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A new facility has opened to maintain the wellbeing and training of military working dogs.
Opening at RAAF Base Tindal, a fresh facility has opened to ensure that military dogs and their handlers are supported in their work.
The $8.9 million space has been designed to improve the wellbeing of the dogs through climate-controlled kennels, noise-reduced areas and automated water refill stations.
No. 17 Squadron primarily works with the dogs, with Executive Officer Squadron Leader Charlie Tomlinson saying that the opening of these new facilities are critical to ensuring that the services and needs of the hardworking dogs and their handlers are met.
“They’re built to the same standard used across other military establishments and provide a safe, effective environment for our military working dogs,” SQNLDR Tomlinson said.
“Improved feeding systems, better treatment areas and simplified movement between kennels and the run yard all enhance safety and capability – crucial infrastructure for a northern base with a high operational tempo.”
The facility also places a strong emphasis on the physical maintenance and healthy upkeep of the working dogs through a new dedicated veterinary space and a hydrotherapy pool to support muscle and injury rehabilitation.
“The addition of the hydrotherapy pool offers a major benefit for conditioning, recovery and long‑term joint health,” said Security Forces Sergeant Kimberley Saunders from No. 17 Squadron.
“The temperature‑controlled kennels provide consistent comfort for our dogs, which is essential in the Northern Territory’s extreme heat.”
As well as the new installation for military dogs, upgrades were completed to civilian infrastructure and ICT monitoring systems to ensure that the security of RAAF Base Tindal and all the personnel, including the dogs, are protected.
“This upgraded facility not only enhances the wellbeing and training for our military working dogs and their handlers but also plays a critical role in strengthening our northern bases, supporting the initiatives outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy,” Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil said.
