About the Role
Join the RSPCA as a Regional Clinical Animal Behaviourist, providing expert assessment and support for dogs and cats with complex behavioural and welfare needs across North Wales and North West England. This home-based position offers professional autonomy with a clear sense of impact: you'll develop individualised behaviour and welfare plans, oversee their implementation across animal centres and post-adoption settings, and contribute directly to rehoming decisions and animal outcomes.
The role combines clinical expertise with strategic input. You'll mentor the RSPCA's Behaviour and Welfare Advisers, represent the organisation publicly on behavioural rehabilitation, support prosecutions as an expert witness, and stay at the forefront of science-led practice. Extensive travel within region and occasional overnight stays are required; you'll be provided with a fleet vehicle.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess behaviour and welfare of dogs and cats with complex needs, developing and overseeing implementation of tailored management and intervention plans
- Advise animal care teams, centre managers, and veterinary colleagues on behaviour and welfare matters
- Evaluate progress and outcomes for animals receiving specialised support across multiple settings
- Contribute expert input to rehoming and euthanasia assessment decisions
- Support and mentor Behaviour and Welfare Advisers (BWAs) and deliver professional development training on animal behaviour and welfare
- Act as spokesperson for the RSPCA on dog and cat behavioural rehabilitation and welfare to media and external stakeholders
- Provide expert witness evidence to support the RSPCA's prosecutions department
- Maintain accurate records and data; stay current with science-led practices in behaviour rehabilitation and welfare
- Support strategic initiatives within the RSPCA related to animal behaviour and welfare
Requirements
- Level 6 graduate qualification or higher (Diploma, Masters, Doctorate, or equivalent NVQ Level 6) in companion animal behaviour, welfare and behaviour modification, or companion animal behaviour counselling
- ABTC accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist or Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) specialising in dogs
- Member of an ABTC registered animal behaviour practitioner organisation or CCAB Certification Ltd
- Extensive field experience in dog behaviour rehabilitation and welfare
- Practical, hands-on experience handling and applying welfare-based behaviour modification techniques with dogs for a range of challenging behaviours
- Full, manual driving licence (reasonable adjustments available)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage time efficiently
- Proficiency with IT applications including documents, spreadsheets, and presentation software
- Capacity to manage emotionally demanding situations with appropriate self-care
- Approachable, friendly, collaborative and able to influence colleagues
- Open to challenge and debate while defending professional opinions
- Demonstrable commitment to animal welfare
- Currently residing in North Wales or North West England, or willing to relocate
- Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship not available)
Desirable
- ABTC accredited or CCAB Clinical Animal Behaviourist specialising in cats and/or small animals or exotic species
- Practical hands-on experience applying welfare-based behaviour modification techniques with cats and/or small animals
- Previous experience in a rescue or animal welfare environment
Benefits
- Salary: £45,966 per annum
- 35-hour working week, full-time
- 25 days holiday per year
- Pension scheme
- Healthcare cash plan
- Life assurance
- Occupational sick pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Dog-friendly policies
- Cycle to work scheme
- Professional development support
- Family-friendly policies
- Fleet vehicle provided for role-related travel
About the RSPCA
The RSPCA is a registered charity dedicated to preventing cruelty and promoting animal welfare across England and Wales. With a network of animal centres, rescue operations, and clinical teams, the organisation combines frontline animal rescue with expert behaviour support, advocacy, and compliance work.
This regional behaviourist role sits within the RSPCA's veterinary and clinical directorate, supporting the care and rehabilitation of animals in RSPCA centres and post-adoption. The team values science-led practice, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to improving outcomes for animals in need.
