EDINBURGH, Ind. – K9 Skye and K9 Kira from the Edinburgh Police Department were recently awarded a “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” grant from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a nationwide charity located in Massachusetts.
Since 2016, the non-profit’s “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” program has donated over $307,404 towards medical reimbursement programs for self-funded K9 units.
Among the recipients for 2023 are the Edinburgh Police Department and its two K9s, Skye and Kira.
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. Police 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. Trupanion offers injury and illness coverage for working and service dogs – both on and off duty.
In addition to the healthcare reimbursement program, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,077 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. Tax-deductible donations are accepted via mail addressed to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718, or by going to vik9s.org.