About PPAK9 — Project Paws Alive

Our History

Founded in 2012 by law enforcement veterans, Project Paws Alive got its start after a string of preventable K9 deaths made one thing clear: with the right equipment, most of those dogs would still be alive. Drawing on their federal and state law enforcement backgrounds, our founders built PPAK9 to close that gap, providing bullet- and stab-protective vests, first aid kits, and other lifesaving equipment to K9 units that can't afford it on their own.

Why Your Generosity is Crucial

Research also determined that most K9 handlers (first responders) lack the funds or budget approvals to afford such costly equipment for their K9 partners. In many instances, law enforcement and other agencies are limited by their minimal budgets in purchasing adequate equipment for their human officers. Unfortunately, harsh economic realities place the working dog at the bottom of their priority list.

Consequently, economic constraints force 92% of K9 units to rely solely on fundraising and donations. Handlers often personally cover the costs of their K9 partner’s basic needs, including food, medical care, grooming, training, and yearly certification. Many even pay for work vehicle modifications required to safely transport their partners. Essential K9 safety equipment is the most expensive and therefore rarely accessible to these underresourced handlers.

PPAK9 is the only national non-profit organization working to provide a wide range of superior quality protective equipment to our working K9s across the country. This is always at no cost to their hard-working and dedicated K9 handlers. We believe all Law Enforcement, Fire, Search & Rescue, and Military K9s should be afforded the same lifesaving protections provided to their human partners. While it is our deepest hope that every K9 handler walks through their door after the end of a long shift, it is our mission to ensure that their K9 partner bounds through that same door.