Spotlight on Millbrook Animal Centre Manager, Sue Walters: 44 years of service

When did you join the RSPCA and in what capacity? Has your role changed since you started?

I joined the RSPCA on 9th June 1980 as a kennel maid - now known as animal care assistants - but even before that, I volunteered at the weekends while still at school. I left for a short period in 1987 and then returned in 1988 as deputy manager, before being promoted to centre manager in 2000, and the rest is history!

The different positions helped me develop a greater understanding of how a centre works from the ground up, taking on extra responsibilities, learning new skills as a line manager, being customer-focused, and learning more about animal behaviour and medical needs.

The role of the animal centre has essentially remained the same over the years but we are now dealing with more challenging animals so the rehoming side is definitely more difficult.

What has kept you at the RSPCA for all these years??

I’m retiring soon but I’ve been proud to work for the RSPCA and what we stand for - particularly working on the frontline and getting to work with the animals. There is nothing more rewarding than turning an animal’s life around after they’ve come to us from unfortunate situations and seeing them go on to loving forever homes.

What have been your favourite moments working here??

I have many favourite moments, the majority of which are when long-stay animals have been rehomed or when we successfully retain ownership of case animals.?

I also have very fond and proud memories of attending the 2022 National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London, representing the RSPCA.

Do you have any idea of how many animals you’ve helped or seen come and go during your time with the RSPCA?

In the early days working at Millbrook, we would take in over 1,000 dogs and 2,000 cats each year, so the number of animals that have come in during my time has to be in the tens of thousands, which is both shocking and rewarding.

What’s your favourite animal and why?

My first love was horses; I’m sure it came from the book Black Beauty, which I remember being read to me from an early age. Growing up we always had animals in my family so I loved all animals. We also lived opposite a farm, where I spent most of my time with an array of animals.

What do you think is the most pressing issue for animals today??

Animals like us are living in an ever-changing world, people are busy and feel the pressures of life, which I am sure filters down to the animals and is possibly a contributing factor to why we’re dealing with more and more animals with challenging behaviour. It’s also too easy to obtain animals with no form of control or legislation in place.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to thank my incredible team of staff and volunteers at Millbrook for their hard work and support over the years, I could not have done the job without you all!

Two hundred years ago, a group of people met in a London coffee shop, determined to change animals’ lives for the better. That goal has been the beating heart of the RSPCA ever since. Find out more about our history and join our Million-Strong Movement for every kind today!