Animal Rescue Officer (2343)

For 200 years, the RSPCA has been a voice for animals.  We've been changing minds, laws, industries and lives to create a better world for animals and people alike. A key part of our work is delivered by our dedicated Animal Rescue Officers (ARO), and we are excited to announce new openings for ARO positions across England and Wales.

This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference—using your voice, values and lived experience to help animals and support communities across England and Wales. Could you be the change in an animal's life?

As an Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) with the RSPCA, you'll respond to reports of cruelty, neglect, or injury, working to prevent animal suffering through education, advice and intervention.

This role demands a strong commitment to animal welfare and the ability to manage difficult, often emotional situations with empathy and professionalism.

There's no typical day—expect variety, reward and daily interaction with both animals and people. You'll need to make quick, informed decisions and handle sensitive conversations confidently to ensure the best outcomes.

Working independently, you'll spend much of your time on the road visiting a variety of locations. The job is physically demanding and may involve lifting animals and equipment, working at height, in confined spaces, or near water—but don't worry, full training is provided.

As part of our commitment to you, you will have access to mental health resources, inclusive policies, and a team that fully supports your development and wellbeing.

Few roles offer such a meaningful impact. As an ARO, you'll improve animals' lives every day.

Please refer to the attached job description for more details.

To be considered you must live in one of the following postcode areas:

DE13
WS13
WS14

Unfortunately we are not considering applications from candidates who wish to relocate.

You will need to be a resilient, independent thinker with excellent communication skills.

Securing the welfare of animals is not a 9-5 job. Our Animal Rescue Officers (AROs) work varied shifts between 8am and 9pm, including weekends, and occasionally stay later to complete their tasks.

• Age Requirement: Must be 17 or older to apply and 18 by the course start date.
• Availability: Must be available to start on 10th November 2025 and commit to a continuous  intensive training period for 20 weeks without annual leave.
• Travel Flexibility: Training will take place at various locations across the country requiring occasional overnight stays.
• Driving: A full manual driver's licence  with recent manual driving experience and confidence in driving long distances.
• Comfortable with lone-working.
• Qualifications: Ideally, you should have a Level 2 qualification in English Language (GCSE grade C or above, or Grades 4-9).
• Swimming: You must be a confident swimmer i.e.able to swim 50 metres fully clothed within 2.5 minutes by the time you are assessed within the ARO training course.

If you're passionate about people and animal welfare and want to be supported as you pursue a career with purpose, then we'd love to hear from you, even if you've never considered a role like this before.

Successful candidates  may need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and social media screening as part of the pre-employment process. Screening is conducted by a trusted third-party partner.

Following an offer of employment candidates will undergo a vetting process including a medical, swimming and on-road driving assessment conducted by a professional driver training provider.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor visas.

For information on the full recruitment process please see the attached document. We recommend you make a note of the awareness session, assessment and interview dates.

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core 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.

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk/0300 123 0685.