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 its “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” medical insurance program for 2024 which covers annual policy premiums. Since 2016, the charity has donated over $429,435 towards medical reimbursement programs for self-funded K9 units.

The recipients for 2024 are: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, NC, K9 Athos; Mogadore Police Department, OH, K9 Judge; Longwood Police Department, FL, K9 Wrangler; White Pine Police Department, TN, K9 Rocky; Garden County Sheriff’s Office, NE, K9 Lara; Lahoma Police Department, OK, K9 Gunner; Lahoma Police Department, OK, K9 Zeus; Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, OK, K9 Havoc; Gentryville Police Department, IN, K9 Zara; Butler County Sheriff’s Office, AL, K9 Rex; Peabody Police Department, MA, K9 Ozzy; Cotton County Sheriff’s Office, OK, K9 Axle; Cotton County Sheriff’s Office, OK, K9 Odin; Pageland Police Department, SC, K9 Creed; Somerset-Pulaski Special Response Team, KY, K9 Chevy; Somerset-Pulaski Special Response Team, KY, K9 Yhaazwii; Dixon County Sheriff’s Office, NE, K9 Ragnar; Dixon County Sheriff’s Office, NE, K9 Tank; Winona Police Department, MN, K9 Delta; Edinburgh Police Department, IN, K9 Xta; Town of Woodbury Police Department, NY, K9 Nika; Clairton Police Department, PA, K9 Broky; Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department, PA, K9 Carr; Montville Police Department, CT, K9 Sig; Montville Police Department, CT, K9 Gage; Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, OK, K9 Neo; Pennsboro Police Department, WV, K9 Judge; Southport Police Department, IN, K9 Khaleesi; Benson County Sheriff’s Office, ND, K9 Ares; Highland Park Police Department, MI, K9 Ernie; Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office, MO, K9 Rooster; Dennis Police Department, MA, K9 Winnie; Lee County Sheriff’s Office, IL, K9 Henry; Huntingdon Borough Police Department, PA, K9 Tony; Indiana Borough Police Department, PA, K9 Axel; Iowa City Police Department, IA, K9 Max;

Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department, ND, K9 Raptor; Swampscott Police Department, MA, K9 Sora; Canon City Police Department, CO, K9 Kassio; Salem Police Department, IL, K9 Civka; Wayzata Police Department, MN, K9 Riggs; Lancaster Police Department, KY, K9 Havoc; Otoe County Sheriff’s Office, NE, K9 Waco; Washington Police Department, IA, K9 Dex; Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, AR, K9 Dan; Elizabethtown Police Department, KY, K9 Indy; Elizabethtown Police Department, KY, K9 Mina; Bullitt County Detention Center, KY, K9 Indi; White Pigeon Police Department, MI, K9 Azor; DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, IL, K9 Duke; Bellevue Police Department, OH, K9 Suki; Commerce Police Department, TX, K9 Dexter; Poteet ISD Police Department, TX, K9 Eni; Leflore County Sheriff’s Office, OK, K9 Dingo

The “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” grant is awarded to departments that 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 5,707 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. 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.