First 10 minutes
- Write down the exact place and time your dog was last seen.
- Leave one calm person near the escape point if it is safe.
- Close gates, secure other pets, and check the house, garage, yard, cars, and nearby hiding spots.
- Call or text nearby neighbors with a recent photo and one phone number to use.
- If your dog is seen, tell people not to chase, whistle, or yell.
First hour
Start building a sighting map. A good sighting includes the time, exact location, direction of travel, and whether the dog looked calm, scared, injured, or moving fast.
Ask for doorbell and security camera footage near the last known area. Even one short clip can show direction and keep the search from spreading randomly.
What not to do
- Do not send a large group running through the area.
- Do not chase a scared dog toward traffic, open land, or a canyon edge.
- Do not keep changing phone numbers or flyer designs.
- Do not assume a friendly dog will act friendly once scared.
When to call for search help
Call for help when you have a recent sighting, a likely direction of travel, difficult terrain, or a dog that is too scared to approach people. A thermal drone can cover open terrain faster than walking and can help rule out areas when the search space is growing.
A drone is not the right tool for every loose dog. Dense neighborhoods, covered patios, garages, and heavy tree cover may need cameras, flyers, trapping strategy, and shelter checks first.
Useful next steps
References worth reading
For general lost-pet basics, the ASPCA recommends neighborhood outreach, shelter checks, social media, and consistent flyers. American Humane also warns against scaring or chasing loose animals around traffic.
ASPCA lost pet guidance ยท American Humane loose pet guidance
Ask if a drone search makes sense
Call or text 909 784 5240. Send the last known location, recent sightings, and a clear photo. We will tell you if the area looks realistic for a thermal drone search.