RSPCA/SSPCA Inspector
What is the work like?
As a RSPCA inspector (SSPCA inspector in Scotland) you would investigate and help prevent cruelty to animals.
Your work would include:
- investigating neglect and cruelty complaints
- advising owners on proper care, issuing warnings or taking some cases to court
- deciding if rescued animals need medical treatment
- putting animals down humanely if their condition cannot be treated
- inspecting animal establishments such as kennels and pet shops
- inspecting events like circuses, agricultural shows and race meetings
- working closely with the police, local councils, veterinary surgeons and dog wardens
- rescuing wild animals such as deer or foxes which are injured or trapped
- producing written reports
- giving evidence in court
- giving talks and presentations to educate the public about animal care and protection.
In the RSPCA you could also work as an animal collection officer, collecting, securing and transporting animals that are injured or sick, or need to be removed from threatening or dangerous locations. You would help with animal rescues, and may have to carry out animal euthanasia.
In the SSPCA you could be an auxiliary inspector, covering remoter parts of Scotland. You would be trained to assess situations and decide whether an inspector needs to attend.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To be an RSPCA inspector you need:
- physical fitness
- the ability to swim 50 metres fully clothed
- a full UK driving licence
- at least five GCSEs (A-C) or comparable qualifications
- experience of working with animals.
One way to get experience is to volunteer to help at one of the RSPCA animal centres, for example with day-to-day animal care or dog walking. You can find out about other opportunities for voluntary work with animals on the Volunteering England website.
Visit the RSPCA website for details of local animal centres, recruitment dates and more details of relevant qualifications and experience.
For the SSPCA you need:
- physical fitness
- at least five S grades or the equivalent, including English
- relevant qualifications from an agricultural college and experience of working with animals
- a full UK driving licence.
You might be able to volunteer at a SSPCA animal welfare centre. Visit the SSPCA website for details of local centres, relevant qualifications and experience.
You can find information about other opportunities for voluntary work with animals in your area on the Volunteer Scotland website.
What further training and development can I do?
When you start work with the RSPCA you will follow a seven-month training programme. The programme includes:
- 12 weeks' training at the RSPCA centre in Horsham
- eight weeks'training in two other centres
- written examinations.
You would then have a six-month probationary period before becoming fully qualified.
You may also be able to work towards NVQ Level 3 in Animal Care.
In the SSPCA your training would take place at the headquarters in Edinburgh, and last for five months. The programme includes:
- in-house training
- courses with other organisations
- ongoing assessment and a final examination.
Where can I go for more information?
603 Queensferry Road
Edinburgh
EH4 6EA
Tel: 0131 339 0222
Southwater
Horsham
West Sussex
RH13 9RS
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- RSPCA student inspectors start at £21,463 a year.
- Qualified inspectors earn from £23,360 to £26,121 a year.
This includes an accommodation allowance. There are additional allowances for inspectors working in London.
- SSPCA newly qualified inspectors earn from £15,728 to £16,866 a year.
- Experienced inspectors can earn £18,000 to £20,000 after around five years.
SSPCA inspectors also receive a housing allowance.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In the RSPCA you would work 35 hours a week. As the RSPCA provides 24-hour cover, you would work shifts including weekends, nights and bank holidays. In the SSPCA you would work 37.5 hours a week. In some areas you would work a shift system covering weekends, bank holidays, and evenings or nights.
You would work both indoors, and outdoors in all weather conditions. You could be involved in potentially dangerous situations – for example rescuing animals can involve climbing cliffs or trees.
As a RSPCA inspector, you must be prepared to work anywhere in England or Wales, although your personal preferences will be considered. In the SSPCA you can be expected to work anywhere in Scotland.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- clear communication skills
- the ability to handle animals confidently
- logical thinking and good judgement
- the ability to handle confrontational situations
- accurate report writing ability
- the ability to deal with unpleasant and distressing situations
- teamworking ability.
What opportunities are there?
The RSPCA has 323 inspectors based all around England and Wales. Each year they have about 20 vacancies for new inspectors.
The SSPCA employs around 49 inspectors and chief inspectors based all over Scotland. They recruit about three new inspectors each year.
Both organisations receive large numbers of applications, so competition for jobs is strong.
As an experienced RSPCA inspector you could have the opportunity for promotion to chief inspector, managing a team of five to ten inspectors, then to regional superintendent and on to management or training posts in headquarters.
In Scotland you could be promoted to senior inspector, chief inspector, superintendent and chief superintendent.
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