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
For both roles, please apply in writing with a copy of your CV to Peter Newcombe, General Manager, Cheltenham Animal Shelter by e-mail to gm@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.
Individual Giving Officer
This is a part-time role for 23.25 hours over three days a week (8.30am – 4.45pm) for a minimum period of 15 months, with a possible extension afterwards depending on overall performance. It is being introduced alongside an appeal for a new cat facility block being launched in 2026, our Centenary year.
The role will be working with our Head of Fundraising to develop programmes for the recruitment and retention of individual supporters with the aim to maximise income across all channels including direct mail, e-mail and social media.
A full description of the role can be downloaded below. There is a six-month probationary period and the rate of pay will be £13.40 to £16.87 per hour, depending on experience, plus other staff benefits including a workplace pension and company sick pay. Some hybrid working will be permitted when appropriate.
This role will suit an enthusiastic, hardworking, team orientated and self-motivated individual who is target driven. Experience in fundraising is essential and a pre-requisite for the job. A full driving licence is required, and an immediate start would be preferred.
The closing date for applications is 30th November 2025.
Community Engagement Officer
This is a full-time maternity cover contract over a 15-month period, for 38.75 hours per week with some weekend and evening working. Overseen by our Head of Fundraising, this role primarily covers running of the Shelter’s events as well as supervising our non-animal related volunteers, overseeing the running of our two charity shops, actively recruiting and managing corporate partners including our Helping Hands offering and attending general networking events.
A full description of the role is below. There is a six-month probationary period and the rate of pay will be £13.25 per hour plus other staff benefits including a workplace pension and company sick pay.
This role will suit an enthusiastic, hardworking, self-motivated individual who enjoys indoor and outdoor working. A practical individual, the applicant must be confident and personable when dealing with all types of people. A full driving licence is required, and an immediate start would be preferred.
The closing date for applications is 30th November 2025.
Last updated: 05/11/2025
Volunteer opportunities
Event Assistant
2026 marks a remarkable milestone — 100 years of Cheltenham Animal Shelter supporting animals in need. To celebrate a century of care and compassion, we’re planning a series of special events throughout the year. These events are not only a chance to honour our legacy but also vital for raising funds to continue our work.
We’re looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Event Assistants to help us make these celebrations memorable, fun, and impactful.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Assisting with setting up and packing down event spaces.
- Engaging with the public at various community and fundraising events.
- Acting as a friendly, positive representative of Cheltenham Animal Shelter.
- Helping to run games, raffles, and other fundraising activities.
- Supporting the smooth running of events, ensuring attendees have a great experience.
What We Offer:
- Full induction and training to help you feel confident and prepared.
- A welcoming, supportive Events Team who meet quarterly to plan and connect.
- Access to a team group chat to keep you informed, supported, and in the loop.
Commitment:
We ask volunteers to attend at least one event per quarter — but of course, the more events you can join, the better!
Whether you’re a people person, a passionate animal lover, or someone looking to gain experience in events and fundraising — we’d love to have you on board.
Volunteer Charity Shop Assistants
Join our vibrant team of volunteers at our on-site charity shop or at our new shop in the town centre and make a real difference in our community!
We are urgently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to support our efforts in raising funds for animals in need.
Volunteering with us is not only a rewarding experience but also a fantastic way to meet new people and develop valuable skills.
- Build Your CV: Gain hands-on experience in retail, customer service, and teamwork.
- Develop Skills: Enhance your communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.
- Make a Difference: Support a great cause and help care for animals in need.
- Meet New People: Connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network.
If you have a few hours to spare, please consider joining us and making a meaningful impact.
Tasks involved:
- To serve customers and record purchases on the cash register
- To work with staff and other volunteers to sort, steam, hang, ticket and size donated items for sale in the shop.
- To help keep the shop clean.
- To assist with shop displays.
- Provide information leaflets and signpost any enquiries for CAS services.
Training Requirements: full induction and training will be provided.
Commitment: Various shifts available on-site at Cheltenham Animal Shelter or in Winchcombe Street.
Charity Shop Stock Transfer and Recycling Assistant
We are seeking a reliable and dedicated volunteer to assist with transferring stock between our onsite charity shop and our Cheltenham town charity shop. In addition, you will be responsible for taking books that we are unable to sell to a local recycling centre. This role involves some physical tasks, including heavy lifting, and requires a confident driver with a full UK driving licence to operate our Shelter van.
By volunteering in this role, you will play a crucial part in supporting our charity’s operations, helping to alleviate the workload on staff and allowing them to focus on other key day-to-day tasks. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference while gaining experience in logistics and recycling within the charity sector.
Key Responsibilities:
- Stock Transfer:
- Transfer donated items and stock between our onsite charity shop and the Cheltenham town charity shop as needed.
- Ensure that items are transported safely and securely, following all appropriate health and safety guidelines.
- Recycling:
- Take books that cannot be sold to the local recycling centre.
- Manual Handling:
- Assist with the physical loading and unloading of stock, including some heavy lifting as required.
Essential Requirements:
- Full UK driving licence with confidence in driving a large van.
- Ability to lift and carry heavy items safely.
- Good time management and organisational skills.
- A friendly and reliable attitude.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility to work across both the onsite charity shop and the Cheltenham town charity shop.
Time Commitment:
- Flexible hours, but ideally 3-5 hours per week.
All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Last updated: 05/11/2025
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.