Cheltenham Animal Shelter is a charity that has been helping animals since 1926. We rescue and re-home unwanted and abandoned stray cats, dogs and small animals from across Gloucestershire. Read more about the early days of the shelter.

We also take in rescue dogs from Gloucestershire Constabulary as well as rehoming dogs, cats and small animals from owners who can no longer look after them for a variety of reasons. Small animals we often have in our care include rabbits, gerbils and guinea pigs.

The mission of Gloucestershire Animal Welfare Association and Cheltenham Animal Shelter is:

To provide shelter for homeless domestic animals whilst attempting to locate appropriate new homes. We also aim to educate members of the public in correct and appropriate animal husbandry through humane education programs.

We are a member of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes and we adhere to, and exceed, their code of practice. In doing that we are very careful to ensure that each and every animal goes to the right home.

We rely on the support of members of the public to help us look after approximately 800 dogs, cats and small animals which pass through our doors each year. At present Cheltenham Animal Shelter is not eligible for National Lottery or Government funding. Instead we rely on the generosity of our supporters to meet the £650,000 annual running costs.

As the shelter has its own on-site Veterinary Surgery, all the animals receive the veterinary treatments they require immediately. Your support ensures that this level of care can continue, giving homeless animals that arrive at the shelter the best possible care until loving new homes are found.