When a Thermal Drone Can Help — and When It May Not

Losing a pet is incredibly stressful, and we understand how overwhelming it can feel. A thermal drone can be a powerful tool in certain situations, but it’s important to know when it’s most effective and when other methods may be better.


When a Thermal Drone Is a Good Option


A drone search is often helpful when:


  • Your dog went missing in an open or semi-rural area
  • Your dog is shy or fearful and unlikely to approach strangers
  • You have a general idea of where your dog was last seen
  • The loss or sighting was recent
  • Your dog is likely still moving rather than sheltering with people


These situations give us the best chance of spotting heat signatures from the air and narrowing down where your dog may be


When a Drone May Not Be the Best Tool

There are times when a drone search may be less effective, including:

  • If your dog was lost in a dense urban or downtown area
  • If your dog is very friendly and likely already taken in by someone
  • During extremely hot weather, when thermal contrast is reduced
  • In tightly packed neighborhoods or areas with heavy structures
  • In restricted airspace (near airports, military bases, or theme parks)


If a drone isn’t the right fit, we’ll be honest with you and help guide you toward other options.


Timing and Conditions Matter

Time is critical. Dogs can travel quickly, especially when scared. Launching early gives us the best chance of locating them before they move too far.

The best conditions for thermal searches are:

  • Cool mornings or evenings
  • Good temperature contrast between the ground and your dog
  • Calm weather

These conditions allow the camera to clearly separate your dog’s heat signature from the surroundings.


What to Expect During a Search

A thermal drone is not a guarantee, but it is a powerful tool that can greatly improve the odds. It helps:

  • Cover large areas quickly
  • Eliminate low-probability zones
  • Focus search efforts where they matter most


When you call, we’ll talk through your situation and determine whether a drone search makes sense.
Once on site, we’ll identify the most likely areas and begin flying.
You’ll be able to see the live video feed as we search and explain what we’re seeing along the way.


Frequently Asked Questions


What types of dogs are easiest to find?

Most dogs can be located under the right conditions. Medium and large dogs are generally easier to spot from the air. Active breeds like shepherds, huskies, and labs often remain mobile and visible. Smaller dogs can still be found, but searches may require lower flights and additional ground checks.


What areas work best?

Open spaces with limited tree cover are ideal, such as:

  • Fields and open land
  • Riverbeds and creek areas
  • Parks after hours
  • Golf courses and canyon areas


Dense tree cover, heavy pavement, or crowded areas can make detection more difficult, but we’ll always evaluate the best approach for your situation.


When should I call?

As soon as possible. The earlier we’re contacted, the better the chances of success—especially if your dog was just lost or recently spotted.


Will the drone scare my dog?

We fly high enough to minimize noise and stress. We never approach aggressively and always follow a recovery plan designed to avoid pushing your dog farther away.


If you contact us, please include a recent photo of your dog and any recent sightings. We’ll help you determine the best next steps and the best time to launch.