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 self-employed dog groomer
A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Short Bark & Sides Dog Grooming Parlour as a self-employed dog groomer to a rent a table on a 55/45 basis. Gross earnings equivalent to at least £16 per hour are achievable for a motivated and hard working individual.
What we offer
Customers and their dogs will be provided by Short Bark & Sides along with a hydraulic table, shared bath and wall mounted dryers. All utilities and rent will be covered including wi-fi and a part-time administrator to help with appointment bookings. Free parking is offered plus cleaning supplies, shampoos and media posts promoting the business.
We would ask you to work anytime between the hours of 8am-6pm on any days from Monday to Saturday and we are ideally looking for a commitment of around 5 days or 35 to 40 hours per week, with a weekly presence.
In return we offer a 55/45 groomer/charity split on all dog grooms, nail trims and teeth cleaning (using an emmi-pet) – the prices are set by the Shelter and can be found on our website.
What we are looking for
- A fully qualified, to City & Guilds Level 3, dog groomer with a minimum of three years’ experience in grooming all breeds of dog.
- Able to carry out teeth cleaning using the emmi-pet ultrasonic toothbrush system.
- Able to complete hand strips.
- Have your own Personal Public Liability Insurance.
- Use of your own clippers, scissors, blades and brushes.
- IT skills to include basic Microsoft Office 365, use of internal appointment booking system (training will be given) and taking card and cash payments via a handheld card terminal.
This role will suit an enthusiastic, hardworking and conscientious individual who would enjoy working with within an animal rescue/charity environment and who takes pride in their work. An advocate of excellent animal welfare is also required as are excellent customer service and communication skills. The individual must be a good team player as well as able to work on their own with strong self-motivation.
A closing date of 4th September 2026 is set with interviews to take place w/c 7th September 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 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 we would like to thank all who apply.
Last updated: 12/08/2026
Volunteer opportunities
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.
All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Last updated: 12/08/2026
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.