Animal and wildlife centres
Roles available in our animal and wildlife centres include: animal care assistant/supervisors, animal centre managers and deputy managers, behaviour and welfare advisors, grooms, kennel and cattery positions, maintenance workers, pet food bank coordinators, rehoming coordinators and wildlife assistants/supervisors.
Animal Care Assistant - Dani Perez
What have you learned since joining the RSPCA?
My main advice is to highlight your passion for animals and your genuine desire to help them, as well as to show that you understand the physically demanding nature of the role.
Strong communication skills are essential, since effective workflow relies on them, and it’s important to show your commitment to learning and providing proper care for the animals. Most importantly, be yourself, and demonstrate kindness and support toward others.
What advice would you give to someone wishing to join us as a Wildlife Assistant at the RSPCA?
I have learned a lot since joining. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of behavioural signs in both cats and dogs, and I’m now able to recognise subtle cues and respond appropriately, to ensure nothing escalates.
Working with a wide range of animals, each with unique traits, has broadened my knowledge of how to meet their individual needs more effectively. I’ve also developed a variety of training techniques and expanded my understanding of health issues - learning potential causes when they aren’t immediately clear and how to address them whenever possible.
I would also suggest being receptive to learning from others with knowledge and experience by asking lots of questions.
What does a typical day look like in a snapshot?
A typical day at the RSPCA begins with morning feeding and cleaning, ensuring everything is prepared so we can enjoy spending quality time with the animals in the afternoon. We make sure every dog is walked and focus on animals with behavioural plans, while also giving as much individual attention as possible to all animals on site to better understand their needs. Throughout the day, we complete paperwork, make phone calls, and carry out additional tasks such as vet runs and deep cleans. We end the day with evening feeds, cleaning, and restocking in preparation for the following day.
Groom - Philip Langley
How does working for an animal welfare charity differ from other equine environments you may have experienced?
Working for an animal charity is much more rewarding than any other equine role I've had as you get to work with a wide variety of different equines including feral, nervous, and poorly horses and donkeys, each with their own individual needs and stories. Every day is different, and you have to adapt your handling approach to suit each equine, building their trust and confidence whilst preparing them for their forever homes. Working as a team also plays a vital role in improving the horses' welfare, ensuring they receive the care, patience and love they need to thrive.
What advice would you give to someone wishing to join us as a groom at the RSPCA?
My advice would be, If you have a passion for horses and want to improve their welfare, becoming an equine groom at the RSPCA is a really rewarding opportunity. You can continue to build your knowledge and confidence whilst making a positive difference to the lives of equines in need and helping them on their journey to a better future in a forever home.
What does a typical day look like for you as a Groom?
Everyday is different as an Equine Groom however, on a morning when we arrive we begin the day by doing field checks where we go and make sure all the horses are well and make sure to administer any morning medications or feeds we may have. On these morning checks, we also make sure all of the water troughs, fencing, and shelters are as they should be. Alongside this, some equines may be stabled due to isolation or require medical care, therefore we ensure all stables and yards are tidied to a high standard and handle any equines before continuing our day.
Throughout the day, we care for our allocated horses by grooming, handling, training and supporting their rehabilitation, while ensuring their individual needs are being met and their welfare remains a priority. This is an important part of helping improve their confidence and preparing them for a successful future.
On an afternoon, we skip the fields to keep them clean, and continue working with any remaining allocations. We then bring in any horses that may be stabled during the night and make sure the horses are settled and comfortable. We may administer any afternoon medications or feed any horses that require extra food, and do the field checks again. Finally, as a team we make sure the yards are clean and tidy ready for the next day.
