The RSPCA is expanding its presence in Somerset and Bristol with new roles available.
The UK’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity is seeking animal rescue officers (AROs) to join its teams in the region.
ARO positions are also available in Essex, Durham, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire.
Simon Osborne, RSPCA superintendent, 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.”
Animal rescue officers, a key part of the RSPCA’s inspectorate, investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect, and rescue animals that are injured, sick, or stranded.
The charity is encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds, stating that it values a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
Mr Osborne said: “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.”
The role is physically and emotionally demanding, requiring candidates to demonstrate psychological resilience, strong communication skills, and empathy in often distressing situations.
Training is comprehensive and tailored to the job’s requirements, with recruits prepared to work in challenging environments, including confined spaces, at height, and on water.
A swimming assessment forms part of the early training process.
Successful applicants will undergo a full year of training.
The deadline to apply is Friday, February 6, and applications can be made at jobs.rspca.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/animal-rescue-officer-2721-avon–somerset—bristol-long-ashton-clevedon-portishead-nailsea/2739/description.
The recruitment drive comes at a critical time for the charity, as it faces increasing demand due to rising cases of animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment.
The RSPCA has recorded a 19 per cent increase in reports of abandoned animals in 2025 compared to the previous year.
In response, the RSPCA has launched The Big Give Back to Animals, an urgent fundraising campaign aimed at supporting its frontline rescue teams during the challenging winter months
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