Press Releases

Press Releases


September 12, 2022
Linn Police Department’s K9 Brownie has been awarded a “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” Grant

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) nationwide charity located in East Taunton, MA, whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit is pleased to continue their “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” medical insurance program for 2022 which covers annual policy premiums. Since 2016, the charity has donated over $259,419 towards medical reimbursement programs for self-funded K9 units.

Selected as 2022 recipients to date are: Linn Police Department, MO, K9 Brownie; Wayzata Police Department, MN, K9 Loki; Paoli Police Department, IN, K9 Kilo; Polk Borough Police Department, PA, K9 Pablo; Hohenwald Police Department, TN, K9 Cir; Piedmont Public Safety, GA, K9 Black Lightning; St. Paris Police Department, OH, K9 Frankie; St. Paris Police Department, OH, K9 Thorn; Princeton Police Department, MN, K9 Bogey; Manor Township Police Department, PA, K9 Atom; Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, NC, K9 Ash; Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, NC, K9 Bane; Love County Sheriff’s Office, OK, K9 Maya; Jack County Sheriff’s Office, TX, K9 Canelo; Village of Monroe Police Department, NY, K9 Keen; Rehoboth Police Department, MA, K9 Edo; Henry County Sheriff’s Office, IA, K9 Axel; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, KY, K9 Chase; Pleasant Township Fire Department, OH, K9 Sasha; Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, MT, K9 Hati; Shelbyville Police Department, KY, K9 J.C.; Muscogee County School District Police Department, GA, K9 Buddy; Knoxville Police Department, IA, K9 Rosko; Benton Police Department, KS, K9 Rocky; Caribou Police Department, ME, K9 Ace; Newington Police Department, NH, K9 Augie; Washington County Sheriff’s Office, IA, K9 Dzamel; Cherokee Police Department, OK, K9 Tex; Harveysburg Police Department, OH, K9 Keira.

The “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” grant is awarded to departments which have the financial burden of raising funds to support their K9 unit, have no more than three K9s, and have previously been awarded a vest through Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Law enforcement dogs ages two through seven are eligible. The annual medical reimbursement insurance policy, administered by Trupanion, will cover illnesses, injuries—including those sustained in the line of duty—diagnostic testing and therapies. The plan allows the freedom to use any licensed veterinarian, specialty center, or emergency hospital in the United States.

Trupanion, a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, offers injury and illness coverage for working and service dogs - both on and off duty. For nearly two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners and working dog owners’ peace of mind so they can focus on their dog’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is honored to support these brave K9 heroes and is committed to providing the highest value in medical insurance to help them receive the best veterinary care.

In addition to the healthcare reimbursement program, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,740 law enforcement dogs with U.S. made, custom-fitted, NIJ certified bullet and stab-protective vests in 50 states, at a value of over $6.9 million dollars. For more information, please call 508-824-6978. Tax-deductible donations accepted via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or via the website: www.vik9s.org.    

www.vik9s.org

Press Releases


April 14, 2022
Linn Police Department’s K9 Brownie has received donation of body armor

Linn Police Department’s K9 Brownie has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Brownie’s vest was sponsored by Allyson Haselman of Federalsburg MD and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,601 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.     

www.vik9s.org

Press Releases


January 31, 2022
Linn Police Department’s K9 Brownie to get donation of body armor

Linn Police Department’s K9 Brownie will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Brownie’s vest is sponsored by Allyson Haselman of Federalsburg MD and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,518 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

www.vik9s.org