Using Thermal Imaging Drones to Find Lost Dogs

Dogs go missing every day; they might get out of a backyard, break free from a leash, or dash through an open front door. No matter how it happens, it’s always a stressful, emotionally taxing experience for everyone involved. We love our pets like family, and the thought of them out in the world alone and disoriented is heartbreaking.

A lost dog faces many risks, from hunger and exposure in the wild to the dangers of busy streets or encounters with wildlife predators. Sadly, this is a devastating reality many owners face with their beloved canine companions.

To get their pets back home, people turn to flyers, social media, community boards, live traps, and ground searches. But these methods can fall short, especially when a dog has been lost in a large, open area. Searching a vast terrain without a clear direction is often ineffective. Hence, the use of drones has started to make a real difference in rescue efforts.

Thermal Imaging Drones

Thermal imaging drones detect heat by capturing infrared radiation (IR). They’re equipped with specialized cameras that detect heat emitted by living beings – that is, heat generated by the movement of particles at the atomic level. In essence, these drones let us visualize heat, making the invisible visible to the human eye.

Traditionally used in firefighting and human search and rescue operations, thermal imaging drones are now being used for pet recovery efforts. Several companies and nonprofit organizations utilize these drones to locate lost animals, particularly in remote, hard-to-reach locations. 

These drones work in a variety of landscapes and weather conditions, from snowy forests in winter to open fields in summer. They allow trained operators to detect heat from hundreds of feet in the air, even at night — something traditional search methods can’t accomplish.

Meet Chad Tavernia of North Country Drone Search & Recovery

If you're considering professional help for pet recovery missions, look no further than retired New York State Investigator Chad Tavernia. After stepping away from his law enforcement career, Tavernia stumbled into this line of work almost by accident. Fueled by a passion for technology and drones, he began posting aerial images of wildlife he captured. Before long, people started reaching out, asking if he had spotted their missing dogs.

Eventually, Tavernia combined his investigative experience with his passion for drones and founded North Country Drone Search & Recovery, a small company that operates primarily through Facebook.

With over 72,000 followers, Tavernia has built a trusted reputation in the pet recovery community. He’s no longer working alone; a small team of experts now assists him in finding lost dogs, cats, and even livestock in New York State. They regularly share progress updates and heartwarming success stories from their searches.

Such searches include heartwarming stories, like that of Finn, who was lost in a storm deep in the woods. The drone and the team at North Country Drone Search & Recovery were able to track Finn and have his family come and get him.

This heartwarming TikTok video shows the moment Finn recognized his family and was back to safety after being missing for about 24 hours.

@northcountrydrone Happiness overflows as Finn is safely rescued from deep in the woods after recruiting the help of family dog Winston 🚁📸🌲❄️🐶🐾❤️‍🩹 #dog #doglover #pets #thermaldrone #dronevideo #dji #searchandrescue #dronelife #adirondacks #pet #petsoftiktok #Drone #rescue #dogsoftiktok #dogrescue #dog ♬ original sound - NorthCountryDrone

Another recent story featured the recovery of a cow named Mocha, who attempted to flee from a farm in the United States and nearly passed the Canadian border! She was tracked over two days with five detailed updates, an impressive example of how this technology can go beyond household pets.

Once Chad Tavernia locates the missing animal, he shares its location with the owner, allowing them to reunite with their beloved pet. From his drone’s bird’s-eye view, Tavernia guides the owner on how to safely approach and retrieve the animal.

The retired investigator has found over 50 lost animals since he started his journey in early 2024. Although not every search ends in success, the lives he has saved and the reunions he has paved the way for are significant and inspiring.

The Popularization of Thermal Drones in Animal Search & Rescue

Tavernia is not the only one using this specialized technology to find lost pets. Over the past year, drone assisted pet recovery has become a popular solution in communities across the world. Local drone operators are stepping forward to offer or sell their skills for this unique work.

A local news station in Chicago highlighted a story where two professionals were able to track and safely return a 2 year old Bernese Mountain Dog named Charlie. After running away from home and being hit by a car, Charlie ran to a nearby field. Fortunately, his owners were able to connect with 2 drone teams, who used thermal drones to locate him. The family was overjoyed to be able to get Charlie back home safe and sound!

The professionals at Dog Gone Pet Recovery and SmithicAir also operate their businesses through Facebook pages. If you are trying to find a lost dog and think that thermal drones may help, check if there are drone operators active in your area on Facebook. Some charge for their services, while others are volunteer based and completely free.

For example, Drone SAR for Lost Dogs UK is a fantastic free resource to find a drone operator throughout the United Kingdom. There are many similar groups and companies around the world who offer this service.

While this method isn't always successful, thermal imaging drones are an impressive tool that are changing how we search for missing pets. They give lost dogs a much better chance of being located quickly and brought home safely.

For more on trending tech in the dog world, click here!