K9s United

K9s United K9s United is dedicated to providing the necessary equipment & training K9 law enforcement officers need in order to protect communities across the country.

When Baron was asphyxiated on October 7th, 2014 in a St. Johns County, FL swamp, the Sheriff’s Office canine deputy’s death moved Debbie Johnson to tears. Now she’s been moved to do more. She’s helping Baron’s partners through her new nonprofit, K-9s United. Johnson took Civilian Law Enforcement Academy classes to learn about the department and its budget needs. She also met Baron’s handler, Deput

y Farrah Ashe.

“We think it is outstanding that someone would take such an interest and be captivated by a tragedy that we suffered as an agency,” Kelshaw said. “That she also went to our academy and got an inside look at what we do as an agency and is willing to help us is outstanding.”

The result is K-9s United, which is raising money for Baron’s division first, then later for canine corps in other Northeast Florida police agencies that need equipment, veterinary services, training and computer programs that budgets don’t cover.

“The canine handlers and these dogs are so awesome at what they do that I want to create awareness about how brave they are every day that they go out, and the bond they have,” she said. Johnson’s efforts are appreciated by the Sheriff’s Office, which will present her with a list of unbudgeted needs such as food or bulletproof dog vests that she can purchase when funds are raised, Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kevin Kelshaw said. Johnson says she eventually wants to help K-9s statewide and then eventually take it nationwide.

Every time we spot a K9s United plate in the wild, we know exactly what it means.It means someone chose to do more than ...
06/13/2026

Every time we spot a K9s United plate in the wild, we know exactly what it means.

It means someone chose to do more than say “thank you.”

They chose to stand in the same corner as the K9s and handlers who put everything on the line for their community.

One car on one street doesn’t seem like much. But hundreds, then thousands of those plates on the road send a loud, clear message:

These dogs matter.
Their safety matters.
Their training and equipment matter.

If you already have a K9s United plate, you are part of that team. You are one of the reasons we can keep showing up with training, equipment, and support for K9 units across the country.
If you’ve been thinking about it, here is your nudge. Reach out to your local tag office, ask about the K9s United specialty plate and make your vehicle part of this mission.

When we see that plate on your car, we know exactly where you stand. And so does everyone driving behind you.

Summer heat is a reality every working K9 and handler feels the second they step outside.After a track, a search, or a l...
06/11/2026

Summer heat is a reality every working K9 and handler feels the second they step outside.

After a track, a search, or a long call, K9s come back to the vehicle wearing a vest and a thick fur coat in temperatures that would flatten most of us.

Agencies work hard to keep them safe in that kind of heat. They adjust training times. They train for signs of heatstroke and watch their dogs closely. They build policies around safety.

Vehicle heat alarm systems are one more layer of protection.

They monitor the temperature inside a patrol vehicle and can alert and trigger emergency measures if it rises too high, giving handlers a crucial chance to act before things turn critical.

But heat alarms are expensive, and if one needs to be replaced unexpectedly, we never want cost to be the reason it isn’t replaced.

This summer, our goal is simple: help equip as many K9 vehicles as we can with heat alarm systems so more dogs have that backup on their side.

When you back K9s United, you help turn that goal into actual hardware bolted into real patrol vehicles.

If you are a handler or agency leader who needs help with K9 heat safety equipment, let us know.

If you are someone who wants to stand behind K9s facing the heat, donate to our Heat Alarm campaign and keep an eye on this page as we share the systems we install and the teams you are helping protect.

If you’re able to go one step further, join K9 Corps to set up a recurring monthly gift that protects K9s all year long: https://www.k9sunited.org/donate/

💔 End of Watch: K-9 Fox Today, we join the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office in mourning the loss of K-9 Deputy Fox, a loya...
06/09/2026

💔 End of Watch: K-9 Fox

Today, we join the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office in mourning the loss of K-9 Deputy Fox, a loyal partner, trusted protector, and beloved member of the law enforcement family.

While assisting in the search for an escaped juvenile offender, Fox suffered a sudden medical emergency and collapsed alongside his handler, Deputy Ronnie Decell. Veterinarians later discovered that Fox was suffering from an undiagnosed tumor that ruptured during the search, causing severe internal bleeding. Despite receiving emergency medical care and fighting for several weeks afterward, Fox ultimately passed away surrounded by those who loved him most.

For many, a police K-9 is a tool of the profession. For those who have had the privilege of working beside one, they are so much more. They are partners, teammates, protectors, and family members. They stand beside us during some of the most dangerous moments of our careers and ask for nothing in return except the opportunity to do the job they love.

Fox served his community with courage, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to his handler. His passing serves as a reminder that these remarkable dogs give us everything they have, every single time they answer the call.

Today, we ask our K9s United family to keep Deputy Decell, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, and all those grieving the loss of Fox in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for your service, Fox. Your watch has ended, but your impact and legacy will live on through the lives you touched and the people you helped protect.

Casino tables. Single‑purpose K9s. A live demo you won’t forget.On October 10, we’re bringing it all together at Deerwoo...
06/09/2026

Casino tables. Single‑purpose K9s. A live demo you won’t forget.

On October 10, we’re bringing it all together at Deerwood Country Club for the K9 Royale Gala, one night of elegance and high stakes for the dogs who never get to clock out.

Behind every bid at the silent and live auctions is a K9 team getting the training, equipment, and protection they need to do their jobs safely.

If you’ve ever wanted to step into a James Bond‑level night and walk out knowing you did something real for working K9s, this is your moment.

Tap the link to learn more and reserve your spot at the table.

Tickets: https://k9sunited-bloom.kindful.com/e/k9-royale-gala
RSVP: K9 Royale Gala: An Evening of High Stakes for K9 Heroes

Thank You, Setina Manufacturing!At K9s United, we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of Setina Manufactu...
06/05/2026

Thank You, Setina Manufacturing!

At K9s United, we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of Setina Manufacturing⁠ and their commitment to the law enforcement and K9 communities.

For more than 60 years, Setina has been a trusted name in public safety, designing and manufacturing industry leading law enforcement vehicle equipment, prisoner transport systems, K9 transport solutions, push bumpers, partitions, and other products that help officers and K9 teams safely perform their mission every day. Founded by a Washington State Patrol vehicle specialist, Setina’s roots have always been centered around protecting those who serve. Today, that same commitment to innovation, safety, and service remains at the core of everything they do.

Because of partners like Setina, K9s United is able to continue providing world class training opportunities to law enforcement agencies across the country.

Their support played a significant role in the success of our Springfield, Illinois Advanced K9 Training Seminar, which brought together 80 K9 teams from the Illinois State Police, Springfield Police Department, and numerous surrounding agencies for several days of advanced training, education, and professional development.

These seminars are about much more than training dogs. They are about building safer handlers, stronger teams, and ultimately helping officers and K9s return home safely at the end of every shift. That mission is only possible because of companies that genuinely invest in the law enforcement profession.

To the entire team at Setina Manufacturing, thank you for your continued partnership, your support of K9s United, and your unwavering dedication to the men, women, and K9s who serve our communities every day.

We are proud to have you standing beside us in our mission to protect those who protect us.

06/04/2026

We can tell you what we do all day long. But it means a lot more coming from the people who actually work with these dogs. 👇

“By far the best and most interactive K9 training I have attended…”

“It has been the best group of instructors the agency has had for years…”

“Decades of experience being shared for the improvement of the profession.”

Those are real words from real handlers who showed up, put in the work, and went home with stronger, more confident K9 teams.

When you support K9s United, you’re not just backing an organization.

You’re backing every K9 team that walks onto that training field and refuses to accept “good enough.”

To every handler who has trusted us with their time, their dog, and their honesty, thank you.

We don’t take that lightly, and we’re not done yet.

06/03/2026

“School K9s must get a three month vacation.”

If only that were true.

When the final bell rings, most people think school is over for the year. For school-based K9s, the work just changes.

They’re still training.
Still checking buildings.
Still responding when there is a tip, a threat, or a call that something is not right on school property.

The Duval County School Police K9 Unit was built for that kind of year round work: four K9 officers and their partners supporting firearm and narcotics investigations, assisting other agencies, and making sure campuses are ready long before students walk back through the doors.

These K9s are not on summer break. They’re out front, preventing problems most people will never see and keeping school grounds ready for the next year.

Tag a teacher, parent, or officer who knows how much these school K9s really do when no one else is around

Today, we join the law enforcement community in mourning the loss of Chesterfield County Police K9 Knight, who was kille...
06/02/2026

Today, we join the law enforcement community in mourning the loss of Chesterfield County Police K9 Knight, who was killed in the line of duty while serving alongside the officers he faithfully protected.

K9 Knight dedicated his life to standing beside his handler and fellow officers in the pursuit of keeping others safe. Like so many police dogs across this country, he ran toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating the courage, loyalty, and selfless service that define the very best of our profession.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Knight’s handler, the entire Chesterfield County Police Department, and the officers who were injured during this tragic incident. We also pray for their families, friends, and all those affected by this loss.

The bond between a handler and their K9 partner is unlike any other. Knight was more than a police dog, he was a partner, protector, and cherished member of his law enforcement family.

Rest easy, Knight. Your watch is over. Your service, sacrifice, and legacy will never be forgotten.

TAG THEM! 👇K9 CompetitionSat, Nov 14 at 1pmBishop Kenny High SchoolJacksonville, FL
06/02/2026

TAG THEM! 👇

K9 Competition
Sat, Nov 14 at 1pm
Bishop Kenny High School
Jacksonville, FL

Jet Tek started this as a way to bring the jet ski community together and give back. Every year, they choose a cause and...
05/30/2026

Jet Tek started this as a way to bring the jet ski community together and give back. Every year, they choose a cause and rally their network to raise money through raffles and sponsorships.

This year, they chose to stand behind K9s, and that means a lot to us.

Here’s how you can be part of it:
Brands across the jet ski world donate gear, services, and experiences, and everything gets raffled off with 100% of proceeds going to the charity. Raffle tickets are $5, and you can grab as many as you want.

You don’t need a jet ski to come out. The island is accessible by boat, and anyone is welcome. It’s a full day on the water with a purpose behind it.

If you’re local, come out and support. If you can’t make it, you can still get involved through the raffle and help fund the training, equipment, and protection K9 teams rely on every day.

We’re grateful to be part of it.

Follow Jet Tek for event updates and details: https://www.facebook.com/jettekperformance

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PO Box 365
Saint Augustine, FL
32085

Telephone

+19046012220

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