Our Work: Gear in Action
Vartoviy K9 is a Ukrainian maker of tactical and protective gear for working dogs. We sew every product individually for a specific dog to its measurements, so the "Our Work" section shows the real types of completed orders: custom-fit body armor to DSTU 8782:2018, tactical and rescue harnesses, carriers, leg-support straps and medical gear. Our clients include K9 handlers of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the police, rescue services and civilian dog owners. We don't use universal "one-size" patterns: first we take measurements, then we cut and sew. Production is located in Kyiv (ФОП Славінська Тетяна Юріївна), delivery across Ukraine by Nova Poshta is free, products carry a 12-month warranty and the ballistic panel — 3 years. To order gear for your dog, send a request with measurements — we'll work out the model and timelines.
What we sew: types of completed work
All gear is made for the dog's size and task. Below are the main categories we work with every day.
| Product | Purpose | Key specs |
|---|---|---|
| K9 body armor | Ballistic and anti-fragment protection | UHMWPE, DSTU 8782:2018, Class 1; weight 2.4–2.8 kg; modular |
| Tactical harness | Work, training, patrol | Cordura 500D, MOLLE 6 rows, hardware up to 800 kgf; sizes S–XL (18–60 kg) |
| Rescue harness | Lifting, evacuation, SAR | SAR orange, 3M reflective, load 1200 kgf; 4 sizes (12–65 kg) |
| Carrying and leg straps | Transport and support | Two-point lead (bungee, HK-snap); EVA + neoprene cuffs |
| Medical gear | First aid and evacuation | Tactical first-aid kit with a tourniquet; PVC veterinary stretcher 750×1250, 6 handles |
Custom-fit body armor
Our most complex work is protective vests. The ballistic panel is made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and meets DSTU 8782:2018, protection Class 1: it holds 9×18 PM/APS and 9×19 Luger pistol bullets, and anti-fragment resistance is confirmed by the STANAG 2920 method (V50). The cover is sewn from Cordura 500D. The design is modular — basic chest and back protection is supplemented by side and belly sections, optionally neck protection. Each vest is cut strictly to the dog's measurements, so it fits snugly and doesn't restrict movement. The product holds a Ukrainian patent, a 12-month warranty on the stitching and 3 years on the panel. We explain how to take measurements correctly in the article how to measure a dog for body armor.
Harnesses: tactical and rescue
Tactical harnesses are built for daily service: a Cordura 500D base, a breathable 3D Mesh lining with EVA, six rows of MOLLE webbing for pouches, a reinforced handle and Duraflex and ITW Nexus hardware rated up to 800 kgf. Sizes S–XL are available for dogs of 18–60 kg. The principles of laying out gear on the webbing are described in the article on the MOLLE system for K9.
Rescue harnesses are designed for lifting and evacuation: SAR orange color, 3M reflective elements, a load up to 1200 kgf and a stainless-steel D-ring. Four sizes cover dogs from 12 to 65 kg. The rescue gear category will help you choose a model.
Carrying, medical and auxiliary gear
For transport we make two-point polyamide leads with a bungee shock absorber and HK-snap carabiners, as well as leg-support straps — four cuffs with EVA and a neoprene lining for dogs recovering from injuries. The medical line — tactical first-aid kits with a tourniquet and PVC veterinary stretchers 750×1250 mm with six handles. The full range is grouped in the carrying and medical gear categories.
How to order gear for your dog
- Choose the product type and take the dog's measurements following our guide.
- Send a request with measurements, weight and breed — by phone +38 (067) 465-68-64 or via the form on the contacts page.
- We select the model and size, agree on color and options, and tell you the timeline and price.
- We make the product to size and ship it: across Ukraine — free by Nova Poshta, abroad — at the rates (from 850 ₴, 15 EU countries and the UK).
Ready to place an order? Send a request — and we'll work out gear specifically for your dog.
FAQ
Is each product really made individually?
Yes. We don't use universal patterns: first we take a specific dog's measurements, then we cut and sew the product for it. This ensures a snug fit and freedom of movement.
What standard does your body armor meet?
Vartoviy K9 body armor is made of UHMWPE and certified to the Ukrainian standard DSTU 8782:2018 (protection Class 1). It stops 9×18 PM/APS and 9×19 Luger bullets, and anti-fragment resistance is determined by STANAG 2920 (V50).
Is it the same class as NIJ IIIA?
No. NIJ is a separate US standards system. Our product is certified specifically to DSTU 8782:2018, so we don't attribute an NIJ class to it. Read more about the difference between standards in the article about the NIJ IIIA certificate for dog body armor.
Who are your clients?
We work with K9 handlers of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the police, rescue services, as well as civilian owners of working and sporting dogs.
What warranty and delivery apply?
Products carry a 12-month warranty, and the ballistic panel — 3 years. Delivery across Ukraine is free by Nova Poshta, abroad — at the rates (from 850 ₴, 15 EU countries and the UK).
How much does the body armor weigh and can it be added to?
The product weighs 2.4–2.8 kg depending on size. The design is modular: side and belly sections can be added to the basic chest and back protection, optionally neck protection.