Wag! Support for assistance via the virtual chat at [**support.wagwalking.com**](http://support.wagwalking.com/)._ ####   **_**Why is**_ _**ID verification required?**_** To verify your identity, you must submit _both_ **a selfie** and **your ID documentation**. Pet Parents want to know who they're entrusting to perform their pet care needs, so submitting your ID and selfie _is a crucial_ step to ensuring a safe platform experience. #### For questions about Vetty's privacy safeguards for your sensitive data, please contact them directly using their article: [**"How do I contact Vetty support?"**](https://info.vetty.co/how-do-i-contact-vetty-support) #### ## 4\. Await Processing and Check Status #### Pay close attention to emails from Vetty, as they may request follow-up information. You can monitor your application progress in your [**Vetty portal**](http://applicant.vetty.co/login) and through email updates from Vetty. **Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days** but can take up to 14 business days. Processing times may be longer during peak periods, due to unforeseen court delays, if you've resided in multiple counties or states, or if additional action is required from you. #### **💡** _**Check for Delays:**_ _The time to process can vary by state and county. Visit_ [**_Vetty’s US Courthouse Delays page_**](https://sites.google.com/vetty.co/vetty-us-courthouse-delays/home) _to see if a court delay might be impacting your background screening._ ## 5\. Receive Results #### After Vetty finishes the screening, you will receive an email from them confirming the results are "complete." Vetty also shares these results with Wag!, who then assesses whether the background check satisfies the Wag! Platform's requirements. # **Understanding Your Vetty Background Check Status** Check your [**Vetty Portal**](http://applicant.vetty.co/login) and look out for emails from Wag! for updates. ## Common Vetty Statuses #### ### **Status** #### #### ### **Meaning** #### #### ### **What's Next?** #### #### ### **Pending Candidate** #### #### You have not yet completed and submitted your Vetty application. #### #### Log in to your [**Vetty portal**](https://applicant.vetty.co/login) to complete and submit the application. Your status will update to 'Information Received.' #### #### ### **Information Received** #### #### Your application has been accepted and is under initial review by Vetty to ensure all necessary information is present. #### #### _No action_ is required from you at this time. The status will quickly update to 'In Progress.'  If additional details are needed, your Vetty portal status will change, and you will receive an email from Wag!. #### #### ### **In Progress** #### #### Your background check has started. This usually takes 3-5 business days but can take up to 14 business days. #### #### Regularly check your Vetty portal and emails from both Wag! and Vetty. _**Note:**_ _Processing time is variable and depends on applicant information,_ [**_county courthouse delays_**](https://sites.google.com/vetty.co/vetty-us-courthouse-delays/home)_, or if further action is needed from you._ #### #### ### **Complete or Clear** #### #### The background check is finalized, and results have been submitted to Wag! for review. #### #### Check your sign-up status by looking for an email from Wag! or logging into the [**Wag! Caregiver Applicant portal**](https://wagwalking.com/walker/signin?redirect_url=/walker/signup).  #### #### ## Less Common Vetty Statuses (Requires Action from You) _These statuses **do not** mean you failed the background check but require action to continue the sign-up process._ #### #### ### **Status** #### #### ### **Meaning** #### #### ### **Action Needed** #### #### ### **Name Mismatch** #### #### There is a discrepancy between the name submitted on your application and the details found during the check. #### #### Please contact Wag! Support for assistance via the virtual chat at [**support.wagwalking.com**](http://support.wagwalking.com). #### #### ### **Selfie** #### #### The selfie submitted could not be used for identity verification due to issues like poor lighting, poor angle, or blurriness. #### #### Log in to your [**Vetty portal**](https://applicant.vetty.co/login) and provide a new selfie. Ensure good lighting, a clear image, and that your face is fully visible.  Failure to verify identity may result in an 'IDV Fail.' #### #### ### **Identification Fail** ### **(IDV Fail)** #### #### Identification Fail indicates the automated system could not match your selfie to your ID document (e.g., driver’s license).  **Common reasons include:** being under 18, using a photo of your ID, non-matching images, dark images, unverified barcode, expired ID, recognized as a duplicate application, or non-matching names.  #### _**Learn more at:**_ [**_"What does IDV Fail Mean?"_**](https://info.vetty.co/what-does-idv-fail-mean) #### #### **Allow up to 3 business days** for Wag! to review. If additional information or another valid ID is needed, Wag! will contact you by email from [**wagsupport@vetty.co**](mailto:wagsupport@vetty.co).  You will be asked to provide documentation within your [**Vetty portal**](https://applicant.vetty.co/login).  #### _**Learn more at:**_ [**_"How do I submit a document?"_**](https://info.vetty.co/how-do-i-submit-a-document) #### #### ### **Social Security Number (SSN)** #### #### There is a discrepancy or issue with the SSN you provided. #### #### Wag! will contact you by email from [**wagsupport@vetty.co**](mailto:wagsupport@vetty.co) for the necessary information to correct this. If a hardcopy of your Social Security Card is required, you'll be asked to provide it through your [**Vetty portal**](https://applicant.vetty.co/login).  #### _**Learn more at:**_ [**_"How do I submit a document?"_**](https://info.vetty.co/how-do-i-submit-a-document) #### #### ### **7-Day Letter / Pre-Adverse** #### #### Your background check results contain information that requires further review with Wag!, and you need to take action. #### #### You have **7 days** from the letter's date to dispute the findings listed in your Vetty portal. You may also provide Wag! with additional information by emailing [**wagbgcsupport@wagwalking.com**](mailto:wagbgcsupport@wagwalking.com).  #### _**Learn more at:**_ [**_"How do I dispute the results of my background check?"_**](https://info.vetty.co/how-do-i-dispute-the-results-of-my-background-check) #### #### ### **Review Needed** #### #### The background check is complete, but additional manual review by Wag! is required for a discrepancy (e.g., identity, basic/advanced criminal check).  #### _**Learn more at:**_ [**_"What does "Review Needed" mean?"_**](https://info.vetty.co/what-does-review-needed-mean) #### #### Please **allow up to 7 business days** for the review to be completed.  You'll receive an email from Wag! with the outcome or if any additional information is needed. #### #### # **FAQs and Troubleshooting** ## What if I didn't receive the Vetty invite email? #### * **Check your email details:** Ensure the email address matches the one on your Pet Caregiver application. * **Check common folders:** Look in your SPAM, ALL MAIL, and Trash folders. * **Check for pending payment:** Review your bank account for any pending charges, which would indicate the payment is processing. **💡  _If you have not received the link but do see a pending charge_**, there may be a system or account setup issue. Please contact Wag! Support to verify your account status and get the necessary assistance to receive your link. ## I'm having trouble submitting documentation in the Vetty portal. What should I do? #### If you're experiencing an error when trying to submit documents, try the following steps in order: **1\. Try a different device** * If you're experiencing issues on your current device, try completing the process on a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam. Switching to a non-mobile device is the most reliable way to resolve submission issues. **2\. Use an incognito or private browsing window** * Browser extensions or saved session data can sometimes interfere with uploads. Open a new incognito or private window and try submitting again. **3\. Clear your browser cache** * If the issue persists, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then reopen the portal and reattempt the submission. **4\. Contact Vetty Support** * If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact Vetty for further assistance. Please use their article: “[**How do I contact Vetty support?**](https://info.vetty.co/how-do-i-contact-vetty-support)” to connect with them directly.  ## What should I do if I need to change the email address for my Vetty application? #### To update your email address with Vetty, please refer to Vetty’s help center article for instructions: [**"Candidates: How do I change my email address?"**](https://info.vetty.co/how-do-i-change-my-email)  ## I recently had a background check with another company. Can I use those results and waive the fee? #### We understand the frustration of completing multiple background checks, especially after being cleared by another company. However, for consistency and safety on the Wag! Platform, all prospective Pet Caregivers must complete a background check with our partner, Vetty, to proceed with the sign-up process. ## If something is found on my background check, can I still be approved? #### We cannot advise you on how a specific infraction, or combination of infractions, will affect your ability to access the Wag! Platform due to the complex nature of the background check process. Vetty's comprehensive background checks evaluate more than just infraction history. You may be asked to provide additional details during the screening process. #### For detailed information about the checks performed, please visit the [**Wag! + Vetty webpage**](https://vetty.co/wagvetty-background-screening/). ## Why was my application denied, and can I appeal the background check results? #### If you wish to appeal the results of your background check or provide additional information, you can email Wag! at [**wagbgcsupport@wagwalking.com**](mailto:wagbgcsupport@wagwalking.com). Be sure to include any evidence or documentation that supports your case when submitting an appeal. #### **⚠️** _**Important:**_ _Regardless of the outcome of your application, all sign-up related fees are non-refundable._ ## My application was denied. Is the background check fee refundable? #### No. As outlined during sign-up, the fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied. This covers the administrative costs associated with conducting a thorough review and vetting process. ## I no longer want to sign up as a Caregiver. Can I get a refund for my background check fee? #### No. Whether or not you completed the background check application, the fees are non-refundable, as outlined during sign-up. This covers the administrative costs involved in processing your sign-up application and the initial review/vetting process. # **Next Steps** While you wait, you may also find it helpful to review common FAQs and helpful information about becoming a Pet Caregiver at our help center article: [**"How do I sign up to use Wag! as a Pet Caregiver?"**](https://support.wagwalking.com/en_us/how-do-i-sign-up-as-a-pet-caregiver-pcg-SynZKfHXc)