What to Expect — And What We Want You to Know


When livestock go missing, it’s stressful — and often urgent. Whether it’s a single animal or multiple head, you’re not just worried about loss, you’re worried about safety, injury, and time. We understand that. These animals represent hard work, responsibility, and often a livelihood.


A thermal drone can be a powerful tool, but it isn’t a cure-all. Sometimes it leads us directly to the animals. Other times, it helps eliminate large areas and focus the search where it matters most. What’s important is using the right tool at the right time.


When you call, we’ll talk through your situation honestly and practically. If a drone search makes sense, we’ll tell you. If another approach is better, we’ll tell you that too. Our goal is results — not selling a service that won’t help.


When we arrive, we’ll walk the area with you, discuss how the animals likely moved, and identify the most probable locations based on terrain, fencing, feed sources, and behavior. During the flight, you’ll be able to view the live video feed as we search and explain what we’re seeing in real time.


How Livestock Typically Behave When They Go Missing

Most livestock don’t travel far unless they’re chased, spooked, or following terrain features. In many cases, animals will:

  • Stay near familiar grazing or water sources
  • Follow fence lines, trails, or natural corridors
  • Bed down in low areas or shaded cover
  • Move slowly unless pressured


This is why organized, methodical searching close to the escape point is often the most effective approach.


Important Things to Know

  • Most livestock are found within a relatively short distance of where they escaped
  • Animals often follow terrain, not straight lines
  • Cattle and horses may travel farther than goats or sheep
  • The first few days are the most critical for recovery
  • Stress or pressure can push animals farther away


If your animals are missing, it does not mean you did something wrong. Escape behavior is instinctive and often unpredictable.


What You Can Do Right Now

  • Check fence lines, gates, and water sources
  • Avoid chasing or pressuring animals if spotted
  • Ask neighbors to check barns, pastures, and outbuildings
  • Look during early morning or evening when animals are most active
  • Use trail or Wi-Fi cameras if available


Often, small observations lead to big breakthroughs.


When a Thermal Drone May Help

A thermal drone search can be useful when:

  • You’ve searched but haven’t located the animals
  • Terrain is large, rugged, or difficult to cover on foot
  • You’re unable to search at night
  • Conditions are good for thermal imaging
  • The animals were lost recently or sighted nearby


We’ll always be honest about whether a drone will help in your situation — and we won’t recommend one if it’s unlikely to be effective.


Frequently Asked Questions

How far do livestock usually travel?

It varies by species and conditions, but most stay relatively close unless driven by fear, lack of water, or open terrain. Many are found following fence lines, drainages, or grazing routes.


Can a thermal drone locate livestock in heavy brush?

Sometimes. Large animals produce strong heat signatures, but thick vegetation or warm ground can reduce visibility. That’s why drone searches work best when combined with ground checks and good planning.


When should I call?

As soon as possible. Even if a drone isn’t deployed immediately, we can help you determine the best next steps and avoid actions that might push animals farther away.


Will the drone scare the animals?

We operate at safe altitudes to minimize noise and stress. If animals appear calm or bedded down, we may recommend delaying or limiting flight to avoid movement.