Lost pet drone search
Our best results come when we fly within the first 6 hours. A thermal camera picks up a frightened or hiding animal's body heat in low light, thick brush and wide open fields.
How a search works
Call right away
Time matters most. The sooner we fly, the better the chances.
We plan together
Before launch, we explain the search plan so you know exactly what we're doing and why.
The thermal drone searches
We cover about a 1.5 to 2 mile radius, adjusted for terrain, weather and how your pet behaves.
You get the call
The moment your pet is spotted, you're contacted. Being there helps the fastest recovery.
When a drone search works best
Conditions make a big difference. Here's what helps and what hurts.
Better chances
- Your pet has been seen often
- Your pet responds well to people
- Got loose within the last 6 hours
- Cloudy or cold weather, or early morning
- Trees are bare, typically fall and winter
Lower chances
- No recent sightings
- Your pet is shy, skittish or scared
- Missing for more than 6 hours
- Warm, sunny weather
- Trees full of leaves in summer
This is a general guide to set expectations. It doesn't guarantee results, but it helps decide when a drone search is most likely to work.
What every search includes
Finding your pet is never guaranteed, but a thermal drone covers far more ground than searching on foot, and we'll do everything we can to bring them home.
- Thermal drone that detects heat signatures day or night
- FAA certified pilot with hundreds of hours of flight time
- A search plan explained to you before launch
- Covers about a 1.5 to 2 mile radius
- Works for dogs, cats, livestock and other animals
- You're called the moment your pet is spotted
Steps to help bring your pet home
Start on these right away, while the search is being planned.
Create a familiar scent station
- Set out unwashed clothing worn by their favorite person. Scent is powerful and comforting.
- Add strong-smelling food like hot dogs, bacon, dog food or scraps.
- Set out their blanket or bedding to make a familiar, safe space.
- Keep everything in a covered spot, out of the weather.
Prep your yard if they escaped from home
- If they got out of a fenced yard, bring other pets inside so they aren't a distraction.
- Leave the gate open so they can come back on their own.
- Turn off an invisible fence. It could keep them from coming back in.
Get the word out online
- Post on Facebook, Nextdoor and local lost pet pages.
- Use sites like lostmydoggie.com to widen the search.
- Include a clear photo, the last known location and your contact info.
- Update your posts with any new sightings.
Make and hand out flyers
- Use a good photo and your contact details.
- Post them at intersections, local businesses and neighborhoods, at least 2 miles around.
- Give flyers to mail carriers and FedEx and UPS drivers. They cover a lot of ground.
- Talk to neighbors in person so they can keep an eye out. This is important.
If you spot your pet, don't chase, call out or whistle
Stay calm. Kneel or sit down, avoid direct eye contact and speak softly. Toss some food or treats near you to draw them in, but don't approach. Let them come to you at their own pace.
Common questions
How soon should I call?
Right away. Our highest success rate comes when we're deployed within the first 6 hours of a pet going missing.
Can a drone find my pet at night?
Yes. The thermal camera detects body heat, so it works day or night, in low light, dense brush and open fields. Cool, cloudy weather and bare trees help the most.
What animals can you search for?
Dogs, cats, livestock and other animals.
How big an area do you search?
About a 1.5 to 2 mile radius, adjusted for the terrain, the weather and how your animal is likely to behave.
Do I need to be there?
It's strongly recommended. You can watch the search in real time, and you'll be contacted the moment your pet is spotted.
Is finding my pet guaranteed?
No. A thermal drone greatly improves the search, but recovery is never guaranteed. We'll do everything we can to bring your pet home.
Pet missing right now? Call.
The sooner we fly, the better the chances. Call and we'll start planning the search with you.