While working in government, Jason Johnson served as a dog handler, trainer, certification official, and kennel master before moving into an administrative role. During that time, he came to a difficult realization: as a country, we relied on these dogs throughout their careers, yet too often left their Handlers to manage the cost of care alone once the dogs retired. Sending these partners home without financial support for their legitimate medical needs did not sit right with him.

That reality became personal after Jason adopted his former partner, K-9 Flash, when she retired in 2013. She was battling Lyme disease, mobility challenges, and other age-related conditions, and there was no support system to help manage her care beyond Jason himself. In that moment, it became clear that something had to be done to protect those who protected us.

On March 2nd, 2016, Project K-9 Hero was born.

Since that time, we have grown and expanded from a grassroots organization to a nationally-recognized 501(c)(3), thanks to the support of our donors and friends. Please join us in recognizing a significant milestone from each year in our history.

"Kurt was one of the first dogs selected for the program. We were blessed to have Project K-9 Hero cover the costs for his special diet food, his end-of-life medical care, at home euthanasia, and cremation so that my family and I could just focus on loving Kurt the most in his final days." - Joel Altman, K-9 Kurt's Handler

The past ten years have transformed a grassroots effort with a $12,800 annual budget and ten Program Members into a national organization operating with more than $6 million each year while serving 377 Program Members.

To date, more than $32 million has been raised to provide lifesaving medical care, prevent euthanasia for dozens of retired K-9 Heroes, reunite dogs with loving homes, and shoulder the burden of critical veterinary expenses that would otherwise fall entirely on their Handlers.

Today, we have Program Members who have worked in 48 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. One even made the journey from British Columbia, Canada to our headquarters in Whitwell, TN to receive the care he deserved.

Progress like this only happens because of steadfast supporters who believe these Heroes should never be left behind. Our partnership with you ensures the next decade brings even more second chances.

“As the Founder of Project K-9 Hero, never did I imagine that we would raise over $32 million dollars in the first ten years. I want to personally thank every supporter, donor, and sponsor who has given to our mission to Protect Those Who Protected Us. We could not have accomplished this without you!” - Jason Johnson, Founder