Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the common questions we get asked and hopefully you'll find the answer to your query here. If not, email us at mail@dbarc.org.uk and we'll get back to you with an answer as soon as we can.
General
Where are you located?
DBARC is located at Nelsons Lane, Hurst, Nr. Wokingham, Berkshire. RG10 0RR.
Click HERE to get Driving Directions.
Do I need to make an appointment to visit the centre?
Our centre is currently closed to drop-in visitors and will be operating on a limited appointment-only basis for the foreseeable future. If you would like to enquire about adopting a dog, please contact us at 0118 9341122
Can I bring my animal to you for rehoming?
We cannot accept animals without prior arrangements as we are a small rescue centre with limited space. Please contact us on 0118 9341122 to discuss the possibility of us accepting your pet for rehoming.
When can I come and look at the animals at the Rescue Centre?
Because being in a rescue environment is very stressful for animals, we have developed a system to help them feel safe and calm. For this reason, we are no longer open to the public to enable them to view animals. Instead, we publish information about our animals on the website as they become ready for rehoming. This enables people who are interested in adopting a particular animal to fill in an application form giving us some information to assess the potential home. Once the rehoming process progresses, a potential adopter will be given an appointment to come and meet the animal they are interested in.
I have found an injured wild animal or bird. Can you help?
Unfortunately, we do not have the expertise or resources to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife. If you find a wild animal in distress, please contact your local wildlife rescue or the RSPCA/RSPB.
I have found an injured stray cat. Can you help?
We do not have a Vet on site, so please take the cat to your nearest Veterinary surgery. Unfortunately, we have no means of collecting animals, so if you are unable to transport the cat yourself, please contact the RSPCA.
I have found a stray cat. Can you take it in?
The first thing you need to do is get the cat checked for a microchip as there may be a grateful owner looking for their cat. If there is no apparent owner, we may be able to help but we have very limited space in our cattery and so please contact us on 0118 9341122 to see if we are able to help.
I have found a stray dog. Can you help?
If you can safely approach the dog, first see if there is an ID tag as an owner may be searching for their dog. If not, please contact the Dog Warden for the relevant local authority, as they are responsible for the care of stray dogs.
Rehoming
I want a particular breed. Can you contact me when you have one?
As a charity with limited resources, unfortunately we cannot contact people directly about a particular breed Some breeds do come into our care more regularly than others, and if you have previous experience with a particular breed it may be useful to note this on your questionnaire, but we cannot guarantee to find a match for you within a particular breed or other criteria.
I want to adopt an animal and have submitted an application. Why haven't you contacted me?
Thank you so much for offering a forever home to an animal in need.
You will not receive an instant reply upon submission. We will only contact who we feel is most suitable for the animal once we have assessed all applications. If you are not chosen, we are sorry you will not receive a reply (we get a lot of applications for each animal), but you can check if the animal has been formally reserved by clicking on the animal’s profile.
How long does the rehoming process take?
Every adoption is treated as an individual case, so while the process following a match normally takes about a week, it can be shorter or longer depending on a number of factors, and this should not be taken as a guarantee.
Some dogs might need to get to know their new owners more gradually. Depending on your new dog’s needs, we’ll sometimes arrange for you to meet them before they come home, and get to know them a little bit better. For some of our more worried dogs you may need to meet them several times before they join you at home.
If you know there is a big event (moving house, going on holiday, a new baby) coming up soon, it's best to start the process after everything has settled down, so that whenever you find your new dog, you're ready for them.
What if I have questions after I get my new pet home?
We understand that after you get our pet home, the adjustment period can be difficult. We encourage you to call us with any questions or problems, hopefully, before small problems become big ones! We are very experienced with pet transitions and welcome the opportunity to help make it as smooth for you and your pet as possible.
How do I adopt an animal from DBARC?
Please visit the web page for the type of animal you are hoping to adopt. You will find lots of useful information there.
Can you help pay the vet bills for my pet?
No, we can only cover the cost of vet bills for the animals in our care. Some charities like the PDSA, Blue Cross or RSPCA are able to help with veterinary treatment.
Why do you ask for a donation when people adopt a pet?
Without adoption donations, we would not be able to continue to care for animals in need. We ask for a suggested amount, as we trust adopters wish to make a realistic contribution to the costs we incur. In reality, the average costs of preparing each animal for adoption vastly exceed the suggested donation. All animals who come into our care are fully vet checked, assessed, neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and microchipped where appropriate. Many also require blood tests, dental care and other veterinary treatment before they can be made ready for rehoming. So whilst our suggested minimum donations offer a guideline to adopters, we are very grateful indeed when adopters feel able to donate more than the suggested amount.