Tell us how you got this job!
When I was 18 and studying, I volunteered at RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre. I graduated with a degree in Animal Management, and got a job at West Hatch as a full-time Animal Care Assistant, caring for the animals at the centre.
Five years ago I took on this more active Animal Rescue Officer role. Now I travel to check on animals who need our help, and investigate to see if they’ve been mistreated.
What do you like best about your job?
I love helping animals and making sure they end up somewhere safe. When I worked as an animal carer at West Hatch I got to spend more time with animals and bond with them. I miss that, but this job has lots of variety.
Five years ago I took on this more active Animal Rescue Officer role. Now I travel to check on animals who need our help, and investigate to see if they’ve been mistreated.
What’s your most memorable rescue?
I once got called out to Bath on Christmas Day. A member of the public said they’d spotted a snake stuck in a wall. But when I arrived, I saw it was just a statue!
Another time, I had to squeeze into a narrow space between two walls to rescue a fox cub. I just managed to wriggle in and grab the cub, who we safely released back to the wild.
Are there any tough or sad parts of your job?
It’s hard to see when someone is struggling to meet their animal’s needs. We have to rehome some animals, but I do my best to keep pets and owners together. I offer support and pet care advice to help them take the best possible care of their animals.
Do you have any pets?
I’ve come very close! I rescued a lovely dog with an injured leg from a building site. We really bonded and though I was tempted to take her home with me, I knew she needed an owner with more time on their hands. She’s now found a lovely home. If I ever fancy spending time with a doggy friend, I visit my parents and their lovely German shepherd, Ada.
Do you have any advice for someone who’d like a job like yours?
Volunteer with animals when you’re old enough! It’s a great experience and will help prove you’re confident working with animals. And look for a role that suits your personality. I spend lots of time travelling and chatting to new people. And that really suits me.
If you weren’t an Animal Rescue Officer what would you be doing?
It would have to be an animal-related role, like a vet or a kennel assistant at another animal rescue centre. But there’s nothing that compares to this job. My dream is to become an RSPCA inspector one day!