Dallas Police Department’s K9 Kato Gets Donated Body Armor

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) — Dallas Police Department’s K9 Kato will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  K9 Kato’s vest is will be embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”.  Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom-fitted, and NIJ certified.  The organization claims to have provided over 4,101 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, that are made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies.  K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.  There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.