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Cheltenham Animal Shelter

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Cheltenham Animal Shelter

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.

10/05/2025

Three-year-old Bulldog, Budleigh, is a big lad with an even bigger heart, and he’s ready to find a forever home. This affectionate goofball loves his humans, and will never say no to a good ear rub or a back scratch (his personal favourite). He’s great with handling and loves a bit of grooming and pampering.

He’s super friendly and loves being around people – he’ll happily soak up fuss from anyone he meets. While Budleigh hasn’t lived with other dogs before, he’s friendly when out and about meeting them, so will enjoy walks with canine pals.

Budleigh can get a bit over excited when playing so we think he would be best suited to a home with dog-savvy children aged 14+ and where he is the only pet.

Long walks aren’t really his thing (he tires out quickly due to his breed), so he’d love a secure, decent-sized garden to explore and play in at his own pace. Once he’s done, it’s nap time, and Budleigh takes his sleep very seriously. If you need to pop out, he’s used to being left for a few hours and will happily snooze while you’re gone.

If you’re after a big, cuddly companion with a heart of gold and a love for the simple things in life – Budleigh might just be your perfect match. Email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to find out more or head to our website to see all our pets waiting to be adopted 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

09/05/2025

Rory is a wonderful seven-year-old cat who’s ready to start a new chapter in a home where he can truly shine.

This lovely boy is full of affection and loves nothing more than curling up beside you for company and cuddles. With his gentle nature and affectionate personality, Rory is sure to become a loyal companion to the right person.

Rory has had a tough time in the past, and we believe some stressful circumstances may have led to occasional toileting issues. That's why we’re looking for a calm, peaceful home — ideally in a rural setting — where Rory can feel safe, relaxed, and truly at ease.

He would do best as the only pet in an adult-only household, where he can enjoy being the centre of attention — just as he deserves.

If you have a quiet home and an open heart, Rory might just be the loving feline friend you’ve been waiting for. To learn more or arrange a meeting, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 — Rory can’t wait to meet you.

08/05/2025

With VE Day very much in our thoughts, we wanted to share a little of what was happening at Cheltenham Animal Shelter during World War II.

In May 1939 Cheltenham Animal Shelter moved to where it is now, in Gardners Lane. That September war broke out.

Understandably, many people in Cheltenham could no longer care for their pets, so they ended up at the Shelter. As well as being inundated with pets, the Shelter became a first aid post for animals who were lost or injured because of the war.

To help, an appeal was launched for the town to bring their pets to the Shelter and register them with a small, numbered disc, so that if they were brought here, they could eventually be returned to their owners. During this time the Shelter also cared for the pets of soldiers and became a depot for the army's carrier pigeons.

It was a time to help people in the many ways they needed, and in the background, the Shelter did what it could to support the pets and people of Cheltenham.

07/05/2025

Two-year-old Pomeranian Rolo is a special boy looking for a very special home where he can feel safe and secure.

When it comes to people, Rolo has a very small, trusted circle and he can take some time to feel comfortable around strangers. He needs plenty of space from people on walks and, even at a distance, may still become worried and anxious. However, when he gets to know you and builds a bond, he is incredibly sweet, playful, and affectionate.

Rolo is familiar with the groomers, enjoys playing with toys when he is relaxed, and was comfortable being left alone for up to four hours in his previous home.

His ideal home will be patient, understanding, and committed to a very slow bonding process. He thrives on routine and calm surroundings, enjoying long walks in open fields where he can feel at ease.

Rolo will be the most loving and rewarding companion so if you have the experience and dedication to give him the space and time he needs, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted, please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

06/05/2025

Three-year-old Pringle is very sweet, and he will come over to say hello especially when there is food involved. He hasn’t had the best start in life but is getting used to his new environment and is enjoying playing with his toys and enrichment, especially his treat ball.

Pringle will need a large enclosure to call home with a neutered older female for company. As rabbits love to live in bonded pairs or small groups, we do not rehome lone rabbits unless we have deemed it appropriate on welfare grounds.

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

05/05/2025

WISHING YOU A FUN FILLED BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 💜

Ozzy the lurcher is our longest-staying resident, having arrived in June 2023. At just over a year old when he came in, Ozzy has spent most of his life in kennels.

Apart from being a little over-enthusiastic about food, and occasionally forgetting his size, he really is a very good boy and we just can't understand why he hasn't been adopted.

Because of his limited experience of the big wide world, Ozzy needs an understanding home to continue his training and build his confidence. He loves brain games, especially those involving food, and his true personality shines when playing with toys in a comfortable environment.

If you have room on your sofa for Ozzy, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to find out more!

04/05/2025

This Sunday we are pleased to share a lovely success story featuring Princess, a SBT x Welsh Terrier who came to the Shelter last year after falling out with another dog in the home.

Princess was just seven months old when she came to us and we knew she needed just the right home to help her become the super dog we knew she could be.

Happily, after two months at the Shelter, Princess went to her forever home with Adrian and Angela just before Christmas. Angela recently told us:

“We visited Princess several times and took her home on 19th December, just before Christmas 2024.

Princess is the most caring, fun-loving dog you could ask for - she loves people and other dogs too. She often destroys her toys, but she loves carrying around her favourite pig (and sometimes carries her bowl around too!).

Her recall and lead-training are so much better - she is getting on so well and loves her cuddles and food. We couldn't ask for a more beautiful girl - we love her so much!”

If you have space in your heart for a rescue pet, please visit our website to see our pets waiting to be adopted 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

03/05/2025

Today is a very special day for one Shelter resident – it’s Albus the cat’s 6th birthday! 😺🎉🎂

Our team couldn’t let his special day pass without fanfare so they threw him his very own birthday party, complete with bunting and all the fishy cake he could eat! They even made sure he had ‘candles’ made from chew sticks with cheese squares for ‘flames’ (which didn’t last long enough to be in the photos!).

Albus had a great time surrounded by his carers but his day would really be complete if he found a forever home to call his own.

Albus is a very loving cat who would like to find a quieter home in an area with low cat population (because he has been known to have the odd falling out with other felines!).

He likes to seek out attention and adores being made a fuss of. His favourite things are food, sleep, fusses, and sunny puddles to warm himself in. He also loves a lap to sit on.

Albus is best suited to a home where any children are teenage+ and no other pets.

If you could make Albus’ birthday wishes come true, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to find out more.

02/05/2025

Captivating Chow Chow, Lilibet, is three-years-old and arrived at the Shelter in February 2024 after squabbling with another Chow in the home.

Lilibet is a typical Chow. She is very independent and can be a little aloof when meeting new people but she has formed strong bonds with our team and we know she will make a super pet if only someone will give her a chance.

Once she’s comfortable, Lilibet’s affectionate side shines, and she’ll quickly become your most loyal friend. She’s playful, fun-loving, and enjoys spending time with her favourite humans.

If you have space in your heart for Lilibet, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to find out more.

01/05/2025

Meet Cosmos! This charming one-year-old is on the lookout for a forever home where he can enjoy access to the outdoors once he's fully settled in. Cosmos previously lived with another cat, so he may be open to sharing his new home with a feline friend again.

Although he was initially shy, Cosmos has grown in confidence and now loves attention—he’ll reward you with loud purrs and happily soak up all the affection you can give. He’s also a big fan of treats, which is a great way to win him over!

We believe Cosmos could be a good match for a home with teenage children, but he would prefer a dog-free environment.

If you would like to adopt Cosmos, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to apply or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted, please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

30/04/2025

Gorgeous, one-year-old Walter came to the Shelter in October as a stray. Being a very young dog when he arrived, he will need an experienced owner who can help him become the wonderful pet we know he can be.

Highly intelligent and eager to learn, Walter is ideal for a family with experience in positive reinforcement training, as he quickly picks up new skills - especially when rewarded with treats!

Walter loves his walks and enjoys sniffing out new adventures, but he can be startled by the hustle and bustle of busy areas. He would thrive in a peaceful, rural setting with quiet walks and a secure garden where he can gradually get used to new sounds and sights.

He has lots of bouncy energy and we feel he will be best suited to an adult-only home with no other pets.

If you could offer Walter the forever home he needs, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to apply or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted, please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

29/04/2025

One-year-old crested guinea pig, Salt, is a sweet-natured chap who is confident and happy in his enclosure. He is very chatty to his neighbours and loves the company and attention of the staff and neighbouring guinea pigs.

Salt is looking for another male guinea pig to cuddle up with in a large enclosure. Please note that the minimum accommodation size for a pair of guinea pigs is 140cm by 70cm (2ft by 4ft). Pictures of accommodation will be asked for upon application.

If you would like to welcome Salt into your family, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 or to see all our pets waiting to be adopted please visit 👉 www.gawa.org.uk 👈

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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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.