Thinking about becoming an RSPCA Inspector

[Zeus]

... but im not sure whether i would be qualified enough. Does anyone know what would be the minimum requirements for becoming an RSPCA Inspector. I know kinda what the work entails but like i said im not quite sure whether i'd be qualified enough.

Is there anyone on the board that works of the RSPCA?

Thanks,

Zeus

 

[Boxer*Mom]

Found this here, http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCA/Careers/Car

Entry requirements

* Minimum age 22
* GCSEs/O levels in English language and a science subject
* Physically fit - able to swim 50 metres fully clothed
* Valid driving licence
* Experience of working with animals is desirable
* Interpersonal skills, preferably controlling confrontational situations, are essential
* Qualified inspectors must be prepared to be posted anywhere in England or Wales

From over 2,000 applicants, about 20 aspiring inspectors are selected each year for the tough six-month training course.

Trainees study animal welfare legislation, basic veterinary training, mountain and boat rescue techniques, investigation skills, interview techniques, court work, animal-handling techniques, media training and public speaking. After written examinations, students have six months' probation before achieving full qualification.

 

[Zeus]

Thanks Boxer*Mom,

I cover most of it except that i need too loose a little weight im currently doing a University Diploma in working with animals which should be relevent enough too join.

What would be the best way to develop better Interpersonal Skills?

I have a pretty strong stomach, which im sure is needed.

Zeus

 

[Boxer*Mom]

hmmm....i don't really know. You just have to talk to different people about different things, learn how to get your point across without it getting ugly. When it sometimes will you have to know how to end it effectively.

 

[Zeus]

Im still in education at the moment, so what sort of part-time job would be best do you think for improving my Interpersonal skills?

Something public related is the obvious choice, but when there's nothing locally it's a problem thinking

 

[Boxer*Mom]

Well almost every job has to deal with people, weather it's your co-workers or customers. Try something in customer service. Although you may grow to dislike the human race after too much of that!

 

[Zeus]

Thanks for the advice, your help is greatly appricated

 

[Juicy]

Zeus, when you do, do u mind coming to good ol' florida in the u.s.? We called animal control on our neighbor for letting their dogs roam free, and just b/c they could pay the fines, they keep letting their dogs roam free!!

 

[Boxer*Mom]

Keep calling! Once they receive enough complaints and don't make an attempt to properly restrain/house their dogs, the fines get bigger, and they can lose their dogs.

 

[Dizzy]

I have been thinking about applying for a long time now. Only thing is I haven't learnt to drive yet! Tut tut.

Also there are something like 2000 applications for every 20 jobs!!

But it is definatley still on my 'to do' list.

I did a zoology degree (i'm sure that has to help somewhere!!), not that I can remember much of it now...

I think the best thing to do is get as much experience as possible, and apply EVERY year!

Also - volunteer at your local RSPCA. You will get browny points AND improve your interpersonal skills at the same time.

Maybe we will be competeing for a job one day!!

 

[Boxer*Mom]

Why don't you know how to drive Dizzy?! Well I can't drive a manual shift but I can drive a stick-o-matic, and 4 wheelers. lol So all my vehicles are automatics!

 

[Dizzy]

Here you learn with a manual., automatics are just few and far between!

And I'm not sure if you have been to the UK, but it is stupidly over crowded - and so are the roads!!!!!

Plus lessons are about £20 a go.

I did get lessons for my birthday when I was 17, but, to cut a long story short my driving instructor stood me up one day and I never saw him again!!!

 

[Athebeau]

A couple girls I worked with at the Vet clinic are now SPCA officers. They found that working at a Vet clinic helped immensely with public relation skills. It also helped build a bond with the Vets. She uses this friendship to her benefit quite often. They also learned a great deal, and how to handle emergencies.
I don't remember them taking a specific course (although here in Canada it may be different). One of the girls took training to be a jail guard orginally and was asked to join the SPCA.

I know the job really gets them down a lot. There are so many situations where they are not legally able to do anythingYou really have to have patience, don't fly off the handle...as much as you would like to punch some owners in the head...you really can't Some situations can haunt you, and there are some situations that are frustrating as you can't do a darn thing.

 

[Zeus]

A couple girls I worked with at the Vet clinic are now SPCA officers. They found that working at a Vet clinic helped immensely with public relation skills. It also helped build a bond with the Vets. She uses this friendship to her benefit quite often. They also learned a great deal, and how to handle emergencies.
I don't remember them taking a specific course (although here in Canada it may be different). One of the girls took training to be a jail guard orginally and was asked to join the SPCA.

I know the job really gets them down a lot. There are so many situations where they are not legally able to do anythingYou really have to have patience, don't fly off the handle...as much as you would like to punch some owners in the head... you really can't Some situations can haunt you, and there are some situations that are frustrating as you can't do a darn thing.

I agree, there is alot to consider, whether i'd be able too hold my temper at ignorent owners , i have previously worked in a livestock / small animal vets and it's given me alot of knowledge and good experience .

The best thing about my current course is that it premotes both practical and theory aspects of working with animals. The course has also enabled me to do short courses such as microchipping and vetmed

It's a strong career possibility at the moment, but it's something to aim for other than that im not quite sure what i want too do and what im able too do after i finish my course.

Thanks

Zeus

 

[Dizzy]

Check your pms... I hope the advice helps

 

[Martine]

Good luck to you both, I'd admire you for considering working for them - I hate to think what would go on in the UK if the RSPCA didn't exist. I used to know someone who worked for them, and they did get very frustrated and upset with some of the things they saw, and also got real satisfaction when they saved an animal, or caught some idiot mistreating animals. I think jobs where you can really make a difference often have real highs and lows.

 

[GlassOnion]

Sooo....what's an RSCPA inspector?

I'm gonna have to try that whole 150 meter thing fully clothed. I think I could do it. Know I could in a swimsuit but clothes are mighty heavy...

 

[Dizzy]

RSPCA inspector

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

I have heard the job is very frustrating also. The law just doesn't sit on the animals side. But, will hopefully be changing soon