Nonprofit Provides Protective Vest For Alabama K9

An Alabama law enforcement K9 is about to get an extra layer of protection while working in the field.

According to a press release sent to Townsquare Media, K9 Toby, a two year old Dutch Shepherd assigned to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s SWAT Team, will soon receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

Toby is a dual purpose K9 trained in both apprehension and tracking, meaning he is often deployed in high risk situations where officers rely on his abilities to locate suspects and assist during tactical operations.

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The vest was sponsored by Manitou Cliff Dwellings in Manitou Springs, Colorado, and will be embroidered with the message, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” According to the press release, the protective vest is expected to be delivered within the next ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was founded in 2009 and works to provide bullet and stab protective vests to law enforcement dogs across the United States. The organization supplies U.S. made, custom fitted vests that are certified by the National Institute of Justice.

Since the nonprofit launched its program, it has provided more than 6,300 protective vests to K9 units in all 50 states. Those vests represent more than 6.9 million dollars in equipment designed to help protect police dogs while they serve alongside officers.

Law enforcement K9s that are at least 20 months old and actively working with certified agencies are eligible for the program. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s currently serving across the country.