Text size
Line height
Text spacing
Why were animals useful in World War One?
Completion requirements
Why were animals useful in World War One?
Last modified: Sunday, 31 May 2026, 4:29 PM
Why were animals useful in WW1
Why were animals useful in World War One?
Before 1914, many wars were fought by soldiers riding horses.
During World War One, however, the muddy ground, barbed wire, and machine guns made it too dangerous and difficult for horses to be used in battle.
Instead, millions of horses helped by carrying soldiers, food, equipment, and supplies.
Many other animals also helped during the war. Some worked alongside the soldiers, while others became mascots and brought comfort to the troops.
How were animals used for work?
Many types and breeds of animals were well-suited to perform tasks such as guarding trenches, finding wounded soldiers and carrying messages.
Sentry dogs stayed with one soldier and guarded trenches
They were taught to give a warning sound such as growling or barking when they sensed a stranger close to camp. Many Dobermans were used as sentry dogs.
Horses carried wounded soldiers or weaponry
They had to be strong as fully armed and equipped soldiers were heavy. In total, around 8 million horses from all sides died during the war.
Scout dogs were used to find the enemy
They could detect smells up to 1000 yards away. They were trained not to bark as this would draw attention. Instead they would give a silent signal, like raising their tail.
Carrier pigeons were used as messengers during the war
Pigeons always flew home when released, so troops made sure the pigeons' nests were in places where they needed to send messages.
Casualty dogs were trained to find wounded or dying soldiers
They carried medical equipment so an injured soldier could treat himself. They would also stay beside a dying soldier to keep him company.
Elephants helped to pull artillery
Photos of elephants working were used to show people back home that even exotic animals were 'doing their bit' in the war effort.
Some pigeons were kept in unusual places like old London buses
Homing pigeons became so valuable to the British army, the punishment for killing or wounding one was six months imprisonment or £100 fine.
Pets, mascots and livestock
There are many stories of animals who became companions to soldiers.
Chickens were kept in the trenches by some British soldiers
Keeping chickens allowed soldiers to have fresh eggs every day. This was helpful because their usual food rations were only small.
A band of soldiers kept a golden eagle as a pet
This picture shows the eagle with a British officer in the Balkans in August, 1916.
A Royal Air Force Squadron kept a fox as a mascot
The RAF fox is pictured here sitting on a plane with a pilot during the war.
Togo the cat lived with the crew of the HMS Irresistible
Togo is pictured here sitting inside a canon on the battleship!
Jimmy 'The Sergeant' was a donkey born at the Battle of the Somme
Jimmy was wounded three times during the war. He learnt to raise his hoof in salute. After the war, Jimmy raised thousands of pounds for the RSPCA charity.
Jackie the baboon was taken to France by South African soldiers
Jackie had excellent eyesight and hearing and used to warn soldiers of enemy movement by making noises and tugging on their clothing.
Winnipeg 'Winnie' the bear was a mascot for Canadian soldiers
The Canadians gave Winnie to London Zoo in 1914. The writer AA Milne took his son Christopher Robin to the zoo, which inspired his famous stories about Winnie the Pooh.
Soldiers and rats
Dogs made excellent rat catchers. This terrier hunted in French trenches, September 1916.Not all animals were liked by the soldiers. Rats lived in the trenches and fed on leftover and rotting food. They could have hundreds of babies each year, so there were lots of them.
Soldiers disliked rats because they smelled bad and could spread diseases. They tried many ways to get rid of them.
However, rats were sometimes helpful. Some soldiers noticed that rats would suddenly run away before an attack. This could warn them that enemy soldiers were nearby or that danger was coming.
How did life change for animals and soldiers?
Men of No. 59 Squadron RAF with their pet rabbits at Vert Galland Aerodrome, 15 May 1918.Animals were essential for both sides in World War One.
As well as working hard, they were important for morale. Soldiers were able to show their caring side by looking after animals.
How are animals remembered?
The Animals in War Memorial in London has been in Hyde Park since 2004.In 2004, a special memorial was opened in London to remember the animals that helped and died during wars, including World War One.
Money for the memorial was raised by people across the country.
The memorial has two important messages written on it.
The first message honours all the animals that served alongside British and Allied soldiers in wars.
