Donna Penfold on Animal Rescue, Adoption and Finding the Right Match

Donna Penfold joined Kennet Radio to talk about her role at Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre (DBARC) and how the adoption process works for people looking to rehome a rescue animal.

Donna explained that Diana Brimblecombe is an independent, registered charity that has been established for around fifty years, operating from its current site near Wokingham for approximately twenty five years. The rescue centre sits on fourteen acres of green space and rehomes dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

“We’re an independent rescue registered charity,” she said. “We have a small employed staff and a large contingent of volunteers, and I’m one of the volunteers as well as a trustee.”

Although based near Wokingham, Donna said the rescue regularly rehomes animals across the wider area, including Newbury and Thatcham.

“We’ve homed many dogs into the Newbury and Thatcham area,” she said. “People sometimes think it’s too far away, but actually a lot of our supporters live out that way, so distance really isn’t a problem.”

Donna described how the adoption process has evolved in recent years, particularly following the pandemic. What was once a first-come, first-served system has moved to a more structured, appointment-based approach.

“During the pandemic we changed to a more web-based application process,” she explained. “People fill in a form first, which means we can make sure we’ve got the right people coming at the right time.”

She said this approach benefits both adopters and animals, allowing potential owners to spend quality time getting to know an animal without pressure.

“If you’re meeting a dog, you want time with them in the paddocks, off the lead, really getting to know them,” Donna said. “It also means our volunteers can give that person proper attention.”

Donna outlined the typical process for adoption, starting with viewing animals on the rescue’s website, where each animal has a profile including age, temperament and needs. After an application is submitted, the homing team reviews it and, where appropriate, invites the applicant to an appointment to meet the animal.

“Sometimes people aren’t realistic about what dog would suit them,” she said. “We can help guide them towards something that would be a better match.”

She explained that adopters are usually encouraged to visit more than once before proceeding, followed by a home check. The full process can take several days to a week, depending on the animal’s readiness.

Donna also highlighted that some animals require additional veterinary or behavioural support before they are ready for adoption, and these animals may not appear on the website straight away.

“We won’t let any animal go until it’s in as good a state as we can possibly make it,” she said. “We want them into loving homes where they can have a great life.”

Her interview offered a clear insight into the realities of rescue work and the care taken to ensure successful, long-term matches between animals and adopters.

You can listen to the full interview with Donna here:
https://www.mixcloud.com/kennetradio/saturday-chatterday-7th-february-2026/
(Donna Penfold interview from approximately 34:40)

DBARC is one of the charities supported by Beechwood Mortgages as part of their 25-year anniversary celebration.