Becky faces a life or death decision when treating an injured bird, and an investigation into a dog with a large tumour that may have been neglected takes an unexpected turn.

The trainees are investigating cases by themselves for the first time. Debs deals with a potentially deadly snake, Rowena rushes to rescue a pet rabbit and Jess helps a boxer with a lump.

The trainees start working real-life cases alone. Becky deals with an abandoned cat, Jess deals with a horse that's being kept in a back garden and Georgie assists in a dispute over a cat.

The trainees must lead investigations for the first time, including cases of pigeons that have had their wings taped up and meerkats who need to be found a bigger home.

The youngest student in the class comes to the rescue of a malnourished swan, while a former probation officer helps the police to crack down on illegal blood sport in Lincolnshire.

The course begins with a timed swimming test and a working-at-height assessment with the fire service. They then get a taste of some of the challenges they will face when they shadow qualified inspectors working real cases, experiencing everything from rescuing wildlife and saving malnourished animals to seeking justice for abused pets. One member of the group must confront traumatic memories of a childhood riding accident to save a field full of horses that are all close to death.