When a Thermal Drone helps, and when it might not
Good Fit:
- Your dog was seen in open areas or along corridors like riverbeds, utility paths, or canyon trails.
- Medium or large dogs. Small dogs can still be searched with lower passes and closer verification.
- Recent sightings or tracks within the last 12 to 24 hours to anchor flight lines.
Not a good Fit:
- Steady rain or drizzle. We wait for a dry window.
- Very hot mid day conditions. Evening or early morning is better.
- Dense neighborhoods where a resident may be sheltering your dog. Door to door flyers and camera checks usually work faster.
- Restricted airspace such as near airports, military bases, and Disneyland.
Timing and conditions
- Launch as soon as possible. Dogs can cover distance quickly. Early flights reduce the chance of road hazards and coyote encounters.
- Ideal conditions are a cold day or during the evening when there is good thermal contrast between your dog's body heat and the environment.
What to expect
A Thermal Drone does not have a 100% chance of finding your pet, but it is a strong tool that improves your odds. It also helps guide other efforts by clearing low probability areas so you and neighbors can focus where it matters.
- We will tell you quickly if a Thermal Drone is the right fit for your case.
- If conditions are right, we fly. If not, we set the next best window and support ground work immediately.
- You get a clear after action plan with next steps if we do not locate your dog on the first pass.
Owner playbook
Before we arrive
- Write down the last sightings with exact times and map pins.
- Collect a clear photo and scent items like bedding or a favorite blanket.
- Pull outdoor food and water inside so we can shape movement back toward you.
During the search
- Stay reachable by phone or text and keep a vehicle ready to reposition.
- If we flag a heat signature, wait for our confirmation and guidance rather than approaching.
- Do not chase. Move steady and use the recovery steps we lay out.
If your dog is located
- Use pre planned containment such as gates, parked vehicles, or a known doorway.
- Have food and leash ready. A familiar voice helps more than volume.
- If capture does not happen, mark the exact spot and time. We adapt immediately.
Dog search FAQ
Which breeds tend to be good candidates
Any breed can benefit if the area is right. Medium and large dogs are easier to see at altitude. Huskies, shepherds, labs, and similar dogs that keep moving through open areas are strong candidates. Tiny breeds in thick landscaping can still be searched, but we fly lower and do more checks on the ground.
What areas work best for a Thermal Drone
Wide open spaces without heavy tree cover are ideal. Think riverbeds, open fields, large parks after hours, golf course edges, and canyon benches. Areas packed with tall trees, reflective pavement heat, or dense buildings are harder and may call for more ground tactics.
When should I call
Immediately. The sooner you call, the better the odds. Call right away after the escape or right after a recent sighting so we can launch while the trail is fresh.
Will the Thermal Drone scare my dog
We typically fly high enough that noise is low. We confirm from the ground before any approach and follow your recovery plan to reduce stress and avoid pushing your dog away.
What areas do you cover in Southern California
We serve LA, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, north San Diego County, and nearby communities. If you are outside these areas, ask about availability.
Start a search
Call 909 784 5240 or email [email protected]. Share recent sightings and a clear photo of your dog. We will map a plan and confirm the best flight window.