Thermal Drone - Pet/Livestock Searches

Across Northern California

Because they’re more than just pets.
They’re family.

📞 707-301-7700 Text and Call


For Pet Searches/Recovery in Southern California, Please Visit:  www.SoCalPetRecovery.com

Please note: Our pet and livestock recovery services are offered as a paid service.

Why Choose Us?


Better Odds of Finding Your Pet or Livestock


Thermal imaging allows us to detect body heat even in low light, heavy brush, or difficult terrain. This is the same proven technology used by search-and-rescue teams and the military because it works when time matters most.


Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas


Our thermal drone allows us to safely search areas that are difficult or impossible to reach on foot — including dense vegetation, large rural properties, uneven terrain, and restricted-access locations.


Pets & Livestock Can’t Easily Hide


When people search on foot, frightened animals often hide or flee. A drone is quieter, less intrusive, and able to detect heat signatures that are nearly impossible to conceal from the air.

Best Time to Search


Drone-assisted recovery is most effective in the early morning or evening, when the temperature contrast is greatest for thermal imaging.


The sooner we are deployed, the higher the chance of success.


Professional-Grade Equipment


We operate DJI Matrice 4TD and Matrice 30T thermal drones—platforms trusted by public safety agencies worldwide for their reliability, accuracy, and proven performance in real-world search conditions. Both aircraft are IP-rated and capable of operating in inclement weather. When operations occur in populated areas, we hold the required certifications to legally operate over moving vehicles and people, unlike most operators.



24/7 Availability


Emergencies don’t follow a schedule. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.



FAA Licensed Pilots


All flights are conducted by FAA Part 107 certified pilots, ensuring safe, legal, and professional operations.



Difference Between Search, Recovery, and Rescue


  • Search – The act of locating a missing pet or livestock using visual observation, thermal imaging, and other available resources. A search may be conducted by a single individual or by multiple people, depending on the situation and scope.
  • Recovery – The process of approaching and retrieving the located animal. This often requires the involvement of the owner or a handler familiar with the animal, working in coordination with the drone operator who identified its location. Clear, real-time communication—such as by cell phone or radio—between the drone operator and the person on the ground is essential.
  • Rescue – A coordinated, team-based operation involving multiple personnel. The scale and complexity of a rescue depend on factors such as the animal’s size, location, terrain, and physical condition, and may require specialized equipment and planning.



Past Rescue/Evacuation Experience


Before my involvement in Human Search & Rescue became more demanding, I was actively engaged in animal rescue and evacuation efforts. I trained with and served as a member of the following organizations:


  • NorCal Livestock Evacuation Service (NCLES)
  • Solano Community Animal Response Team (CART)
  • Napa Community Animal Response Team (CART)
  • Sonoma Community Animal Response Team (CART)
  • North Valley Animal Disaster Group (NVADG)


During several major wildfire incidents in Northern California, I worked as part of evacuation and technical rescue teams, entering active and post-fire areas to assist with the rescue and relocation of pets and livestock. These operations were truly team efforts, and I was proud to serve alongside such dedicated responders.


In addition, I have spent many years involved in trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts for feral cats. When possible, I worked to socialize animals and place them into permanent homes, and I personally covered the cost of spay and neuter procedures.


I was able to trap the feral mama cat just days before she gave birth. All five kittens were spayed/neutered along with mom. The kittens all went on to loving forever homes, and while mama remains feral, she’s now my buddy.

While assisting with evacuations in Sonoma County, I encountered a herd of goats standing alone in the middle of the road. They turned out to belong to a firefighter who was actively fighting the same fire that had forced the evacuation—unable to leave his post to secure his own animals.

While in Butte County, en route to a shelter with several rescued dogs secured in crates in the bed of my pickup, I encountered a CHP officer working a roadblock who had just picked up two wandering pit bulls. Lacking additional crates or transport options, he asked if I could take them. I agreed and transported the dogs in the cab of my truck. One of the dogs was microchipped, which allowed for a quick identification and reunification with its owner.