Behaviour and Welfare Advisor
Behaviour and Welfare Advisor

Behaviour and Welfare Advisor

Full-Time 28800 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support animal welfare by assessing and rehabilitating cats and small animals.
  • Company: Join RSPCA, a leading charity dedicated to improving animal welfare.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals while gaining valuable experience.
  • Qualifications: Level 5 qualification or equivalent, plus a full UK driving licence required.
  • Other info: Diversity is valued; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.

Overview

Do you want to help create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe animal welfare is everyone\’s welfare. Join us in creating a better world for every animal. We can do it if we work together – everyone for every animal. Choose a career with us and make a difference.

Role

We are looking for a new team member as Behaviour and Welfare Advisor.

RSPCA – Blackberry Farm Animal Centre, Aylesbury
35 hours per week | Rota-based (Monday–Sunday) | Onsite role

Our recruitment journey — key dates

We believe in transparency and a stress-free experience. Here is a quick look at what you can expect.

  • Application

You\’ll be asked a few targeted questions designed to help us understand your experience, unique skills, and future potential. This is your first chance to stand out!

  • Panel Interview & Site Visit – 10th & 17th March 2026

If your application hits the mark, we\’ll invite you to meet us in person. You\’ll sit down with the Hiring Manager and one of our experienced RCAB\’s (Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourists) for a competency based interview and a tour of the site. We\’ll also be sharing a video on the day and would welcome your thoughts and discussion on the content. This stage is designed for you to:

  • Explore the Role: Get a feel for the team culture and the real-world impact you\’ll be making.
  • Demonstrate Your Strengths: Show us how you work in a supportive, relaxed environment.

No two days here are the same. In this role, you\’ll play a vital part in supporting the welfare and rehabilitation of animals in our care – particularly dogs. These animals often have complex behavioural needs due to limited early socialisation, and your expertise will help give them the best possible chance of a happy future.

You\’ll assess behaviour and welfare, develop practical and compassionate intervention plans, and work closely with colleagues, volunteers, and specialist teams. Your work will directly contribute to shorter stays, improved wellbeing, and more successful rehoming outcomes.

You\’ll also share your knowledge – supporting, training, and advising others across RSPCA centres, branches, and partner establishments.

What You\’ll Be Doing

  • Assessing and monitoring the behaviour and welfare of animals in our care, primarily dogs and some cats
  • Designing and implementing tailored behaviour and welfare plans, including for complex cases
  • Supporting and training staff and volunteers in best-practice handling, care, and rehabilitation
  • Providing pre- and post-adoption advice to help ensure positive, lasting rehoming outcomes
  • Visiting other RSPCA centres, branches, and external boarding establishments to support welfare decisions

Essential

  • A Level 5 qualification attracting 120 UCAS points (UK tariff or equivalent) balanced with practical working experience
  • We also welcome applications from candidates currently working towards this qualification, where there is substantial, directly relevant experience and a clear pathway to completion.
  • Full UK Drivers license – you will frequently be required to travel between multiple sites. (Due to the location & limited public transport – a drivers license is essential for this position.)
  • Resilient and compassionate – Able to navigate emotionally challenging situations involving animal cruelty or neglect with steadiness and care.

Desirable (but not essential)

  • Experience applying behaviour modification and training principles beyond your own pets
  • Experience training or mentoring others in handling, training, or behaviour support
  • Confidence with IT and administration (experience with Google Workspace is a plus)
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to engage positively with colleagues, volunteers, and members of the public

Does this sound like a great match of your skills? Are you ready for a rewarding new career? We\’d love to see your application!

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK – We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible.

We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed to our mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications – in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities – as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family!

We\’re here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685 so we can ensure the process works for you.

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Behaviour and Welfare Advisor employer: RSPCA

At RSPCA, we are dedicated to creating a better world for animals, and as a Behaviour and Welfare Advisor, you will be at the forefront of this mission. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring that you have the resources and encouragement needed to thrive in your role. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to diversity, RSPCA is an excellent employer for those passionate about animal welfare and making a meaningful impact.
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Contact Detail:

RSPCA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Behaviour and Welfare Advisor

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former RSPCA employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience with animal behaviour and welfare. Highlight any relevant training or hands-on work you've done, especially with complex cases, as this will showcase your suitability for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Be ready to demonstrate your communication skills. Since the role involves training staff and volunteers, think of ways to illustrate how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past.

We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour and Welfare Advisor

Level 5 qualification in animal behaviour or welfare
Experience with behaviour modification techniques
Training and mentoring skills for staff and volunteers
Strong communication skills
Compassionate approach to animal welfare
Ability to develop tailored behaviour and welfare plans
Experience in assessing animal behaviour
Strong IT skills, preferably on Google platform
Full UK driving licence
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners
Knowledge of animal welfare legislation
Problem-solving skills in complex behavioural cases
Flexibility to travel between multiple sites

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Behaviour and Welfare Advisor position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any relevant experience you have in animal welfare, behaviour modification, or training. Be specific about your roles and achievements to demonstrate your suitability for the position.

Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your Level 5 qualification and any other relevant certifications. If you're currently working towards a qualification, mention your progress and how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.

Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising your cover letter. Address it to the hiring manager if possible, and express your passion for animal welfare and your desire to contribute to the RSPCA's mission.

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've had, whether through volunteering or personal projects, that demonstrate your commitment to improving the lives of animals.

✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex behavioural issues in animals. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully implemented behaviour modification techniques or trained others in animal care.

✨Highlight Your Communication Skills

As a Behaviour and Welfare Advisor, you'll need to communicate effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and the public. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged and supported others in previous roles, showcasing your strong interpersonal skills.

✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities

The role involves developing tailored behaviour and welfare plans for animals with complex needs. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced in similar situations and how you approached problem-solving to achieve positive outcomes.

Behaviour and Welfare Advisor
RSPCA

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