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Defence Animal Training Regiment

The Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) delivers animal handling training for more than 400 personnel and role specific training for hundreds of Military Working Animals per year. The unit is a joint service establishment with serving personnel from several Army regiments and the RAF Police.

A brown-and-black shepherd-type dog lies in a grassy field beside a narrow stream. Wearing a dark collar, it looks alertly to the left with upright ears and its mouth slightly open. Mountains, distant water and a dense stand of trees form the background beneath heavy grey storm clouds. The dramatic sky contrasts with the dog’s calm, watchful pose.

Our Role

DATR Headquarters is responsible for the delivery of Army Military Working Dog Handler recruit and Reserve training along with the provision of annual Military Skills and Physical Training for all service personnel at the unit.

The unit is a joint service establishment with serving personnel from several Army regiments and the Royal Air Force Police.

The image shows a tall black horse standing beside a red-brick stable, facing the camera with its ears pricked forward. It wears a black saddle over a burgundy saddlecloth trimmed in gold, with a small embroidered emblem. The horse is bridled and secured beside the stable. A row of stable buildings stretches into the background beneath a partly cloudy sky, giving the photograph a smart, traditional military equestrian feel.

Our Training Squadrons

Canine Training Squadron (CTS) is responsible for delivering trained Military Working Dogs (MWDs) to an array of customers within the MOD. Within the UK Armed Forces there is a current requirement for over 200 trained MWDs to be delivered per annum. The quality of the animals delivered to the end user is extremely high with most specifications of MWD being purchased from the European market where the standard of dogs available for purchase is at present excellent. CTS is also responsible for the instructional training of UK Armed Forces and MOD personnel.

Additionally, role specific courses are occasionally provided to foreign customers in line with current defence relations around the world. DATR students are taught how to handle, train and most importantly look after their Military Working Dog’s welfare, including animal husbandry, kennel management and veterinary first aid. The squadron runs effectively 365 days per year due to the consistent animal care provided by its very own, on location Veterinary Hospital.

Equine Training Squadron (ETS) is responsible for providing trained horses and equine personnel including riders, instructors and farriers for the mounted units of the Household Cavalry. The Household Cavalry maintains a world famous tradition dating back to 1660 and consists of both the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals. As the oldest and most senior regiments in the British Army, they are the public face of the British Army as mounted escort to Her Majesty The Queen.

ETS also houses the School of Farriery, which is responsible for the apprenticeship of Military Farriers. DATR’s School of Farriery is officially recognised by the Worshipful Company of Farriers and the Farriers Registered Council. In line with this International Farrier competitions are held at DATR annually. At present, 140 horses can be stabled within ETS and a total of 260 horses can be grazed in the surrounding fields of the beautiful sweeping countryside owned by DATR.

The veterinary service is well established within the Armed Forces and Veterinary Training Squadron (VTS). It is responsible for delivering primary and secondary healthcare to the military working animals based at DATR. Additionally, VTS acts as a referral service for all Military Working Animals within the MOD, providing both routine and specialist treatments.

Within VTS, qualified veterinary personnel are trained for military duties and young Veterinary Officers are developed within the first 12 months of their career. VTS works hand in hand with CTS and ETS, to deliver veterinary training to a variety of DATR courses and defence approved external agencies.

A dark bay horse stands facing the camera, its ears pricked forward and an irregular white star on its forehead. It has a glossy brown coat, a black mane and muzzle, and wears a dark leather headcollar attached to a bright pink lead rope. Behind it are ornate black iron gates bearing a crest, a pale brick building and a paved courtyard. The close viewpoint emphasises the horse’s long face and alert expression.

Rehoming Military Working Horses

The Military Animal Rehoming Centre at the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) plays an important role in providing a second career and long-term welfare support for horses leaving military service.

Working closely with both the Household Cavalry and the Royal Horse Artillery, DATR assists in assessing, retraining, and rehoming suitable horses to experienced civilian owners.

Through a carefully managed process, each horse is matched to a home that can meet its individual needs, ensuring a smooth transition from military life to a new role in activities such as riding, competition, or leisure work.

The regiment's commitment to responsible rehoming reflects the Army's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and ensuring that these horses continue to lead healthy, purposeful lives after their service to the nation.

If you're interested in rehoming Military Working Animals, click on the link below.

click here for rehoming MWA

Rehoming Military Working Dogs

The Military Animal Rehoming Centre (MARC) at the Defence Animal Training Regiment plays a vital role in the welfare, rehabilitation, and rehoming of retired Military Working Dogs (MWD) across Defence.

Working in close partnership with; Canine Training Squadron, 1 Military Working Dog Regiment, the Royal Air Force, the Ministry of Defence Police, the Military Guard Service, and the Military Provost Guard Service, MARC ensures that dogs transitioning from service receive the care, assessment, and support needed to prepare them for civilian life.

Through a collaborative approach, the centre identifies suitable rehoming opportunities, provides behavioural rehabilitation where required, and works with stakeholders across Defence to secure the best possible outcomes for each dog.

This commitment reflects Defence's dedication to the lifelong welfare of its Military Working Dogs, recognising their valuable service and providing them with the opportunity to enjoy a safe and rewarding retirement.

If you're interested in rehoming Military Working Animals, click on the link below.

click here for rehoming MWA

Our location

You can find us at Remount Barracks, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicester.

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Our social media

If you’re looking for a little more about Military Working Dogs, Horses and training then look no further than our social media pages, they are the best way to keep up to date with all things about the DATR.