20 ASPCA Interview Questions and Answers

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in 1866 and is the first humane organization established in the Americas. The ASPCA’s mission is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”

If you’re interested in working for the ASPCA, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, qualifications, and knowledge of animal welfare issues. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample ASPCA interview questions and answers.

ASPCA Interview Process

The interview process at ASPCA can be long and competitive, depending on the position you are applying for. They often call references, ask applicable questions, and follow through with background checks. For some positions, like Animal Care Technician, the process can be lengthy and multiple interviews are conducted. For other positions, like Administrative Assistant, the process is shorter and only consists of one or two interviews. Overall, the experience is positive and all employees are passionate about the company’s mission.

1. Tell me a time when you had to work with people who were very different from you.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you work with others and your ability to collaborate. Use examples from previous jobs or school projects that show you can work with people who have different opinions, backgrounds or personalities than you do.

Example: “In my last job, I worked on a team of five other animal rights activists. We all had very strong opinions about what we thought was best for animals, but we also respected each other’s ideas and opinions. We would often disagree in meetings, but we always made sure to listen to one another and find common ground. In the end, we were able to come up with some great solutions for helping animals.”

2. Do you have any experience working in an animal shelter?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience working in a fast-paced environment. If you do, they may ask you to describe your previous work experience and how it prepared you for this role. If you don’t have any experience working in an animal shelter, you can talk about your interest in helping animals and what led you to apply for this position.

Example: “I’ve volunteered at my local animal shelter since I was in high school. I love spending time with the animals there and making sure they’re comfortable while waiting to be adopted. In fact, I started a program where we would take dogs on walks around town so people could get to know them better before deciding whether or not to adopt.”

3. Describe your management style.

The ASPCA is a large organization with many employees. The hiring manager may ask this question to learn more about your management style and how you would interact with other team members. To answer this question, think of a time when you were in charge of a project or group. Describe the type of leadership you used and what helped you achieve success.

Example: “In my last role as an animal care technician, I was responsible for training new staff members on proper procedures. I found that providing clear instructions and answering questions helped others understand their roles. When someone had a problem, I made myself available to help them find solutions. This approach helped me build strong relationships with my coworkers and train new staff effectively.”

4. What would you do if you saw another employee mistreating and animal?

The ASPCA is a place where you can work with animals, so it’s important to show that you’re willing to stand up for them. Your answer should include an example of how you would handle the situation and what your goal would be.

Example: “If I saw another employee mistreating an animal, I would first try to talk to them about their actions. If they didn’t listen or continued to mistreat the animal, I would report them to my supervisor. My goal would be to ensure that no other animals were harmed by this person.”

5. What are some of the biggest challenges that you expect to face as a manager at ASPCA?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle challenges and whether your skills match the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific challenge that you faced in a previous role and how you overcame it.

Example: “One of the biggest challenges I expect to face as a manager at ASPCA is helping my team members feel valued and appreciated for their work. In my last role, I noticed that some employees felt like they weren’t getting enough feedback or praise from management. So, I started holding monthly meetings where managers could give positive feedback to their teams. This helped increase morale among staff and made them more productive.”

6. How would you handle it if an employee came to you with concerns about one of their coworkers?

The ASPCA wants to know that you can handle conflict in the workplace and resolve it quickly. Your answer should show that you are willing to help your employees work through any issues they may have with one another, while also ensuring that everyone is performing their job well.

Example: “I would first ask them what concerns they had about their coworker. I would then speak with the employee who was being complained about and find out why they were acting the way they were. If there was a misunderstanding or miscommunication, I would try to resolve it as soon as possible so that both parties could get back to work. If there was an issue of performance, I would talk to all involved and explain how we expect our employees to perform at work.”

7. Why are you interested in this position?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have a genuine interest in working for the ASPCA. It also helps them understand what motivates you and how your personal values align with those of the organization. When preparing for this interview question, think about why you want to work for the ASPCA. Consider mentioning specific aspects of their mission that resonate with you.

Example: “I am passionate about animal welfare and believe it is important to protect all animals from cruelty. I would love to work for an organization like the ASPCA because I feel like my skills and experience make me well-suited for this role. For example, I have extensive customer service experience and enjoy helping others. I also have strong organizational skills and enjoy being part of a team.”

8. If you were hired, what would be your approach to managing employees?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and how you would manage a team of employees. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about the qualities that make a good leader and how you apply them in your own work.

Example: “I believe that one of the most important qualities of a great manager is being approachable. I want my employees to feel comfortable coming to me with questions or concerns because I know that they are more likely to do so if they trust me. Another quality I look for in managers is empathy. It’s important to understand what others are going through and how we can help them.”

9. Tell us about a time where you were able to make a difference for someone or something.

This question is a great way to show your passion for helping others and the impact you’ve had on their lives. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include specific details about how you helped someone or an organization achieve success.

Example: “I once worked with a family who was struggling financially. They were having trouble paying for their pet’s medical bills, so I reached out to our ASPCA chapter to see if we could help them find financial assistance. After some research, I found that they qualified for a grant program through the ASPCA. We were able to provide them with enough money to cover all of their expenses.”

10. What is your favorite part about working with animals?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you feel about working with animals. Your answer should be personal, so try to think of something that relates to your own experiences.

Example: “My favorite part about working with animals is when I see them overcome their fears or anxieties. For example, I once worked with a dog who was afraid of loud noises. We spent weeks training him to get used to loud sounds, and eventually he overcame his fear. It’s moments like these that make me love my job.”

11. Have you ever been bitten by an animal before?

This question is a behavioral one that the ASPCA may ask to learn more about your experience with animals. They want to know if you have ever been bitten by an animal and how you handled it. This can help them determine whether you are able to handle aggressive behavior from animals in the future. In your answer, try to be honest about your experiences while also showing that you learned from them.

Example: “I have never been bitten by an animal before. However, I do remember when I was younger my neighbor’s dog bit me on the leg. At first, I was scared of the dog but then I realized he was just playing around. I told him ‘no’ and moved away from him. He stopped biting me and went back to his owner.”

12. Do you know how to administer medicine to animals?

ASPCA employees may need to administer medicine to animals in their care. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience doing this and how well you can do it. If you have relevant experience, share a specific example of when you administered medicine to an animal. If you don’t have any experience, explain that you are willing to learn.

Example: “I’ve never had the opportunity to administer medicine to animals, but I am very comfortable with administering human medication to pets at home. When my neighbor’s dog was sick last year, I gave him his medication twice a day for two days. He got better really quickly after starting treatment.”

13. Are you comfortable handling aggressive animals?

ASPCA employees may encounter aggressive animals in their work. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you have the experience and skills necessary to handle these situations. In your answer, share a time when you encountered an aggressive animal. Explain what steps you took to deescalate the situation. Share how your actions helped calm the animal down.

Example: “I once worked at a veterinary clinic where we saw many different types of animals. One day, I was treating a dog that had been hit by a car. The dog was very aggressive toward me because it was in pain. I knew that if I wanted to treat the dog, I would need to get close enough to administer treatment. So, I talked calmly to the dog while slowly moving closer. Eventually, I was able to give the dog its medication.”

14. What steps would you take to ensure the safety of yourself and others while working with animals?

The ASPCA is a highly regulated organization, and the interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of safety protocols. Use examples from your experience that show you understand how to work with animals while keeping yourself and others safe.

Example: “I have worked in animal care for many years, so I am very familiar with the proper procedures for handling animals. For example, when working with dogs or cats, I always make sure to keep my hands clean and avoid direct contact with their mouths. When working with larger animals like horses or cows, I use protective equipment such as gloves and masks to prevent myself from getting injured.”

15. Can you tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a client?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your dedication to helping animals. Use examples from your previous experience that show you’re willing to go above and beyond for clients, even if it’s not in your job description.

Example: “When I worked at my last company, we had a client who was looking for an adoption center that could take care of their dog while they were on vacation. They didn’t want to board him because he was very anxious around other dogs, so I volunteered to watch him during the day while our office was closed. It wasn’t part of my job description, but I knew how important this was to them, so I offered to do it.”

16. What kind of skills do you think are necessary to be successful at ASPCA?

ASPCA is a large organization that requires employees to have many different skills. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your qualifications and how you would fit in at the company. In your answer, try to identify two or three specific skills that you possess. You can also mention any other skills that you are willing to develop if hired.

Example: “I think it’s important for ASPCA employees to be compassionate people who care about animals. I am someone who has always loved animals and would love to work with an organization that shares my passion. Another skill I think is necessary is communication. I believe it’s important to be able to clearly communicate ideas and information to others. I feel confident that I could do this through both written and verbal means.”

17. Are you familiar with the various types of equipment used in veterinary settings?

The ASPCA is a large organization that offers many different types of jobs. Some employees work in the field, while others are based at headquarters. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience with the tools and technology used by veterinarians. Use your answer to highlight any relevant skills or knowledge.

Example: “I worked as a veterinary technician for two years before I went back to school to get my degree. During that time, I learned about all kinds of equipment, including diagnostic machines, surgical instruments and animal restraint devices. I also gained valuable experience working with animals of all sizes and species. This helped me develop an understanding of how to handle various situations.”

18. We receive many applications every year, why should we hire you over other candidates?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your qualifications and why you are the best candidate for the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight any unique or specific skills that make you an ideal ASPCA employee.

Example: “I am passionate about animal rights and would love to work at an organization like the ASPCA. I have experience working with animals in my current role as a veterinary technician, so I know how to handle different situations when they arise. My communication skills are also strong, which makes me a great communicator and team member.”

19. What type of training have you received to prepare you for this job?

The ASPCA is looking for candidates who are willing to learn and grow in their career. They want to know that you have the ability to take on new challenges and responsibilities as they arise. When answering this question, explain what type of training you’ve received in your previous roles. If you haven’t had any formal training, discuss how you’ve learned new skills through self-study or other means.

Example: “I’ve taken several online courses about animal care and welfare. I also completed a certification program with my last employer where I learned more about working with animals and understanding their behaviors. These programs helped me develop my knowledge and skills so that I can better serve animals in need.”

20. Give an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker.

The ASPCA wants to know that you can work well with others and resolve conflicts. When answering this question, try to focus on the steps you took to solve the conflict and emphasize your ability to collaborate with others.

Example: “I once had a coworker who was very critical of my work. I tried to ignore it at first, but eventually I asked him if he could be more specific about his feedback so I could improve. He told me that I needed to proofread my work more thoroughly before submitting it. After that, I made sure to double-check all of my work before submitting it to my supervisor.”