Local K9 has been awarded “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” Grant

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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” program which launched in 2016.  The charity will supplement their initial donation of $10,000 in 2016 by donating an additional $10,000 in 2017 toward a medical reimbursement programs for a number of self-funded K9 units.

The “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” grant will be awarded to departments who have the financial burden of raising funds to support their K9 unit, who have no more than three K9s, and who have previously been awarded a vest through Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Law enforcement dogs ages two through seven will be eligible. The medical reimbursement insurance policy will cover illnesses, injuries—including those sustained in the line of duty—diagnostic testing and therapies.  In 2016, the pilot program for the charity awarded twenty-four K9 recipients with an annual policy at a cost of just over $10,000.00.

Selected as 2017 recipients to date are:  Portland, CT Police Department,  K9 Nero, Waverly, TN Police Department, K9 Crockett, Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office, TX, K9 Pusinka, Camp Point, IL Police Department, K9 Poseidon, Palmer, MA Police Department, K9 Buddy, Hadley, MA Police Department, K9 Nomar, Madison, FL Police Department, K9 Bolt, Attica, IN Police Department K9 Dirk , Grant County Sheriff’s Office, WA K9s Grizzly and Chicka , University Hospital of OH, K9 General, Cass County, IA Sheriff’s Office, K9 Vader, Dalton MA Police Department, K9 Max, Cass County, IA Sheriff’s Department, K9 Vader, and Ballard County KY Detention Center, K9 Abby.

Sgt. James Kelly of the Portland Police Department is partnered with Nero and the team has recently completed training and are certified at a national level in narcotic detection and full patrol duties including tracking, evidence recovery and criminal apprehension.

The Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. grant will allow for the provision of a prepaid annual policy that will be administered by Trupanion. The plan allows the freedom to use any licensed veterinarian, specialty center, or emergency hospital in the United States, and Puerto Rico.

Trupanion, a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, offers injury and illnesses 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, the non-profit has provided over 2700 law enforcement dogs with bullet and stab protective vests in 50 states, at a cost of 2.1 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.