PET SAR (SEARCH AND RESCUE) FAQS

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A thermal drone uses a special infrared camera to detect heat signatures.  When we fly over an area, the drone identifies warm bodies, such as your dog or cat, against cooler surroundings, making it easier to spot animals that may be hiding or moving through the landscape.

We fly recognized search patterns over an area looking for heat signatures that contrast against their surroundings.  We then switch to regular zoom cameras to confirm what the heat signature is.  In darker areas, or during night time searches, we can use spotlights or near-infrared cameras to illuminate the surroundings.

Once your pet is located, we guide you--the owner--in to where they are so the first face they see is a familiar one.

The most effective times are during cool, overcast weather--especially from late fall through early spring.  These conditions create a strong contrast between your pet's body heat and the environment.  Early mornings and evenings can also work well.  The effectiveness of thermal drone searches on hot days can be very limited.

Yes, but it can be more challenging.  Summer heat and leafy trees can reduce visibility and thermal contrast.  We prefer to search in the early mornings, on overcast days or during the evening, but not all situations will be ideal and we accept that.  Even on days where there is a lot of heat, a thermal drone search can be successful.  We'll provide you with our opinions and let you make the call.

We ask some very important questions before considering a search, including:

• How long has your pet been missing?
• What kind of pet and how large?
• Where were they last seen?
• What is the local terrain and weather like?
• What colour is your pet and do you have any photos that we can use?

We'll ask these questions and give you an honest answer.  Even if that means recommending against a drone search.

Drone searches can last up to about two hours.  This allows us to cover a large area efficiently.  In some cases we may recommend extending the search or recommend returning at a more optimal time.  Each search will vary.

We primarily search for dogs but smaller animals can be easily spotted as well.  The difference between dogs and other animals is behaviour and some animals tend to go into hiding when they are lost and confused.

Yes.  Thermal drones can be used to find smaller animals such as cats.  The difference is behaviour and what your animal does when it's lost, scared and confused.  Cats can be harder to locate because they often hide in enclosed or sheltered spaces.  However, if a cat is moving through open terrain, resting outside, or near the edge of a wooded area, recovery can be successful.

One point to consider is that many indoor cats who escape the confines of their home are normally found a short distance away from the home, bedded down in a spot they decide is safe.

Thermal drones cannot see through buildings, walls, or dense tree cover.  We can, however, help eliminate open areas as possible hiding spots, which allows you to focus on checking nearby sheds, garages and structures.

Whether it's one operator or multiple operators flying multiple drones in a coordinated search effort, we must require a $200 payment up front.  This provides you with 90 minutes of drone operations.  Each additional hour is $200.  Should your pet be located in the first 90 minutes, we will prorate the fee and return money owed.  We wish we could provide this service for free but thermal drones and the training involved in flying them safely is very expensive.