South Toms River K-9 Loki Receives Vest Grant

The following news release was received from the South Toms River Police Department:

South Toms River Police Department K-9 Loki has been awarded a "Healthcare for K9 Heroes" Grant

Vested Interest in K9s Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nationwide charity located in East Taunton, Massachusetts, 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 nonprofit is pleased to continue their "Healthcare for K9 Heroes" medical insurance program for 2020 which covers annual policy premiums. Since 2016, the charity has donated over $125,000 towards medical reimbursement programs for self-funded K-9 units.

Selected as 2020 recipients to date are: South Toms River Police Department, NJ, K-9 Loki; Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Washington, K-9 Hawk; Jasper Police Department, Indiana, K-9 Mack; Lone Oak Police Department, Texas, K-9 Basa; Clark County Sheriff's Office, Illinois, K-9 Xena; Gloucester County Sheriff's Office, Virginia, K-9 Zeus; Chelsea Police Department, Oklahoma, K-9 Eli; Allen Hospital-Unity Point, Iowa, K-9 Kaya; Wood County Constable, Texas, K-9 Juma; Maywood Police Department, NJ, K-9 Ryker; Beebe Police Department, Arkansas, K-9 Crank; Vermillion County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana, K-9 Zeus; Lewiston Police Department, New York, K-9 Shadow; Limestone County Constable, Precinct 3, Texas, K-9 Teddy; Blytheville Police Department, Arkansas, K-9 Niko; Richmond Police Department, Rhode Island, K-9 Bico; Kenosha City Police Department, Wisconsin, K-9 Mani; Villa Hills Police Department, Kentucky, K-9 Onexx; Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana, K-9 Finn; Canisteo Village Police Department, NY, K9 Dex; and Cumberland Police Department, PA, K9 Finn.

The "Healthcare for K9 Heroes" grant is awarded to departments who have the financial burden of raising funds to support their K-9 unit, who have no more than three K-9s, and who have previously been awarded a vest through Vested Interest in K9s Inc. Law enforcement dogs ages 2 through 7 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 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 K-9 heroes and is committed to providing the highest value in medical insurance to help them receive the best veterinary care.

In addition to the health-care reimbursement program, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has provided over 3,917 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.