Princess Royal opens British Army military dog facilities

HRH The Princess Royal has officially opened new veterinary, rehabilitation and kennel facilities for the British Army‘s military working dogs at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland.

Military working dogs play a vital role in supporting Defence operations in the UK and overseas. Their specialist skills help protect personnel by detecting explosives, searching buildings and vehicles and providing force protection in demanding operational environments.

In her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), Princess Anne toured the purpose-built facilities and met military working dog handlers, RAVC personnel, civilian staff and soldiers from 1st Military Working Dog Regiment (1 MWD).

How the complex treats physical conditions and enhances the wellbeing and performance of the dogs

At the heart of the project is a new veterinary clinic with multiple surgical suites, allowing several procedures to run at once and reducing waiting times. The clinic also includes physiotherapy and hydrotherapy areas so injured or recovering dogs can receive specialist rehabilitation on site, close to their handlers and unit.

Previously, dogs requiring surgery were often treated at the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray.

The new kennels have been designed to provide an environment that supports both the wellbeing and performance of the dogs. A calmer atmosphere is created by the larger living spaces having sound-dampening measures and visual screening and each dog has direct access to its own outdoor exercise run. The exercise areas feature varied surfaces, shade and planting to encourage natural behaviours such as exploration, play and scenting activities.

The new complex can accommodate up to 150 military working dogs, with the breeds employed including Labrador Retrievers, Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels to Shepherd Dogs and Belgian Malinois.

Why it is not just the dogs that benefit from the design of this specialist environment

The soldiers, dog-handlers and veterinary specialists also benefit from the new complex. Lieutenant Colonel Ann O’Flynn, Commanding Officer, 1st MWD’s Commanding Officer, said: “From training to veterinary treatment and rehabilitation, this facility has been designed around welfare and operational effectiveness.

“Our military working dogs are highly trained and valued members of the Army team. Bringing their care, accommodation and training together on one site means they’re treated faster, recover more effectively and live in an environment built around their wellbeing.

“These facilities also support the handlers and staff who work alongside them every day, helping us maintain the highest standards of care while keeping our dogs ready for Defence operations.”

The Military Working Dog Compound forms part of a wider £77 million investment programme at Kendrew Barracks. The compound also includes squadron offices, exercise runs and a scent training barn.

As part of Defence Estate Optimisation plans, 1 MWD relocated to Kendrew Barracks from St George’s Barracks, North Luffenham, bringing training, veterinary care and operational activity together at a single location.

Work continues across the site, with additional scent training facilities due for completion in October 2026 and a new Regimental Headquarters and stores complex planned for 2028.

The wider investment programme has already delivered a range of improvements across the site, including a new gym and armoury, refurbished crew rooms and Army Education Centre and storage facilities.