Trupanion , which will cover illnesses , injuries , therapies , and diagnostic testing , and allows the use of any licenses veterinarian , specialty center or emergency hospital in the U . S .
“ It ’ s like Aflac for dogs ,” said Woods , referencing the well-known insurance company . “ It doesn ’ t cover routine maintenance , but it does cover if they get sick or they get injured , on or off duty , and it pays all the cost for that .”
The local SRT was one of 36 first responder organizations around the country to receive the grant in 2024 , including three others from Kentucky .
SRT has had Chevy and Yhaazwii , both German Shepherds , for around four years . Chevy specializes in detecting narcotics , human remains , and air scents for search and rescue , and Yhaazwii sniffs out explosives and is used in tracking .
Woods said there was a need for the benefits acquired from these grants ; in particular , the vests are totally new for the K9s , who haven ’ t had this kind of security before .
“ The vests are close to $ 3,000 apiece , and then the medical insurance is another thousand or so dollars a year ,” he said . “... All ( the K9s ) have had is a regular harness , nothing to the protection level .”
30 Commonwealth Journal - Unsung Heroes - 2024