Animal Rescue Officers work for the Scottish SPCA and respond to emergency calls to deal with animals that are abandoned, injured or in danger.

The Work

You could be:

• taking calls from the office based animal helpline team about situations that have been reported and providing them with updates
• collecting stray and abandoned animals and transporting them to welfare facilities
• helping to free animals that have become trapped and checking them for injuries
• transporting injured animals to veterinary facilities for treatment
• humanely putting animals to sleep if necessary
• dealing with all types and sizes of animals, from small domestic pets to large animals such as horses
• ensuring that rescue operations do not endanger the animals, members of the public or yourself
• promoting the work of the Scottish SPCA to members of the public and encouraging membership
• maintaining accurate records and working within regulations.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the demand for the job.

The salary for animal rescue officers is currently £23,165 a year (as at Feb 2024).

Conditions

• You would work shifts, including nights and weekends to ensure that emergency calls are dealt with at all times.
• You would spend time working outside in all weathers.
• You would drive a small van around the area you cover to respond to call-outs.
• You would wear a uniform and further protective clothing where required.
• There can be a risk of attack from sick, injured, nervous or aggressive animals.
• It can be upsetting working with sick and injured animals and if authorised, you may have to put animals to sleep.
• You may have to get into small spaces, climb ladders and get wet or muddy.

Useful Subjects

• Biology

Getting In

• Entry is competitive.
• A qualification in animal care is desirable. You could take an NC (SCQF Level 4-6) or HNC (SCQF Level 7) in Animal Care.
• You must have practical experience of working with animals, for example from working at kennels or stables.
• It is also beneficial to have some experience of working with the general public.
• You must be fit as you may have to control large, frightened animals.
• You need a full, clean driving licence.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

5631

3.9 %

RISE

2029

5852

  United Kingdom

2024

78625

5 %

RISE

2029

82535

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What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• dedicated to animal welfare
• confident when working with animals, both large and small
• able to deal with distressing situations and very unpleasant sights
• decisive and able to take control in an emergency
• able to deal with a wide range of people
• resilient and calm in difficult situations
• able to work alone with no supervision.

You need to have:

• a caring nature
• good customer care skills
• sound judgement and the ability to show initiative
• good communication skills.

Training

• Training is on the job.
• You would complete relevant short courses as specified by the employer.

Getting On

• With experience, you may be able to move into the post of Scottish SPCA Inspector.
• You may have to move to other parts of the country for opportunities.

More Information

The Scottish SPCA is the largest animal charity in Scotland. The equivalent organisation to the Scottish SPCA in England and Wales is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). The RSPCA does not operate in Scotland.

One way to get useful practical experience is to volunteer to look after animals at your local Scottish SCPA animal rescue and rehoming centre. Volunteering is open to anyone aged over 16, but for some roles there may be age restrictions or certain skills and experience required. Some centres may have long waiting lists, this type of volunteering is very popular.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.