Unit History: Royal Army Veterinary Corps Training Centre Melton Mowbray

The Royal Army Vetinary Corps (RAVC) is an organisation responsible for the training and care of animals. It forms part of the Army Medical Services.  It is controlled by the Adjutant General. The RAVC is mainly responsible for the training of horses and dogs. However, it also looks after regimental mascots in the Army. The organisation is responsible for the training of sniffer dogs such as spaniels and labradors.
 
It was first founded in 1796 after the public were outraged about the death of Army horses. John Shipp was the first vetinary surgeon employed after he joined the 11th Light Dragoons in June 1796.
 
It is mainly based in the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England.  However, staff are spread throughout the Army.