The Centerville Police Department’s K9 Zeven will soon receive additional protection thanks to a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
The organization is donating a bullet- and stab-protective vest for K9 Zeven. The vest is expected to arrive within the next ten weeks and will feature the embroidered message, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”
Founded in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement K9s and related agencies throughout the United States.
The protective vests are made in the United States, custom-fitted for each K9, and certified by the National Institute of Justice. Since its founding, the organization has provided more than 6,758 vests, valued at approximately $6.9 million, to K9 officers in all 50 states through private and corporate donations.
To qualify for the program, K9s must be at least 20 months old, actively working, and certified with a law enforcement or related agency. Dogs with expired protective vests are also eligible.
Each vest is valued at $1,800, weighs approximately four to five pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty. A donation of $1,050 sponsors one vest, although tax-deductible contributions of any amount are accepted.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. estimates there are approximately 30,000 law enforcement K9s working throughout the United States.
Those interested in supporting the organization or learning about volunteer opportunities can visit www.vik9s.org or call 508-824-6978.
Donations may also be mailed to:
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
P.O. Box 9
East Taunton, MA 02718
The donation will help provide K9 Zeven with an added layer of protection while serving the Centerville community.
Source: Centerville Police Department and Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
