RSPCA inspector

RSPCA inspectors investigate complaints about animal cruelty, rescue animals and give advice to animal owners.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an RSPCA inspector you could:

  • advise owners on how to care for their animals
  • issue warning notices, write reports and attend court
  • rescue animals and arrange medical treatment
  • inspect kennels, pet shops and agricultural shows
  • work with local authorities and emergency services to rescue injured animals

Working environment

You could work in the community, at a client's home, on a farm, at an abattoir or in a court.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, physically and emotionally demanding, dirty and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to chief inspector then regional superintendent.

You could also move into management or training roles at RSPCA headquarters.

You may be able to apply to do an Animal Care and Welfare Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you want to work in an RSPCA animal and wildlife centre.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work on your own
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a good level of fitness
  • have the ability to swim 50 metres fully clothed
  • pass enhanced background checks
  • have a full driving licence
  • be able to cope with working at height

How to become

You can get into this job by applying directly.

You can get useful experience by volunteering with an animal welfare charity, animal refuge or at one of the RSPCA's own animal care centres.

Do-it also has more information on local opportunities for work with animals.

You could do a course in animal care while you're volunteering, which may help when you apply for a training place with the RSPCA.

You can apply directly for trainee inspector vacancies. You should be willing to move to another part of the country to do your training, if necessary.

To be taken on as a trainee you'll need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths
  • experience of working with animals

If your initial application is successful, you'll be invited to a selection day where you'll complete a series of assessments and an interview.

Career tips

There are lots of different roles in the RSPCA and you may be able to strengthen your application for an inspector job if you've worked in the organisation. Roles include:

  • animal care assistant
  • events organiser
  • volunteer co-ordinator

Further information

You'll find advice about working with the RSPCA from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.