Cheltenham Animal Shelter is a long-established animal welfare charity that has been helping homeless animals for nearly 100 years. Based in Gloucestershire, the charity rescues and rehomes unwanted and abandoned cats, dogs, and small animals from across the county. Originally founded by local volunteers caring for stray cats in the late 1800s, the shelter moved to its current site in 1939 and continues to expand its work today. As a member of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, Cheltenham Animal Shelter adheres to high welfare standards while also promoting responsible pet ownership through education and community outreach.
Cheltenham Animal Shelter
She has a playful side too! Tennis balls are a big favourite, and when she gets excited, she might have a joyful little rag on a toy. It’s all part of her charming personality.
Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Meet Dexter – a bull breed boy bursting with personality, licks, and the most handsome face… and he knows it! This sweet, cheeky lad loves rolling over for a belly rub and hosting one-dog talent shows, proudly parading his toys up and down while you tell him what a good boy he is!Two of his favourite hobbies are a good back scratch and showing off his skills to earn his treats – especially hot dogs – his party trick is a sit and paw! A lovable scamp who thinks he’s far too clever to wait patiently for his reward – after all, who can resist that face?Dexter enjoys meeting new people, though his greetings can be a little spirited – think tail wagging, joyful hops, and the occasional acrobatic leap! He’s looking for a home where any teenagers are 16+ to cope with his bursts of energy and bouncy antics.Everything is a new adventure for Dexter, as he’s lived a bit of a sheltered life so far. While he will need a patient approach, he does love exploring, sniffing out every interesting corner, and enjoying life’s little surprises with plenty of curiosity and excitement! He is strong on the lead but clever and eager to learn, so positive training will help him channel his energy – and give his lucky human a chance to enjoy the walk without getting an accidental workout!Dexter would love a secure garden of his own, where he can sniff out every scent, chase around with his toys, and “help” you with any gardening – by supervising, of course! He is looking for a home as the only pet, as other dogs are still new to him and he thinks a cat might tip the excitement meter a bit too high!While he takes most things in his stride, Dexter becomes frightened when left alone, so he will need a home that can provide the company and reassurance he craves. With the right family, he’ll be a devoted, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining companion.Dexter is a four-legged bundle of licks, energy, and mischief who’ll cheer you up every day… and possibly take over your favourite chair while doing it!Main carers Meg and Liz say – “Dexter is a big softy who enjoys his walks and a good scratch behind the ears!”
Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Meet Duggie – a wonderfully goofy boy who’s bursting with charm and is ready to bring joy to the right home.He loves his squeaky toys – flinging them around is one of his favourite hobbies! He also enjoys a good fuss, even if he can get a bit over-excited with all the attention. Duggie’s a big fan of enrichment games and snacks too, which really help him relax and enjoy himself.Duggie is on the lookout for an experienced, adult-only home where he can feel safe, loved, and understood. He’d like to be the only pet because other dogs make him very uncomfortable and worried, and he finds the presence of cats stressful too. Having a peaceful home all to himself will help him feel more confident.He’s a sensitive boy who can easily get startled by loud noises or quick movements, so a quiet area would suit him beautifully. Busy places and heavy traffic can feel overwhelming for him, so gentle, relaxed walks are truly his happy place.With new people, Duggie prefers a slow and steady introduction. Once he’s decided you’re a friend, he becomes affectionate, loyal and playful.Duggie isn’t used to being on his own, so he’ll need someone who’s home for most of the day to help him feel secure.A secure garden would be the perfect place for him to potter about, play, and build confidence at his own pace.Duggie may have a few worries, but he’s full of sweetness and silly moments. With patience and a calm home, he’ll reward you with endless joy and a wonderfully unique companionship.
Cheltenham Animal Shelter
This spirited terrier is on the lookout for an experienced home where he can be the centre of someone’s world. Mowgli is full of beans, always up for a game of tug or an adventure in the garden, and happiest when there’s cheese on offer (his all-time favourite treat).He’s a proper pocket rocket who loves to stay busy, so a home that can keep his brain and body active will suit him perfectly. A secure garden where he can run, sniff, and get stuck into his toys is high on his wish list – he’s got a lot of fun to share and needs space to let it all out.He has a flair for the dramatic on walks, especially if a dog, cat or squirrel makes an appearance! He’s not looking to share his home (or his pavements) with any other animals and would much prefer to be your one and only sidekick. A quiet area and peaceful walking spots will help him enjoy his outings without too much fuss.Mowgli can be quite vocal when meeting visitors – he just gets a bit overexcited! But underneath the chatter is a dog who really does enjoy human company and loves a good cuddle once he’s settled. Belly rubs are definitely his thing.He’s looking for an adult-only home (or with children 16+) that can offer him plenty of company, consistency and understanding. He’s not a fan of being left alone just yet, so someone around most of the time would be ideal.With the right match, Mowgli will be an endlessly rewarding, funny, and affectionate companion. If you’re after a little dog with a big personality (and a deep love for cheese), Mowgli might just be your perfect pal.Main career Lizzie says- “Mowgli is a high energy, very inquisitive boy with a lot of presence. He is very intelligent and will need a lot of mental stimulation in the home, but he also loves a cuddle!”
Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Meet Nala – a breathtaking husky with striking blue eyes that could melt even the coldest winter morning. This gorgeous girl has all the classic husky charm: a little bit of sass, a lot of personality, and just enough mischief to keep life interesting!Nala is looking for an adult-only home where she can truly shine as the star of the show. She’d prefer to be the only dog in the home, as she’s still learning the art of socialising and can be a little unsure around other dogs. She also has an extremely high prey drive, so strictly no cats or small animals.Like many huskies, Nala has a serious appreciation for the great outdoors. Walks are a highlight of her day, and she approaches every outing like a professional explorer, investigating every fascinating scent along the way. A very secure garden with high fencing is essential for this adventurous girl, as if she spots something exciting, she is likely to want to chase it!Nala enjoys a little play when the mood strikes (because of course, she decides when it’s playtime!). When she does get silly, she’ll have everyone laughing with her dramatic husky bounce-around zoomies and cheerful howling commentary. It’s impossible not to smile when she’s in one of her playful moods. She’s also quite the food connoisseur – gourmet snacks are strongly recommended for anyone wishing to win her approval.While she enjoys a little fuss from her favourite humans, Nala isn’t the clingy, cuddle-on-the-sofa type. Instead, she shows her affection in her own special way – the most enthusiastic greetings imaginable when she sees the people she loves. Her loyalty runs deep once she bonds with you.Nala can be a little worried about handling due to some past medical experiences, so she’ll need someone patient who can go slowly and gently while building her trust. The wonderful news is that once she feels safe with you, she really starts to relax and let her personality shine. She’s also not a fan of being left alone for long periods just yet, so this is something her new family would need to build up gradually with her.If you’re looking for a dog with character, intelligence, and just the right amount of husky drama, Nala might just be your perfect match.
Cheltenham Animal Shelter
**Foster Home Needed**Oz is a fun-loving, clever dog with a heart full of love and a zest for life. What he wants most is to find his very own forever family, because as Oz would say, there’s no place like home.Bright and quick to learn, Oz has already completed an IMDT training course, charming everyone along the way with his sweet nature. He’s a little wizard when it comes to picking up new skills, and he thrives on mental stimulation. He would love to continue developing his abilities, especially through puzzle games and fun training sessions with his future family.Oz has plenty of energy and would do best in an active home with access to a spacious garden. He enjoys his walks and playtime – fetch is a particular favourite – but he feels most comfortable in quieter areas, away from busy or overwhelming environments.With his playful personality and enthusiasm for life, Oz is sure to bring joy and laughter to his new home. His greetings may be a bit exuberant at first, but it’s all part of his excitement to be with people. Once he settles in, he becomes incredibly affectionate and loyal, proving he’s got both brains and heart in abundance. (And while you don’t need to click your heels three times to make him appear, he’ll certainly be right by your side once he feels at home.)Oz prefers the company of adults or older families without other pets, as he likes to be the centre of attention and can find the presence of other animals a bit too much. He also isn’t comfortable being left alone for long periods – he much prefers being near his humans, soaking up all the love he can get.If you’re looking for a smart, affectionate, and lively companion who’s ready to bring energy, fun, and a whole lot of heart into your life, Oz could be the perfect match. You won’t need to follow the yellow brick road to find him, he is ready and waiting to meet you!Here is what main carer Kyran has to say about Oz:“Oz is a very intelligent and trainable dog with a lot of potential! He’s a happy boy when he’s got a ball in his mouth, and loves a little fuss between games of fetch!”Please see below a link to see Oz playing with water in our sensory garden.Oz playing in the water
Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Pumpkin is a clever, independent girl who knows exactly what she likes, including comfy sofas, a good back scratch, and plenty of fuss from her favourite people. Once she gets to know you, she’s affectionate, funny, and full of character, but she’ll need a calm, adult-only home (16+) where she can build trust at her own pace.She’s naturally cautious with new people and prefers slow, gentle introductions – she’s not one to rush into friendships. A quieter home and peaceful walking routes suit her best, where she can feel safe and take in the world without too much going on. She would like to be the only pet in the home, as she is not a fan of other animals and much prefers her own space. A secure garden with no neighbouring dogs is a must, so she can relax and enjoy some outdoor freedom – she prefers a solo potter without any commentary from the fence line!She absolutely loves mooching around outside with her nose to the ground – she’s got a great sense of smell and enjoys nothing more than playing games that involve searching for tennis balls and hidden treats! She’s also partial to a good sunbathe on the grass, and she makes us smile daily with her hilarious back scratch wiggle dance (often performed with a toy proudly held in her mouth).Pumpkin is bright, trainable, and enjoys learning new things. She’s quick to pick up skills and enjoys connecting with her trusted people. She’s affectionate, cheeky, and has perfected the art of asking for cuddles – often using a well-timed paw to remind you she’s still waiting. She also loves soaking up attention from her friends and won’t hesitate to nestle in for more.While she can be sensitive and needs time to feel comfortable, Pumpkin’s loyalty and warmth are incredibly rewarding. For the right person, she’ll be so much more than a pet – she’ll be family, a loving companion, and a source of joy every single day.Here is what main carer Lizzie has to say about Pumpkin:“Pumpkin is a lovely lady and has a great personality, she never fails to make me laugh with her little characteristics. She would absolutely do anything for a treat and loves a little bum scratch when she’s in the mood”Please follow the links below to see Pumpkin doing paw and having a back scratch as well as learn loose lead walking!Pumpkin Video Ball Feeder.
Cheltenham Animal Shelter
If you’re looking for a loyal companion who’ll make you laugh, keep you on your toes, and reward your patience with endless love, Ripley might just be your perfect match!Ripley is a bright, bouncy, and spirited girl with a heart of gold – once you’ve earned her trust. She can be cautious around new people at first, but give her a little time (and a few tasty treats!) and you’ll soon see her waggy, goofy side shine through. Once you’re in her trusted circle, you’re in for life – she’ll happily shower you with affection and enthusiasm!Ripley would love an adult-only home where things are calm and predictable. She needs people who understand dogs and can read her body language, helping her feel safe and secure as she builds confidence – her new family will also receive support from the behaviour team at the shelter to help everyone get off to the best start together.She hasn’t had much socialisation with other dogs and can be reactive, so she’ll need to be the only dog in the home.Because she can be worried by busy environments, Ripley will need quiet walking routes and a secure garden where she can let off steam. She’s also not used to being left alone for long, so she’d be happiest with someone who’s around most of the day to keep her company.It might take a little time for Ripley to decide you’re one of her people – but once she does, you’ll have a best friend for life: playful, loyal, and full of love.
Cheltenham Animal Shelter
Introducing Rolo! This handsome lad is a big softie at heart who’s just looking for his safe place in the world. He may be a sensitive soul, but what comes with devotion, cuddles, and a personality that will absolutely steal your heart.Rolo is searching for an adult-only, female-only home, as he feels much more relaxed and confident around women. He can find men a little worrying and may become unsure in their presence, so he’ll need a calm, understanding female-led home where he can truly settle and feel safe. He’d also prefer to be your one and only pet, as other dogs can make him feel anxious and reactive, and cats are just far too exciting (he has a bit of a chase instinct!). With gentle, ongoing socialisation and positive experiences, he can continue building his confidence – he just needs someone patient to guide him.Rolo is a gentle-hearted boy who prefers life on the calmer side. Loud noises and busy roads can feel a bit overwhelming for him, so he’d be happiest in a quieter area where he can enjoy relaxed strolls and take his time sniffing the world at his own pace. A secure garden would be his absolute dream – a safe little haven where he can zoom, play, and decompress after a long day of being ridiculously lovable.He does find being left alone quite worrying and may redecorate if he feels stressed (and interior design is not his strongest skill!). He’ll need a home where someone is around most of the time, or who can help him gradually learn that alone time isn’t so scary.Now for the really important things:He is extremely foodie. Snacks are the way to his heart (and training sessions). He adores fuss, will gently lean into you for more cuddles, and once he trusts you, he’ll be your little shadow. He absolutely loves toys.. especially squeaky ones! He can get a bit carried away in the excitement, so he’ll need gentle reminders to pause and reset… but really, his enthusiasm is part of his charm.Underneath the anxiety is a loyal, affectionate, playful boy who just needs a calm, consistent home where he feels safe and understood. Give him reassurance, routine, and a pocket full of treats, and he’ll give you his whole heart in return.
Cheltenham Animal Shelter
With a name inspired by the legendary Grand Master from Star Wars, our Yoda may be little, but his presence is larger than life. Full of character, charm, and a whole lot of bounce, he’s ready to find a forever home where he can truly shine.Friendly with people? Absolutely! Strangers are simply friends he hasn’t greeted yet! Yoda happily says hello to everyone he meets, charming them with his big eyes and wiggly enthusiasm. He even completed a training course that was hosted at the shelter, where he proved himself a star pupil – soaking up cuddles and mastering new skills like a true Jedi in training.Yoda could live with children aged 10+, who understand that even Jedi Masters appreciate their personal space. He’d prefer to be the only dog in his galaxy, though he would benefit from continued socialisation adventures out and about. Cats are a mystery still – that chapter has yet to be written!When it comes to playtime, the Force is strong with this one. Yoda LOVES toys – especially balls! Fetch is serious business, and while he’ll chase like he’s piloting the Millennium Falcon, sharing his prized treasures isn’t always part of the plan. A secure garden would be perfect for him to zoom, bounce, and release all that hyperspace energy.Yoda thrives on fun, fuss, and tasty rewards (treats are very high on his list of favourite things!). He can sometimes feel a little stressed when left alone here at the shelter, so he may need patience and reassurance as he adjusts to home life. With time, understanding, and a steady routine, he’ll feel safe and settled in his own Jedi temple.If you’re looking for a loyal sidekick, a playful companion, and a dog who will greet you like the most important person in the universe every single day… Yoda is ready to join your crew.