Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Vesting Policy
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has a three-tiered vesting policy:
TIER ONE / First Priority – New K9s
A department or law enforcement agency starts a brand new K9 program or adds K9s to their present K9 unit.
TIER TWO / Second Priority – Replacement K9s
K9s whose first vest was passed down due to the death or retirement of the vested dog or due to size issues.*
TIER THREE / Third Priority – Replacement Vests
Replacement of K9 vests, priority on this list is given to the oldest-manufacture-date vest holder.
Single purpose NARCOTICS and EXPLOSIVE K9s will be placed on a waiting list until such time as funds become available.
The manufacturers warranty the K9 vests for 5 years. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. directors realize that vests may still be in use beyond their expired warranties, and therefore, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. encourages handlers whose K9’s vest is over 5 years old to apply for a replacement vest.
Handlers must provide the vest manufacture date (found on the liner or inside the liner on the ballistic material), when they request a replacement vest for a previously vested dog, at which time that dog will be placed on the Replacement Wait List.
*In the event of a retired or deceased vested K9; their vest can be passed onto the K9 who replaces the retired/deceased K9. If the replacement dog does not fit into the vest used by the previous dog, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. will order a suitable replacement vest if funds are available to do so.
If the original vest is within the warranty period, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. will make arrangements to reallocate the used vest, after which it shall be designated to a K9 on the Replacement Wait List anywhere within the United States (with the condition that it shall be replaced at a later date as funds become available).
Individual Vest Sponsorship – Should a sponsor/donor offer to add or replace an expired vest to a specific dog or community, we will designate their sponsorship for that specific department or K9 provided there is need and the department’s policy allows them to participate in the program.
K9s who have a current issue vest would not be eligible to apply for this program.
K9s scheduled for retirement within 12 months of the date of inquiry would not be eligible for participation in this program.