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Cheltenham Animal Shelter

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Cheltenham
Cheltenham Animal Shelter

We care for and rehome Gloucestershire's unwanted and abandoned cats, dogs and small animals. Please visit our website for more details.
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Cheltenham Animal Shelter is a charity that has been helping animals since 1926. Based in the heart of Gloucestershire, we rescue and rehome stray, unwanted and abandoned cats, dogs and small animals. Each year we care for hundreds of animals without the help of government funding so we rely greatly on the generosity of animal lovers like you to ensure that our doors remain firmly open. Cheltenham

Animal Shelter is an executive member of the ‘Association of Dogs and Cats Homes’, whereby we adhere to and exceed their code of practice. At our Cheltenham site, in addition to our rehoming facilities, we have dog and cat boarding facilities, dog daycare, dog grooming parlour, charity shop, and low-cost vet practice. Proceeds from these businesses help the rescue animals in our care.

11/01/2025

Adorable five-year-old Bear came to the Shelter because he was struggling with another dog in the home. Bear is always smiling and we know that he will bring joy and companionship into the life of his new family if only someone will give him a chance.

Bear needs a quiet home environment where he can relax and feel comfortable, and would like a secure garden with high fences to prevent any escape attempts! He is currently working on wearing a harness and is getting used to regular walks, so calm and quiet routes are best to help him build his confidence.

Bear adores food and treats, which can be incredibly helpful for training and building trust. Once he gets to know you, he enjoys receiving affection and cuddles, and will be eager to bond with a new family. Bear will ideally need someone who can be around for most of the day, as he prefers not to be left alone for too long.

Bear would like an adult-only home where he can feel safe and secure. He hasn’t had the best experiences with other dogs and he is still adjusting to new situations, so patience and understanding will be important with his new family.

If you could be the forever family Bear is waiting for, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 for an application form or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted, please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

10/01/2025

This poor five-year-old kitty has had a really tough time.

River was taken to a vet with a nasty abscess on her head that was probably caused by a bite wound. The vet tried to contact her owner but they didn’t come forward to collect her so, after treating the wound, they brought her to the Shelter.

Soon after arriving at the Shelter, the wound burst requiring emergency surgery at our on-site practice. This initially seemed to be healing nicely but our team noticed that River seemed out of sorts so took her back to the vets for investigations where the wound erupted again.

Sadly her ordeal wasn’t over and, although her bite wound has now healed, during a follow up appointment our vet noticed some discharge from her ears. River was sedated so he could do a thorough examination during which a polyp was identified as the cause.

River urgently needed surgery to remove the polyp through a procedure called ‘Ventral Bulla Osteotomy’ where the growth is removed through an incision behind the jaw. This is a delicate procedure but offered the best hope for River to enjoy a healthy, pain-free future.

The surgery took place earlier this week and went very well. Although River has some temporary palsy in her pupil and third eyelid (a common side-effect of the procedure), this is already showing signs of improvement and she seems very well in herself.

We are hopeful that this is the end of Rivers woes, and she will soon be ready to find her forever home.

Please help us care for more cats like River who desperately need us by making a donation at ❤️ www.gawa.org.uk/make-a-donation ❤️ or via the button on this post.

09/01/2025

Four-year-old Suzie is hoping her forever home is just around the corner after spending eight long months at the Shelter.

This lovely young lady is very shy during the day with all the hustle and bustle, but will come out to see our on-call team in the evenings after everyone else has gone home. She becomes quite vocal with them and will enjoy a fuss for a short time. We are sure she will thrive and come out of her shell once she is in a peaceful home.

Suzie needs a little extra TLC from her new family. She requires fortnightly ear cleaning, which can be done at home by two people, and she has early signs of HCM which doesn’t currently require any treatment but will need monitoring in years to come.

If you could offer Suzie the forever home she is waiting for, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 for an application form, or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

08/01/2025

Six-year-old Mia is a sweet and affectionate girl with a heart full of love for everyone she meets. She was found abandoned in a property after her owners were evicted and she has now been with us for two months without any interest. Please share this post so we can find our gorgeous girl her forever home!

While she may be a little shy at first, she quickly warms up and thrives on attention and affection. Mia is incredibly intelligent, always using her keen nose to seek out new adventures or uncover hidden treats in snuffle mats and puzzle feeders.

She would love a spacious garden where she can explore at her own pace, as she can feel anxious in unfamiliar surroundings. Mia would be happiest in a home where she’s the centre of attention, ideally with a family who will spend plenty of time with her. She can live with children aged 16+ in a home without other pets.

If you have the forever home that Mia is waiting for, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 for an application form or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted, please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

07/01/2025

CAT ‘GUARDIANS’ NEEDED

Please note: they are each looking for a home of their own - they don’t need to stay together.

These three adorable kittens called Cubbi, Summi, and Zummi, were brought to the Shelter with their mum a few weeks ago at around five months old. They had been living in a garden and the finder took them in for a short time before bringing them to us.

While they are definitely not feral, they are not well socialised with people so probably won’t suit a life as a family pet, but they will need to be looked after by a ‘guardian’ who will make sure they are fed and healthy.

It may be that over time they relax in their new environment and decide they would like to live indoors but we feel that their current personalities would be better suited to a home, similar to a farm, where they can roam free and check in at dinner time.

If you could offer Cubbi, Summi, or Zummi a place to call home, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 for an application form or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted, please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

06/01/2025

Ducky is a delightful 4-year-old canary with a sweet and playful nature. She has a fondness for seeds and loves her bath, and she’s happiest hopping from perch to perch or lounging on her favourite ladder toy.

You’ll often find her cheerfully chirping while observing all the activity around her enclosure. Ducky is seeking a spacious cage or aviary where she can stretch her wings and explore freely, enjoying plenty of room to move and play.

If you have the perfect place for Ducky, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 for an application form or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted, please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk

05/01/2025

It’s time for a Sunday success story and this week we are pleased to tell you how albino rabbit, Perry, is settling into his new home. Perry came to the Shelter when he was 10 months old – he had been part of a surprise litter after his owner adopted a rabbit, not realising she was already pregnant.

He was very sociable and friendly towards his carers while at the Shelter, so it surprised us when this confident little bunny was still with us four months after arriving.

However, Perry finally landed on his paws when new owner Sam chose him as the perfect companion for her son’s recently single female bun. Sam recently told us:

“One of my twin boys suddenly lost his Rex rabbit called Cookie and he was devastated. He’d left behind his bunny wife, Snuggles, and over time, we could see how lonely Snuggles was and how much my son was missing his own rabbit.

We decided to see if we could find a new companion and visited Cheltenham Animal Shelter. As soon as we walked into the rabbit area, Perry came running to the bars to greet my son and there was an instant bond between them.

Perry is loving life with his new bunny wife and loves all the attention from my twin boys and anyone who wants to stroke him. He's so gentle and calm.”

What a happy outcome for Perry, Snuggles and their human family!

If you could offer one of our pets a forever home, please take a look at our website 👉 www.gawa.org.uk

04/01/2025

Eight-month-old Rudy came to the Shelter as a stray, so we don’t know very much about his life experience. He seems to find unfamiliar situations a bit overwhelming so he’s searching for a loving family who can offer him the patience and support he needs to settle into a new home and thrive. With a little help and training, Rudy will feel comfortable and confident in his new environment.

Rudy enjoys playful moments, especially when it involves puzzle feeders or snuffle mats, and loves a good fuss. He would thrive in a peaceful, rural home, as he can become anxious in busy areas. Rudy would also benefit from having access to a secure garden where he can explore and get used to new smells and sounds while he adjusts to his surroundings.

Rudy would like to be the only pet in the home with children aged 16+.

If you could offer Rudy his forever home, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 for an application form or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted, please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

03/01/2025

Our dogs had a lovely belated Christmas surprise yesterday when Elaina (aged 8) and Evie (aged 10) came to the Shelter.

The girls had asked Santa for gifts for our dogs this year, instead of gifts for themselves, and had wrapped up a box of goodies brimming with toys, treats, blankets and food.

We took them for a little peek at our cats and small animals before Russell the lurcher came out to say thank you on behalf of all his friends.

What an incredibly thoughtful and generous thing for them to do! THANK YOU Elaina and Evie ❤️

01/01/2025

Happy New Year from CAS! 🥂🐾

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our supporters and volunteers for the amazing generosity we have received in 2024.

Whether you donated items for our animals, goods to sell in our charity shops, your time, or your money, you should be very proud.

We have cared for hundreds of animals in need who have come to stay at the Shelter and countless more pets in the local community. We couldn’t do any of this without you!

THANK YOU and wishing you a wonderful 2025 from the CAS Team x

31/12/2024

As 2024 draws to a close, we look back fondly at the many pets who have found their forever homes, including our longest ever resident Kato the Akita who was with us for 3.5 years.

While we have much to celebrate, we have some pets who have been with us for a long time, and we hope that 2025 will bring with it their second chance at happiness.

Long-stay pets often get overlooked, but these amazing animals have so much to offer and we know that they will make super pets if only someone gives them a chance.

OPTIMISTIC OZZY
Ozzy, our longest-staying resident, arrived in June 2023 and has been with us for 567 days. At just over a year old when he came in, Ozzy has spent most of his life in kennels. He needs an understanding home where he can build confidence. He loves brain games, especially those involving food, and his true personality shines when playing with toys in a comfortable environment.

MAJESTIC MAPLE
Maple, our gorgeous Shepherd, arrived in September 2023 and has spent 478 days with us, marking her second Christmas here. She came to us very nervous but has gained confidence, showing her cheeky, adorable side. Maple needs owners who understand it may take time to earn her trust. She requires a secure garden and regular attention. Her favourite activity is tossing and chasing toys.

SENSITIVE SUZIE
Suzie arrived in March, 279 days ago, and has blossomed since settling in. While initially shy, she’s affectionate and loves head scratches. Suzie is a homebody who can live as a housecat, as long as her new owners are patient with her shy, nervous nature. Her favourite things are her toy dog and any box she can play or hide in!

TENDER-HEARTED TOBY
Toby came to us in May 2024. Throughout his 229 days with us this beautiful six-year-old lop rabbit has really shown his sweet side and we have discovered he loves to sunbathe almost as much as he likes coriander! Toby needs a home where he will have a neutered rabbit for company and a big safe enclosure to call home.

If you have an Ozzy, Maple, Suzie or Toby shaped place in your heart, please do get in touch as we would love to hear from you! See all our pets waiting to be adopted in 2025 👉 www.gawa.org.uk

30/12/2024

What best describes a receptionist in a busy pet rescue shelter?

A friendly face, a kind voice, a calm, reassuring first point of contact – all of those and more. What skills are needed – the ability to multitask, be resourceful and organised, be able to work through problems.

Find out what Marie, receptionist at the Shelter for 25 years, says about her role at 👉 www.gawa.org.uk/news

29/12/2024

Earlier this year, Shelter team member Angie took on the challenge of completing a daring wing walk in aid of our pets in need.

As a charity who receives no government funding, we rely on the fundraising efforts and donations of our generous supporters and Angie raised an amazing £1,721 + Gift Aid with the help of some very creative fundraising initiatives.

We asked Angie what she did that made her fundraising so successful:

“I didn’t want to rely on people’s goodwill for sponsorship due to the economic climate right now, so I thought of other ways to fundraise.

I put a Facebook post out to my friends, family and neighbours asking if they had any items I could sell at a ‘car boot’; items that they would normally throw or donate directly to charity, saying why I needed them. This was very successful and was the foundation for most of my fundraising.

I sorted the goods and attended school fetes etc, most of which can be found advertised on the page ‘Stallholders and Events in Gloucestershire’. I tried a few different ideas for stalls like:

⭐Hook a bag (I washed cuddly toys and put a picture on a bag for children to hook)
⭐I sold dvds and cds
⭐Held raffles and tombolas
⭐Toy bingo
⭐Auctioned an extremely large cuddly toy.

I also sold some items privately on Facebook marketplace and eBay and attended a few car boots with the excess items, then donated the remainder stuff I hadn’t managed to sell or use back to our charity shop.

I think it helped my fundraising that I documented my journey with pictures on my Enthuse fundraising page and posted thanks when someone gave me a donation too.

I am very grateful for people donating and supporting me, it has helped me raise the amount I did 😊”

If Angie’s story has inspired you to fundraise for us in 2025, we partner with a range of challenge events that you can take part in by yourself or as a group, or you can choose your own challenge.

More information can be found on our website 👉 www.gawa.org.uk/fundraise

28/12/2024

Enrichment is providing your pets with activities that meets their mental, physical, and emotional needs. Much like us relaxing in front of the tv or with a good book our pets enjoy activities to help them relax and unwind. It is important that ALL pets are provided with enrichment items.

Enrichment is particularly important at times when your pet may feel more stressed than usual. Busy periods in the home like Christmas, New Years Eve and family gatherings can be very unfamiliar to them and providing enrichment items can help calm your pets.

For example, a dog searching for food or licking releases endorphins, which help comfort and relax them, reducing their stress levels. A welcome distraction is just as important for our cats and small animals too.

Some great enrichment examples for our pets include:
🐾 Kongs
🐾 Boxes, loo rolls, eggs boxes with treats hidden inside
🐾 Lickimats
🐾 Snuffle mats
🐾 Hide and seek – hide a treat or toy for your pet to find
🐾 Scatter feeding – placing food/ treats on the ground for them to seek out.

Why not try making a destruction box for your dog with items you can easily find around the home. These can easily be adapted to suit other pets.

For further pet advice and more enrichment ideas, please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk/pet-advice

27/12/2024

With the winter season, comes colder temperatures, darker mornings and evenings, and the unpredictable British weather. With the shorter, wintery days comes dog walks in the dark. However, there are things we can do to keep both ourselves and our dogs safe, here are some of our top tips.

🐾 Make sure to carry your phone with you on your walk for emergencies.
❄ Bring a head torch/ torch with you on your walk.
🐾 Wear bright reflective clothing
❄ Reflective dog walking gear such as, collars, harnesses, and coats. You can also get collars that light up!
🐾 If your dog likes bringing toys on their walks, you can get light up balls so you can locate it at home time!
❄ If letting your dog off lead, it is also important to ensure your dog has good recall or only letting them off in enclosed areas, away from the road.

For more hints and tips to keep your dogs, cats, and rabbits safe and warm this winter read our ‘Pets in winter’ article which you can find at ❄ www.gawa.org.uk/pet-advice ❄

26/12/2024

We would love to see how your pawsome pet got involved this Christmas!

Share your favourite festive pet pics with us in the comments...

25/12/2024

Christmas Day at CAS 🎅🎄✨

Christmas Day at the Shelter begins early in the morning, much like any other day, but with a festive twist. Devoted staff members arrive first thing to look after the animals and spread some holiday cheer.

The dogs are served their usual breakfast before heading out for walks through the frosty grounds. Back at the kennels, they eagerly open their Christmas stockings, brimming with treats and toys kindly donated at our recent Festive Fayre and from our Shoebox Appeal.

Once the excitement settles, the team cleans the kennels and prepares the dogs' evening meals before shutting them in the cosy back part of their kennel where they have heating and warm beds to snuggle in.

The cats and small animals don’t miss out, as breakfast is accompanied by extra treats and toys to ensure each and every one enjoys some festive spirit. Their enclosures are cleaned, and later they are fed again before the animal care team wraps up their work for the day.

During the evening, our on-call staff check all the animals, the dogs receive their evening meal, medications are administered, and all the cats, dogs and small animals are tucked in for the night.

Although the pets are still waiting for their new homes, the day is cheerful and full of festive fun, made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters who help us care for every resident.

24/12/2024

Wishing you a very merry Christmas from the team and all the cats, dogs and small animals at Cheltenham Animal Shelter!

We would like to say a special thank you to everyone who donated to our Shoebox Appeal this year from families to local businesses – we are overwhelmed by the response and every pet will have special treats this Christmas!

Baloo the Chow Chow, Felix the cat, and Peter and Nibbles the bunnies came to get a sneak peek so they could tell all their friends what a special day they have to look forward to.

Address

Gardners Lane
Cheltenham
GL519JW

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4pm
Friday	8:30am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Website

http://www.gawa.org.uk/

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Videos

HUGE congratulations to Shelter team member Angie for completing a daring wing walk this weekend to raise money for our pets in need! 👏 Angie's fundraising page is still open so if you are able to make a small donation it will all go towards helping our homeless cats, dogs and small animals - 👉 https://cas.enthuse.com/pf/angie-aston #cheltenhamanimalshelter #charity #donate #thankyou

Doobie is praying he finds his forever home! 11-month-old Doobie is extremely friendly, loves his food, and it is very endearing when he begs for attention! Doobie came to the Shelter from a local vet because he needed treatment for a blocked bladder and his owner decided to sign him over. He is on a special diet to prevent the issue from recurring, but the vet believes it was caused by the stress of living with several other cats, and he has had no further problems since being with us. If you have the perfect home for Doobie, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

Reiko needs a forever home!

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Our Story

Cheltenham Animal Shelter is a charity that has been helping animals since 1926. Based in the heart of Gloucestershire, we rescue and re-home unwanted and abandoned stray cats, dogs and small animals. Each year we care for around 800 animals at a cost of £650,000 without the help of any Government funding. We rely greatly on the generosity of animal lovers like you to ensure that our doors remain firmly open. Providing we have space available, members of the public needing to re-home their dog, cat or small animal can sign them over in to our care. We are extremely careful that all of our animals find their right home by asking potential owners to complete a life-style questionnaire and conducting a home visit. Cheltenham Animal Shelter are executive members of the ‘Association of Dogs and Cats Homes’, where we adhere to and exceed their code of practice. We also have dog boarding and cat boarding facilities available while you are away on holiday.