The Faribault County Sheriff’s Office K9 has been awarded a Healthcare for K9 Heroes grant, according to a press release.

The grant was provided by Vested Interest in K9s, a 501c(3) nationwide charity whose mission is to provide bullet- and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.

The nonprofit will continue its Healthcare for K9 Heroes medical insurance program for 2018, allocating the sum of $10,000 in annual policy coverage. Since  2016, the charity has donated over $30,000 toward medical reimbursement programs for self-funded K9 units.

The grant is awarded to departments that have the financial burden of raising funds to support their K9 units that have no more than three K9s and have previously been awarded a vest through Vested Interest in K9s. Law enforcement dogs ages 2 to 7 are eligible.

The annual medical reimbursement insurance policy, administered through Trupanion, will cover illness, injuries — including those sustained in the line of duty, diagnostic testing and therapies.