Officials with Vested Interest in K9’s have announced Cass County K9 “Vader” was selected to receive medical reimbursement health care coverage. In a press release, the organization said “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 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 medical reimbursement programs for some self-funded K9 units.

Cass County K9 Vader (photo provided)

“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 the cost of just over $10,000.00.

“Selected as 2017 recipients to date are: Cass County, IA Sheriff’s Office, K9 Vader, Dalton MA Police Department, K9 Max, , Ballard County KY Detention Center, K9 Abby, University Hospital of OH, K9 General, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, WA K9s Grizzly and Chicka and Attica, IN Police Department K9 Dirk.

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

“The program will be administered by Trupanion. Cass County has been fortunate in previously receiving bullet and stab resistant vest for both of their K9 teams.  Cass County K9 Vader, who is handled by Deputy Quist, now will have extra protection medically because of this grant.  The K9 team meets the qualifications listed above because the program is run through forfeiture funding, has previously been awarded a vest, meets the age requirements, and Cass County currently has two K9 teams.

“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 2400 law enforcement dogs with bullet and stab protective vests in 50 states, at a cost of 1.9 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.

“Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States and Canada. Trupanion is committed to providing pet owners with the highest value in pet medical insurance. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TRUP”. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Omega General Insurance Company. For more information please visit Trupanion.com.”