Animal Rescue Officer – Various Locations (England & Wales)

Join the RSPCA and be the change in an animal's life.
For 200 years, the RSPCA has been a powerful voice for animals. As part of our frontline team, Animal Rescue Officers (AROs) respond to reports of cruelty, neglect and injury—making a real impact through rescue, education, and community support.
This is your chance to turn your passion into a purposeful career.
About the Role
As an ARO, you will:
Respond to reports of animal cruelty, injury, or neglect.
Provide advice and intervention while working with people and animals.
Operate independently across diverse and often challenging environments.
Make quick, informed decisions and handle sensitive situations with empathy.
Physical demands: The role includes lifting animals and equipment, working at heights, in confined spaces, and near water. Full training is provided.
Available Locations
You must already live in one of the listed areas or postcode zones to be eligible.

Applications from outside these locations, including those wishing to relocate, cannot be considered.
Current Openings
Burton-on-Trent & Lichfield
Postcodes: DE13, WS13, WS14
Cumbria (Penrith, Carlisle & surrounding areas)
Postcodes: CA1–CA28, LA1–LA23
Huddersfield, Bradford, Halifax & surrounding areas
Postcodes: HD1–HD8, BD1–BD20, HX1–HX6
Mansfield, Nottingham, Grantham & surrounding areas
Postcodes: NG1–NG25 (excluding NG10 1–5, NG16 4, NG19 8, NG20 8)
Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool & surrounding areas
Postcodes: TS1–TS29, DL1–DL5, DL14–DL17
Preston, Chorley, Bury, Bolton, Wigan, Leigh & Skelmersdale
Postcodes: PR5, PR7, all BL and WN
Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall, Solihull, Dudley
Clevedon, Weston-Super-Mare and Winscombe
Postcodes: BS21–BS26, BS29, BS49
High Wycombe, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Chesham and Amersham
Postcodes: HP1–HP6
Ipswich, Stowmarket and Sudbury
Postcodes: IP1–IP6, IP7–IP9, IP14, CO10 0, CO10 2, CO10 5, CO10 9
Norwich and Diss
Postcodes: NR1–NR5, IP22
Pontypridd, Tonypandy, Ynysybwl, Caerphilly, Crumlin, Newbridge and Abercarn
Basingstoke and Tadley
Postcodes: RG21–RG26
Greater London
Postcodes: East London: E1–E20, EC1–EC4, IG1–IG8, IG11
North London: N1–N22, EN1–EN5
West London: W1–W14, WC1X 0 & 9, UB1–UB10, HA1–HA9, NW1–NW11
South London: SE1–SE28, CR0–CR9 (excluding CR7), BR (all), DA1, DA5–DA8, DA14–DA18

Salisbury, Amesbury and Tidworth
Postcodes: SP1, SP2, SP4, SP9
What You'll Need
A full manual UK driving licence with recent driving experience.
GCSE English Language Grade C/4 or equivalent.
Ability to swim 50m fully clothed within 2.5 minutes (assessed during training).
Strong communication skills, empathy, and emotional resilience.
Must be 18 years old by 10 November 2025 , and available for a 20-week intensive training course with no leave during that time.
Willingness to work independently in varied environments and on flexible shifts, including weekends.
Additional Information
Shifts vary between 8am–9pm.
Pre-employment checks include DBS, social media screening, medical, swim and driving assessments.
You must already have the legal right to work in the UK. We are not able to sponsor visas.
Commitment to Inclusion
The RSPCA is actively seeking to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, particularly from underrepresented groups including minority ethnic communities and people with disabilities.
If you require any support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact:
resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk | 0300 123 0685
Make a lasting impact – apply today and help us change animals' lives for the better.
Important Application Information
Clicking the Apply button on the DJM site will redirect you to the RSPCA Careers page. To ensure your application is successfully processed, please apply directly through the relevant job posting on the RSPCA website.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the job location carefully and submit your application for the position that best matches your preferences and qualifications .
Alternatively, you can click on the hyperlinks for each respective location provided in the advert to go directly to the correct job listing.

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Salary: GBP 30000 - 42000 per year
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