Princess Royal Opens New Military Dog Facilities at Kendrew Barracks

Military working dogs are essential for Defence operations both in the UK and abroad. They possess specialized skills that protect personnel by detecting explosives, searching buildings and vehicles, and providing force protection in demanding environments.

As Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), Princess Anne toured the state-of-the-art facilities and interacted with military working dog handlers, RAVC personnel, civilian staff, and soldiers from the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment (1 MWD).

Central to the project is a new veterinary clinic outfitted with multiple surgical suites, which allows for simultaneous procedures, thereby reducing waiting times. The clinic further includes physiotherapy and hydrotherapy areas that enable injured or recovering dogs to receive crucial rehabilitation on-site, close to their handlers.

Previously, dogs requiring surgery were transported to the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray for treatment.

The newly designed kennels create a supportive environment aiming to enhance the dogs' wellbeing and performance. The larger living spaces incorporate sound-dampening measures and visual screening to ensure a calmer atmosphere, while each dog has direct access to its own outdoor exercise area. These spaces feature varied surfaces, shade, and planting to promote natural behavior, such as exploration and play.

This facility can accommodate up to 150 military working dogs, which may include breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Shepherd Dogs, and Belgian Malinois.

Lieutenant Colonel Ann O’Flynn, Commanding Officer of the 1st MWD, emphasized that the complex is designed with the welfare and operational effectiveness of the dogs in mind. She noted that having comprehensive care, accommodation, and training facilities in one location enhances the speed of treatment and recovery, all in an environment conducive to their wellbeing. Additionally, the facility supports the handlers and staff who work closely with the dogs, ensuring they maintain high care standards while keeping the dogs prepared for Defence operations.

The Military Working Dog Compound is part of a broader £77 million investment program at Kendrew Barracks, which also includes squadron offices, exercise runs, and a scent training barn.

As part of plans for Defence Estate Optimization, the 1 MWD has relocated to Kendrew Barracks from St George’s Barracks in North Luffenham, consolidating training, veterinary care, and operational activities into one site.

Development is ongoing at Kendrew Barracks, with additional scent training facilities expected to be completed by October 2026, and plans for a new Regimental Headquarters and storage complex slated for 2028. Recent improvements at the site include a new gym, armor, refurbished crew rooms, and an Army Education Centre.