Work with us
Cheltenham Animal Shelter has been helping animals for almost 100 years and we couldn’t do it without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Would you like to join a team of dedicated animal lovers and help abandoned and unwanted animals across Gloucestershire?
Vacancies at Cheltenham Animal Shelter will be published on our website when they become available and we will share these jobs and volunteer roles on our social media, so be sure to follow us!
Please note that employees and volunteers must be aged 18+
Employment vacancies
Full Time Animal Care Assistant
A vacancy has arisen for a Full Time Animal Care Assistant. The contracted hours are 38.75 hrs per week, working every other Saturday and Sunday, with a day off during the week. The current working pattern is 08:30-16:45.
A description of the role can be downloaded below, and full training will be given. The roles start with a four-month probationary period and the rate of pay is National Living Wage, plus other staff benefits including a workplace pension and company sick pay.
The roles will suit an enthusiastic, hardworking and conscientious individual who like working outdoors. Experience and a proven track record in an animal welfare/rescue and/or boarding environment is essential and a prerequisite for the job. A full driving licence is required and an immediate start would be preferred.
Please apply in writing with a copy of your CV to Nicky Merifield and Tasmine Smith, Cheltenham Animal Shelter or by e-mail to nicky.merifield@gawa.org.uk and tasmine.smith@gawa.org.uk by the closing date of 25th October 2026.
Please note that due to the expected high number of applicants we regret that we will be unable respond to those not invited in for an interview, but we would like to thank all who apply.
Head of Fundraising
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our 100-year-old animal rescue, welfare and rehoming Charity for a new Head of Fundraising.
This is ideally a full-time role (38.75 hours per week) but we will consider Part time depending on experience. Hybrid working will also be considered. It involves overseeing the whole of the Shelter’s fundraising operations and managing a small team of 3-4 staff within the fundraising team.
The Shelter’s strategy includes improving animal facilities and specifically you will implement and oversee a capital appeal for a new cat facility block to be launched shortly.
A full description of the role is below. This is a permanent role subject to a four-month probationary period. The salary range is indicated and will be dependent on knowledge, skills and experience. Other staff benefits including a workplace pension and company sick pay.
This role also involves being part of the Senior Management Team at the Shelter and will suit an enthusiastic, hardworking, team orientated and motivated individual who is target driven. Experience in a senior fundraising role is essential. A full driving licence is required, and an immediate start would be preferred with a closing date of 13th November 2026.
Please apply in writing with a copy of your CV to Peter Newcombe, General Manager, Cheltenham Animal Shelter or e-mail your details to peter.newcombe@gawa.org.uk
Please note that due to the expected high number of applicants we regret that we will be unable respond to those not invited in for an interview but would like to thank all those who apply.
Last updated: 16/10/2026
Volunteer opportunities
We are not actively recruiting for specific volunteer roles at the moment. If you would like to express your interest for when roles become available please complete an application form.
All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Last updated: 13/10/2026
Please email any enquiries to volunteers@gawa.org.uk
What our team says
Why did you decide to volunteer?
I had a little spare time and have always supported the amazing work done by CAS. I have had a lot of animals over the years especially when my children were growing up. Most recently, I adopted our wonderful dog Barley (was Tigger) in February 2019.
What would you say about volunteering?
It is very rewarding to be part of a team that can help make a difference to the homeless animals that pass through the Shelter. I have met a lot of lovely people through volunteering and made some great new friends.
Why did you decide to volunteer?
I’ve always had a love of all creatures great and small. As a toddler, I remember reading with my mum and pointing out all of the many animal species in Ladybird books. So, with a love of animals, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get involved as a local volunteer. With animals of the canine variety being my favourite, I embarked (pardon the pun!) on volunteering as a dog walker. And, three years on, I am still absolutely loving it!
What would you say about volunteering?
Do it! It really does make a difference. I now have a better work-life balance doing something I really enjoy alongside the day job. I have learned new skills from dog behaviour to first aid which is really useful and interesting.
Volunteering at the Shelter I feel I’m putting a bit back into the community by helping to raise money in the shop or doing events.
The staff are very approachable and very friendly. The other volunteers are all like minded – we all love and care for animals. It’s a really happy place to be!
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to work with animals. I have always had an interest in dog training and behaviour so, naturally, once I left school I pursued an education in animal care and behaviour, followed by a 10 month stint in north Sweden volunteering with sled dogs.
When the opportunity came up to apply for a job at the shelter, I jumped at the chance! I have now been working at CAS for 3 years, and I am one of the main carers on the rehoming kennels where I am able to help manage their welfare and behaviour needs during their stay with us.
My favourite part of the job is working with the behaviour team to implement training plans for the individual needs of each of the dogs in our care. I love watching how they progress during their stay at the shelter, seeing them learn and thrive with their new skills. It’s an incredibly rewarding job and it’s such a great feeling seeing our animals leave the shelter on their journey to a better life in their new home.
I have always been passionate about animals and their welfare, but a career working with them was just not talked about when I left school. Fast forward to the 1990s and I discovered a wildlife hospital where I could volunteer and eventually work.
In 2000 a job as a Receptionist at Cheltenham Animal Shelter was advertised in a local paper. I applied, got the job and this opened a new chapter in my life. 24 years later I am still at the ‘front line’ assisting callers and visitors, but best of all being part of an inspiring charity.
The Shelter has evolved at a strong pace since then. I have seen it grow, improve beyond recognition and become a very important community asset.
To see the full cycle of a surrendered, abandoned and sometimes traumatised pet, find love again, gain confidence and be given a second chance is truly inspiring.
To fully compliment this extraordinary work, the Shelter offers an engaging education programme. This helps children understand how to respect, interact and enjoy the company of pets.
I am very proud to be part of all this and value the opportunity I was given all those years ago.