SSPCA inspector
Make a difference in the lives of animals by helping to prevent cruelty.
About the job
A day in the life – SSPCA inspector
What it's like
You would make a difference in the lives of animals by investigate abuse, rescuing animals who are in danger and finding them new homes for animals.
You would work for the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
You would:
Check neglect and cruelty complaints
Advise owners on proper care, give warnings and take some cases to court
Decide if rescued animals need medical treatment
Put animals to sleep if their condition can't be treated
Inspect places such as kennels and pet shops
Inspect events such as circuses, farm shows and races
Work with the police, local councils, vets and dog wardens
Rescue injured or trapped wild animals
Write reports
Give evidence in court
Give talks about animal care
You would work for the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and begin as an animal welfare officer. In this role you would:
Look into minor complaints
Collect and rescue animals
Support inspectors in their work with more complicated cases
You may want to train as an auxiliary inspector instead. You would then cover remote parts of Scotland. You would be trained to assess situations and decide whether an inspector is needed.
Hours
You would work 37.5 hours a week. In some areas you would work a shift system covering weekends, bank holidays, and evenings or nights.
Environment
You would work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. You may also be involved in potentially dangerous situations, for example climbing cliffs or trees to rescue animals.
Travel
In the SSPCA you can be expected to work anywhere in Scotland.
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Related industries
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Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- making decisions
- ethical
- social conscience
- evaluating
- written communication
- verbal communication
- cooperating
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
You would need a minimum of five qualifications at SCQF level 4/5, including English, and ideally a qualification in animal husbandry or science.
Many employers will ask for relevant qualifications in subjects such as veterinary medicine, animal science or animal management.
To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) requires National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers.
To enter a degree requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/D qualification.
Qualifications that show patience, excellent communication skills and experience working with animals such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Animal Care (SVQ level 2/3).
To have previous experience of working with large and small animals and preferably be from a farm or veterinary background
To be able to swim 50m fully clothed
To have a full UK driving licence
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