HRH The Princess Royal has officially opened new purpose-built veterinary, rehabilitation and kennel facilities for the Army’s military working dogs at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland.
The new complex brings veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, training and accommodation together on one site for the first time and can accommodate up to 150 military working dogs.
At its heart is a new veterinary clinic featuring multiple surgical suites alongside dedicated physiotherapy and hydrotherapy facilities, allowing injured and recovering dogs to receive specialist treatment and rehabilitation close to their handlers.
Welfare has also played a central role in the design of the new kennels. Larger living spaces incorporate sound-dampening measures and visual screening to create a calmer environment, while dogs have direct access to individual outdoor runs. Exercise areas include varied surfaces, shade and planting designed to encourage natural behaviours including exploration, play and scenting.
Military working dogs, including Labradors, Springer and Cocker Spaniels, Shepherd Dogs and Belgian Malinois, support Defence operations through roles including explosive detection, searches and force protection.
The new Military Working Dog Compound forms part of a wider £77 million investment programme at Kendrew Barracks, with further scent-training facilities due to be completed this month.
