Cheltenham Animal Shelter is expanding this year to accommodate a much needed additional building. Park Life spoke to James Clay, head of fundraising, about the project.
Caring for 100 animals in an average year, the shelter has been successfully taking in and re-homing animals in the Cotswolds since 1926. Alongside this re-homing scheme, the centre runs a whole host of services available to Cheltenham’s pets, with an on-site vets, boarding kennels, dog grooming service and dog training classes.
While hosting so many animals at a time, it has become apparent that the centre is in need of an expansion. Last year, a case of Cat Flu spread from a recently brought in stray cat to a nearby litter of newborn kittens, killing the whole litter. This prompted the team at the shelter to create plans for a whole new Young Animal Centre to ensure that young and vulnerable animals are kept separate and are cared for to the highest possible standard.
The proposed plans include a Cat Maternity (caternity) unit, a kitten jungle gym, puppy and kitten pods and a number of new rooms for staff and are set to cost over £250,000 in total. Though the shelter has received a number of grants to help reach this goal, they are still fundraising and encouraging the public to donate towards the cause. Part of the fundraising scheme is the ‘Supporting Wall’, a chance for you to make a donation and add your message to one of the walls in the new building – a lasting reminder of your contribution.
Another way to raise both the profile of the centre and the money needed is the shelter’s Corporate Supporters scheme. Offering businesses this partnership with the shelter benefits both parties, giving the business positive PR, networking opportunities and volunteering days. A large number of local businesses are already signed up, from Lloyds bank to Sainsbury’s, and workers have enjoyed afternoons playing with the pets.
Though currently at a standstill due to weather conditions, the baby unit is set to be up and running mid-April, with a grand opening to take place in May. As one of the 2018/19 Mayor’s charities, Cheltenham’s Mayor will be opening the centre.
