Behaviour and Welfare Advisor (2802)

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.

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

Are you one of our kind?

Our recruitment journey - key dates for you to note: 

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

1. 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!

2. 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 couple of videos 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 cats and small animals, with a growing focus on cats arriving from multi-cat households. 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 cats and some dogs
• 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.