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- Tasks: As an Animal Rescue Officer, you'll rescue animals and provide vital support in challenging situations.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, a leading voice for animal welfare for over 200 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, full training, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Turn your passion for animals into a meaningful career with a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a driving licence, and GCSE English Grade C/4 or equivalent.
- Other info: Commitment to diversity; applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Join the RSPCA and be the change in an animal's life. For 200 years, the RSPCA has been a powerful voice for animals. As part of our frontline team, Animal Rescue Officers (AROs) respond to reports of cruelty, neglect and injury—making a real impact through rescue, education, and community support. This is your chance to turn your passion into a purposeful career.
About the Role
- Respond to reports of animal cruelty, injury, or neglect.
- Provide advice and intervention while working with people and animals.
- Operate independently across diverse and often challenging environments.
- Make quick, informed decisions and handle sensitive situations with empathy.
Physical demands: The role includes lifting animals and equipment, working at heights, in confined spaces, and near water. Full training is provided.
Available Locations
You must already live in one of the listed areas or postcode zones to be eligible. Applications from outside these locations, including those wishing to relocate, cannot be considered.
Current Openings
- Burton-on-Trent & Lichfield Postcodes: DE13, WS13, WS14
- Cumbria (Penrith, Carlisle & surrounding areas) Postcodes: CA1–CA28, LA1–LA23
- Huddersfield, Bradford, Halifax & surrounding areas Postcodes: HD1–HD8, BD1–BD20, HX1–HX6
- Mansfield, Nottingham, Grantham & surrounding areas Postcodes: NG1–NG25 (excluding NG10 1–5, NG16 4, NG19 8, NG20 8)
- Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool & surrounding areas Postcodes: TS1–TS29, DL1–DL5, DL14–DL17
- Preston, Chorley, Bury, Bolton, Wigan, Leigh & Skelmersdale Postcodes: PR5, PR7, all BL and WN
- Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall, Solihull, Dudley
- Clevedon, Weston-Super-Mare and Winscombe Postcodes: BS21–BS26, BS29, BS49
- High Wycombe, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Chesham and Amersham Postcodes: HP1–HP6
- Ipswich, Stowmarket and Sudbury Postcodes: IP1–IP6, IP7–IP9, IP14, CO10 0, CO10 2, CO10 5, CO10 9
- Norwich and Diss Postcodes: NR1–NR5, IP22
- Pontypridd, Tonypandy, Ynysybwl, Caerphilly, Crumlin, Newbridge and Abercarn
- Basingstoke and Tadley Postcodes: RG21–RG26
- Greater London Postcodes: East London: E1–E20, EC1–EC4, IG1–IG8, IG11 North London: N1–N22, EN1–EN5 West London: W1–W14, WC1X 0 & 9, UB1–UB10, HA1–HA9, NW1–NW11 South London: SE1–SE28, CR0–CR9 (excluding CR7), BR (all), DA1, DA5–DA8, DA14–DA18
- Salisbury, Amesbury and Tidworth Postcodes: SP1, SP2, SP4, SP9
What You'll Need
- A full manual UK driving licence with recent driving experience.
- GCSE English Language Grade C/4 or equivalent.
- Ability to swim 50m fully clothed within 2.5 minutes (assessed during training).
- Strong communication skills, empathy, and emotional resilience.
- Must be 18 years old by 10 November 2025, and available for a 20-week intensive training course with no leave during that time.
- Willingness to work independently in varied environments and on flexible shifts, including weekends.
Additional Information
- Shifts vary between 8am–9pm.
- Pre-employment checks include DBS, social media screening, medical, swim and driving assessments.
- You must already have the legal right to work in the UK. We are not able to sponsor visas.
Commitment to Inclusion
The RSPCA is actively seeking to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, particularly from underrepresented groups including minority ethnic communities and people with disabilities. If you require any support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact: resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk | 0300 123 0685
Make a lasting impact – apply today and help us change animals' lives for the better.
Important Application Information
Clicking the Apply button on the DJM site will redirect you to the RSPCA Careers page. To ensure your application is successfully processed, please apply directly through the relevant job posting on the RSPCA website. Before applying, we encourage you to review the job location carefully and submit your application for the position that best matches your preferences and qualifications. Alternatively, you can click on the hyperlinks for each respective location provided in the advert to go directly to the correct job listing.
Animal Rescue Officer – Various Locations (England & Wales) employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Rescue Officer – Various Locations (England & Wales)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your passion with their goals during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain practical experience by volunteering at local animal shelters or rescue organisations. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your dedication to animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Animal Rescue Officers if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to excel in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the physical demands of the job by staying fit and practising swimming. Being able to swim 50m fully clothed is a requirement, so ensure you're ready for this assessment during training.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Rescue Officer – Various Locations (England & Wales)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of an Animal Rescue Officer. Highlight your relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your passion for animal welfare and any previous experience in similar roles. Include specific examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, communication skills, and resilience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying to the RSPCA. Discuss why you want to be an Animal Rescue Officer and how your values align with the organisation's mission.
Check Location Eligibility: Ensure you meet the location requirements specified in the job listing. Mention your current residence in your application to confirm your eligibility for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for animal welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have had with animals, whether through volunteering, fostering, or personal stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
As an Animal Rescue Officer, you'll need to handle sensitive situations with empathy. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in challenging circumstances, especially when dealing with people in distress or conflict. This will showcase your ability to connect with both animals and humans.
✨Prepare for Physical Demands
Since the role involves physical tasks like lifting animals and working in various environments, be ready to discuss your physical fitness and any relevant experiences. You might even want to mention any training or activities that demonstrate your capability to meet these demands.
✨Research the RSPCA and Its Values
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Being knowledgeable about the organisation will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your enthusiasm for being part of their team and contributing to their goals.
