- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to work on your own
- sensitivity and understanding
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of public safety and security
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- advising owners on proper care and issuing warnings
- rescuing animals and arranging medical treatment
- putting animals down humanely
- taking a case to court
- inspecting kennels, pet shops and agricultural shows
- working with local authorities to rescue injured deer or foxes
- writing reports
- giving talks to educate the public
You may need to wear a uniform.
You could work at an abattoir, in a court, on a farm, on the streets, in the community or at a client's home.
Your working environment may be dirty, you'll travel often, physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors some of the time.
With experience, you could progress to chief inspector then regional superintendent.
You could move into management or training roles at the RSPCA headquarters.
You'll find advice about working as an inspector through the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
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