About us
Our Mission
To ensure the safety of working K9s throughout the United States by providing bullet-and-stab-protective vests and other vital pieces of protective equipment to underfunded Law Enforcement, Fire, Search & Rescue, and Military K9 Units that otherwise cannot afford them.
Our History
Prompted by the numerous deaths of working K9s in a single year, the future cofounders of Project Paws Alive (PPAK9) conducted extensive research to learn how these tragedies could have been prevented.
Depending on the circumstances, they found that if these K9s had been wearing protective ballistic vests, had access to emergency first aid treatment in the field, and/or had been in vehicles equipped with heat alarm systems (“No K9 Left Behind” and “AceWatchDog” technology), the majority of K9 lives most likely would have been spared.
PPAK9 was established in 2012 when its cofounders combined their federal and state law enforcement backgrounds to address a national lapse in the safety of working K9s.
Influenced by their time working with the FBI’s Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force (FTTTF) and various Georgia law enforcement agencies, they combined their love of dogs with firsthand knowledge and experience to create Project Paws Alive.
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.
Our Purpose
Our sole purpose is to raise funds to provide protective equipment to working K9s in need. The current list includes, but is not limited to:
● K9 Ballistic Protective Vests
● K9 First Aid Field Trauma Kits
● K9 Narcan Kits
● K9 Vehicle Heat Alarm Systems with “No K9 Left Behind” & “AceWatchDog” technology
● Specialized Pet Oxygen Recovery Mask Kits
All items provided by Project Paws Alive are purchased directly from manufacturers with donated funds.
These are licensed companies specializing in state-of-the-art, professional-grade equipment held to the highest standards in their respective industries.
We also require that such items meet or exceed all state and federal regulations where applicable.
Many are “Military Grade” to ensure the highest quality and have been tested and certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the National Institute for Public Safety (NIPS).
Why Us
Costs, Equipment Information, and Applications
Costs can be prohibitive for limited agency budgets and/or individual K9 handlers. This is why we need YOUR support to help provide the safety equipment these K9s deserve.
* Custom-fitted Bullet-protective & Stab-resistant Vests: On average, $1,400 (depending on size and agency requirements).
* Specialized K9 SWAT/Military Vests: Starting at $3,800
* K9 Field Trauma Kits: $516
* K9 Vehicle Heat Alarms: Between $4,000 and $5,000
Over 400 agencies nationwide are currently requesting this equipment, and the wait list grows every day.
** Please go to our Equipment tab to view Equipment Lists for more in-depth product information and how to apply for equipment.**
Organization Information & Contact Details
Projects Paws Alive is a nationwide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are 100% deductible.
Address: 2095 Hwy 211 NW, Suite 2F-273, Braselton, GA 30517
Phone: (770) 710-1313
Email: info@ppak9.org
Website: ppak9.org
EIN: 46-0874586
