For the past few years we have invited jornalism, communications and media students from The University of Gloucestershire to come to the Shelter and interview our team on a variety of topics, which they can then use to form part of their final assessments.
We would like to share this lovley article, written by Caitlin Samworth.
Past, Present and Future: 100 Years of Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Cheltenham Animal Shelter marks a century of compassion.
I am standing in a dimly-lit building primed for a much-needed new chapter. The room is thick of the smell of damp and pet food, I feel it cling to me. As the shelter looks towards its next 100 years, vital support is needed for these animals to get the support they deserve. Limited funding and stretched resources have left aging buildings in urgent need of repair and modernisation. “At the end of the day, it’s all about animal welfare.” says Alison Jarvis, Head of Fundraising at the Cheltenham Animal Shelter, the echoing barks behind us muffle her voice.
Since 1926, Cheltenham Animal Shelter has stood as a place of safety, compassion and second chances. Reaching a 100-year milestone is no small achievement. Alison exclaims, “This milestone year is not only about celebration that we’ve made it so far, but about visibility. “We’ve survived 100 years. We are part of this community, we can help” Alison says. Keeping pets in loving homes, supporting owners and celebrating those who make the work possible remains central to their mission. It represents generations of dedication with today’s staff and volunteers who carry that forward, and of the communities who have supported its mission every step of the way.
Over the decades, Cheltenham Animal Shelter has cared for thousands of dogs, cats and small animals, each with their own story. Some arrived as strays, frightened and unsure. Others were surrendered due to changing family circumstances. Many needed medical treatment, behavioural support or simply time to trust humans again and Cheltenham Animal Shelter gave all of their love to each individual animal.
The story of the shelter actually stretches back even earlier to the 1890s when two local ladies began taking in stray cats and their efforts eventually grew into a formal shelter. In 1939, the organisation originally operated from Leckhampton, before relocating to Cheltenham to expand their site and take more animals into their care. Now, hidden beyond the bustling, busy town of Cheltenham, lies new beginnings and second chances, with the aim to give every animal their well-deserved forever home. The charity became a member of the ‘Association of Dogs and Cats Homes’ and often exceeds modern welfare standards in animal care.
Cheltenham Animal Shelter is not just kennels and cages, here lies hope of every beating heart. I reach my finger through a cross-stitch wire, a playful paw meets my finger, an excited kitten purrs with the joy of having someone to play with. I move further down the building, my heart aching and a lump in my throat. I meet an ocean eyed husky, Nala, her tail swaying sideways and her nose sticking through the tiny squares of freedom. “Last year, the shelter took in 62 kittens” Jarvis exclaims, recalling the overwhelming intake of shelter life. Cheltenham Animal Shelter is almost at full capacity, just like every shelter up and down the country. The RSPCA reported that in 2023, 40,118 animals entered its shelters, but only 28,208 were rehomed.
Looking to the future of Cheltenham Animal Shelter, they hope to keep raising money to support these animals for as long as they need. Nikki Merifield adds “In a dream world, we would all be made redundant.” Until that day comes, the shelter will continue to stand ready adapting and growing with society and striving to improve. Because while redundancy may be the dream, compassion remains the reality. And for as long as animals need protection, Cheltenham Animal Shelter will be there to provide it.
