RSPCA inspector

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

You can get 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 come to apply for a training place with the RSPCA.

DirectApplication

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

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

Working day-to-day, you could:

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

Location : You could work in the community, at a client's home, on a farm, at an abattoir or in a court.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, physically and emotionally demanding, dirty and you'll travel often.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £19,250
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

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.