The RSPCA – the country’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity – is recruiting for new Animal Rescue Officers (AROs) in the London area.
RSPCA rescuers primarily help animals by investigating reports of animal cruelty and neglect and also rescue those who are sick, injured or stranded.
The ARO role – a rank in the RSPCA’s inspectorate – can be hugely rewarding and make a real difference to the well-being of animals and in educating owners who care for them.
RSPCA Superintendent Simon Osborne, said: “This is a difficult job which needs a resilient character but there are also many magical moments, such as removing animals from a situation where they are suffering and seeing them heal, physically and mentally.
“Releasing wildlife is always a joy, untangling a fox that gets caught in goal netting is one example. Helping an owner by giving advice or assistance where a person is struggling is also rewarding.
“Often by helping an individual you can rectify an issue to improve animal welfare. You also have the opportunity to carry out media interviews and to work with other teams in the RSPCA to play your part in helping to raise awareness of wider welfare issues.”
The RSPCA is also looking to fill ARO roles in other areas which are experiencing increased demand due to cruelty and neglect, including Essex, Durham, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, so there are also opportunities to work elsewhere in the country.
The training for Animal Rescue Officers is as unique as the job – you may be working at height or in confined spaces, on water or alongside towpaths, and successful applicants will be asked to do a swimming assessment early in their training.
It is a physically demanding job, but the RSPCA is hoping to attract applicants from all walks of life as it takes all types of people to reflect the communities they serve.
The charity is keen that its workforce needs to reflect and understand the diverse communities it works with, so applications are actively encouraged from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation, parental or relationship status.
Simon added: “We aspire for, and celebrate, a diverse RSPCA inspectorate; and our organisation aims to be a bastion for diversity and fairness. As such, we passionately encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, as we strive to reflect and understand the diverse communities we work with and help across England and Wales each and every day.”
Just as important as physical fitness is psychological and emotional strength. As well as coping with distressing, disturbing and heartbreaking situations involving animals, candidates need strong people and communication skills as well as empathy to handle difficult, extremely emotional and sometimes confrontational situations.
Everyone at the RSPCA is expected to live by its core values – compassion, commitment, integrity, expertise and being an inspiration.
Successful candidates will spend a year training – there is a video online of what to expert. To apply please visit the RSPCA’s website. he closing date for applications is 6 February 2026.
The recruitment drive comes as the RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal – The Big Give Back to Animals – in the hope of raising vital funds to support the frontline teams rescuing animals through the winter months.
Reports of animal abandonment reached their highest point in at least six years – with a 19% rise in 2025 compared to 2024 – and issues like the ongoing cost of living crisis mean animals need the RSPCA’s more than ever.
