Royal Army Veterinary Corps

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Cap badge of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps

The Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) is an administrative and operational branch of the British Army responsible for the provision, training and care of animals. Unusually, although it is responsible for providing what might be termed materiel, it is under the control of the Adjutant-General, who is in charge of personnel.

The RAVC provides mainly dogs and horses, but also tends to the various regimental mascots in the army.

The original Army Veterinary Service was founded in 1796 by public outrage concerning the death of Army horses. John Shipp was the first veterinary surgeon to be commissioned into the British Army when he joined the 11th Light Dragoons on 25 June 1796. This date is recognised as RAVC's foundation day (aka John Shipp Day).