Spike’s K9 Fund – Protecting America’s Working Dogs

When a military K9 named Remco sacrificed his life protecting Navy SEAL Jimmy Hatch and his teammates on a battlefield, a promise was born. Profoundly moved by Remco's bravery, Jimmy returned home determined to protect the hero dogs who repeatedly protected him and his fellow warriors. He founded Spike’s K9 Fund—named after his first K9 partner, Spike—to ensure that every working dog gets the gear, care, and love they deserve for their selfless service. Our mission is simple: make sure every K9 hero receives exactly what they need, every time.

Every day, police, military, and Search & Rescue K9s put their lives on the line to keep us safe—sniffing out bombs, apprehending armed suspects, and searching for disaster survivors. Yet too many of these loyal partners go to work without adequate protection or care. In fact, 1 in 5 police dogs in the U.S. patrol without a ballistic vest because their departments can’t afford it.

Jimmy often reminds us: "Dogs are not volunteers—it's our job to protect them." Many K9 units lack funds for emergency vet bills or specialized training, which means brave dogs face avoidable risks of injury, disability, or worse. Spike’s K9 Fund exists to bridge this gap—to be the backup for dogs who give their all every day for us. We believe no K9 hero should be left vulnerable during or after their service.

We take a comprehensive approach to safeguard and honor K9 heroes, both during active duty and in retirement:

• Life-Saving Gear: We provide top-of-the-line protective equipment—including custom-fit K9 Storm ballistic vests, heat alarm systems for vehicles, goggles, ear protection, and tracking harnesses. K9 Storm vests are lightweight, stab-resistant, and fit like a second skin, allowing dogs to remain mobile and protected in any situation. This gear can mean the difference between life and death in the field.
• Critical Medical Care: When a K9 is injured in the line of duty or falls ill, we cover costly veterinary care so handlers and agencies don’t shoulder it alone. From emergency surgeries to physical rehabilitation and medications, we ensure these heroes receive the medical treatment needed to heal and live healthy lives. We also support retired K9s by funding surgeries, medications, or specialized equipment like wheelchairs to enhance their quality of life.
• Training & Wellness: Through Spike’s School, we offer advanced training programs to help K9 teams stay safe and effective. Courses in tactical field medicine or advanced search-and-rescue sharpen skills and save lives. A well-trained K9 team is better prepared, significantly reducing the risk of injury for both K9s and their handlers.
• Retirement Support: Every hero deserves a happy retirement. We assist K9s transitioning from active duty to home life by providing orthopedic beds, adaptive devices, and ongoing veterinary care for chronic conditions. These dogs have given us their all—we give back when they need it most.

Thanks to generous supporters, Spike’s K9 Fund has impacted K9 safety nationwide. Over 2,900 working dogs across all 50 states have received assistance through our programs. More than 1,400 K9 Storm ballistic vests have been donated to police and military K9s, each vest protecting a dog and enabling them to continue protecting their human partners.

Behind every number is a story: federal K9 Woodan now safely wears a state-of-the-art vest, preventing the fate of his predecessor. K9 Demis received a custom wheelchair after line-of-duty injuries impacted his retirement. Following the tragic loss of police K9 Krijger in 2016, our K9 Krijger Vest Campaign equipped every dog in his department with life-saving gear, supported by allies like journalist Anderson Cooper.

Each vest, medical procedure, and training session translates into safer communities, secure handlers, and K9s returning home safe. Our efforts ensure that courage on four legs is always met with compassion on two.

Spike’s K9 Fund was founded by James "Jimmy" Hatch, a retired U.S. Navy Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) and Purple Heart recipient. Throughout his service, Jimmy experienced firsthand the lifesaving bravery of military K9s. On his final deployment, he was critically wounded, and K9 Remco heroically charged the enemy to protect Jimmy and his teammates, sacrificing his own life so they could return home to their families. Inspired by this profound sacrifice and in honor of his canine teammates, Jimmy created Spike’s K9 Fund.

What started as one veteran’s promise to fallen friends has grown into a nationwide mission. Jimmy leads Spike’s K9 Fund with the ethos of loyalty, dedication, and refusal to leave anyone behind. Caring for these dogs is how he continues serving his country—protecting those who protect us. Spike’s K9 Fund remains laser-focused on ensuring every hero dog has the chance for a full, safe life, during and after their service.

We know trust is earned. Spike’s K9 Fund is proud to be a veteran-founded and operated 501(c)(3) charity (Tax ID #47-2144242), committed to transparency and accountability. Every donation directly supports equipping, healing, or honoring working dogs. Our leadership team, including experienced business leaders and veterinary experts, responsibly stewards every dollar received.

When you support Spike’s K9 Fund, you confidently invest in real impact—dogs getting the help they need precisely when they need it most.

Spike’s K9 Fund envisions a future where every working dog has the protection and care needed to do their jobs safely and retire healthy. But we can’t achieve this without you. Thousands of K9s still face daily risks without adequate protection or care. They've shown up for us—now it’s our turn to show up for them.

Make a difference today with a donation, fundraising campaign, or by spreading awareness. Your support directly saves lives, sending K9 heroes home safe and comfortable. Stand with us, protect those who protect us, and ensure no K9 fights alone.

Donate now or get involved. Your generosity is their armor.