Defence Animal Training Regiment

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.