MARK-9

They Protected Us. Now It’s Our Turn. Every day across the country, K-9 officers put their lives on the line alongside their human partners. They detect explosives, track down criminals, search for missing persons, and protect the communities they serve. These dogs don’t just do a job — they form unbreakable bonds with their handlers and earn their place as trusted partners and family members. But when the sirens fade and it’s time to retire, most working dogs face a stark reality: there is no pension, no medical coverage, and very few department resources to support their care. Instead, the full financial responsibility for their ongoing veterinary needs — from routine exams to emergency surgeries — falls entirely on the shoulders of their former handler and their family. This is where MARK-9 (Medical Assistance for Retired K-9s) steps in.