Behaviour and Welfare Advisor (2418)

Are you a passionate and experienced animal welfare professional looking for a truly unique opportunity? The RSPCA is seeking a dedicated Behaviour and Welfare Advisor to join our team at the renowned Finsbury Park Animal Hospital in London.

This isn't your average animal welfare role. You'll be at the heart of our critical work, providing expert behaviour and welfare support for animals undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. This is a chance to make a profound difference to some of the most vulnerable animals, helping them not only recover physically but also thrive emotionally and behaviourally. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to combine your passion for animal behaviour with the vital work of an animal hospital. Our Finsbury Park Animal Hospital is a dynamic and supportive environment where you'll be instrumental in shaping the future of animal welfare for countless animals. You'll be working alongside dedicated professionals, making a tangible difference to animals at their most vulnerable.

• Working hours: 9am-5pm, 35 hours a week from Monday to Friday
• Interviews will be face to face

If you're ready to take on a challenging yet incredibly rewarding role, and you have the expertise to make a significant impact on the lives of animals, we want to hear from you!

Here at RSPCA no two days are the same, as a Behaviour and Welfare Advisor we've added a short summary of what a typical day might look like, for a full insight please refer to the attached job description.

• Assess and monitor the behaviour and welfare of dogs, cats, and small animals from intake and throughout their stay, maintaining detailed records.
• Devise and oversee individual behaviour and welfare plans to maintain high welfare standards and support successful rehoming.
• Provide proactive advice, support, and training to RSPCA staff, volunteers, fosterers, and adopters on animal welfare, behaviour, and training, including signing off on staff competency.
• Work closely with the National RSPCA Behaviour Team and escalate complex cases, collaborating with the Regional Clinical Animal Behaviourist on welfare plans.
• Conduct pre-adoption meetings and provide ongoing support to adopters to maximise successful rehoming and minimise return rates.
• Undertake visits to branches and private boarding establishments to assess animal behaviour and welfare and contribute to their onward journey decisions.
• Maintain up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge in behavioural rehabilitation and companion animal welfare through continuous professional development.

• A Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in dog welfare, behaviour, and training.
• Driving licence is essential as this role involves around once a month travel to other centres.
• Practical experience in the care, husbandry, and handling of dogs within animal welfare, plus experience applying theoretical behaviour modification principles.
• Experience working and communicating effectively with the public, coupled with excellent communication and customer care skills.
• A team player with strong IT and administrative skills, and a pragmatic approach to animal welfare.
• Resilience and the confidence to advocate for animal welfare, including pushing back when necessary, particularly in emotionally demanding situations.

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! 

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

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect