Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Working Life

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) enforces the law relating to the care, transportation and general welfare of pets, livestock and other animals. Inspectors investigate all complaints about cruelty, but only prosecute in extreme cases of wilful cruelty. Instead they prefer to educate owners in the proper care of their animals. If a case does reach court, an inspector is likely to give evidence.  
 
Inspectors cover town and country areas, which may include farms, riding stables, pet shops, boarding kennels and breeding establishments. Some areas include less common establishments, such as race tracks, abattoirs, livestock markets, circuses and soos.  
 
Inspectors try to find suitable homes for abandoned or injured animals. However, it is occasionally necessary to humanely destroy sick or badly injured animals or even unwanted litters of kittens and puppies. Inspectors may also be called to accident or rescue situations that involve animals.  
 
A substantial amount of time is spent liaising with representatives of other organisations, including the police, trading standards, environmental health and farmers.  
 
Inspectors write reports and gives advice to the police, vets and the public. They may be required to give advice in court. The ISPCA also finds homes for unwanted animals.  
 
Inspectors normally travel around a local area which may be county-wide. A uniform and some form of protective clothing may have to be worn. There may be a risk of being bitten or attacked by animals.

There are currently six ISPCA Inspectors covering 14 counties.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
• Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses, or tranquiliser darts as necessary.
• Supply animals with food, water, and personal care.
• Write reports of activities, and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
• Prepare for prosecutions related to animal treatment, and give evidence in court.
• Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arrange for any necessary medical treatment.
• Contact animal owners to inform them that their pets are at animal holding facilities.
• Educate the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.
• Clean facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control trucks.
• Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.

Further Information

• ISPCA Inspector- from: ISPCA

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Successful applicants to the ISPCA attend an ISPCA inspectorate training course. The course covers theoretical and practical aspects of the job. Once trainees have completed the course, they start a one-year probationary placement that could be anywhere in Ireland. Upon successful completion of this probationary period you will be expected to stay at that posting for four years. You may then apply for other stations within Ireland.

A current Full Driving Licence is required. Knowledge of animal care is also highly important, many relevant Further Education courses are available.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: animal care.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: animal care, veterinary, animal welfare.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: animal science.

Search for CAO Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €39k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
ISPCA/ Indeed/ Payscale

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Veterinary nurses; Pest control officers; Animal care services occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Numbers employed in this occupation are too small to allow for any analysis. Employment permits issued in 2022 related to work riders in the equestrian sector.

• Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

  • National Animal Centre, Derrylogher Lodge, Keenagh, Co. Longford
  • (043) 3325035
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here