The Ithaca Police Department announced that K9 Xello has received a bullet and stab protective vest through a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest, custom-fitted and U.S.-made, is embroidered with the message: “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”
Founded in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to providing bullet and stab protective vests and other support to K9s serving law enforcement and related agencies across the United States. The vests are National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified and designed to offer potentially lifesaving protection for four-legged officers.
Since its founding, the organization has supplied more than 6,348 vests, valued at $6.9 million, to K9s in all 50 states, made possible through private and corporate donations. Eligible dogs must be at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with a law enforcement or related agency. K9s with expired vests can also receive new protection. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s in the U.S.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible donations of any size, with $1,050 sponsoring one vest. Each vest weighs 4–5 pounds, has a five-year warranty, and costs $1,800.
