In the critical moments following a pet’s disappearance, every second counts. Traditional search and rescue methods, such as on-foot searches, canine units, posting on social media and posters are invaluable. However, they have limitations, especially when it comes to efficiency, coverage, and visibility in challenging environments.

What Are Thermal Drones?

Thermal drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) equipped with thermal imaging cameras. These cameras detect heat signatures emitted by living beings and objects, enabling rescuers to see in low-light or obscured conditions like dense forests, heavy fog, or during the night. Unlike standard cameras, which rely on visible light, thermal cameras detect infrared radiation, making them highly effective in detecting body heat.

Advantages of Thermal Drones in Search and Rescue

1. Enhanced Visibility in Difficult Conditions Traditional methods often struggle in adverse weather, nighttime searches, or rugged terrains. Thermal drones, however, can easily detect heat signatures in these environments, cutting through darkness, foliage, and even smoke.
2. Speed and Efficiency Aerial coverage is significantly faster than ground searches. Drones can scan vast areas in a fraction of the time it would take a ground team, enabling quicker identification of potential locations where a missing pet might be.
3. Safety for Rescuers Search operations in treacherous terrains can pose risks to rescuers. Thermal drones reduce the need for personnel to enter dangerous areas blindly, keeping the team safer while still performing an effective search.
4. Pinpoint Precision Drones equipped with GPS and advanced imaging systems allow for precise mapping and geotagging. Once a heat signature is detected, rescuers can pinpoint the exact location and act swiftly.
5. Real-Time Data Transmission Many thermal drones offer live video feeds, allowing ground teams to monitor the search in real-time and coordinate their efforts more effectively. This immediate feedback loop can make all the difference.

Drogo’s Real-World Applications

Thermal drones have already proven their worth in search and rescue operations.

• Drogo, along with an experienced tracker was able to locate a lost dog who had escaped from a daycare into a swampy area near industrial properties. Using the drone as a beacon, the rescuers were able to hike through the swamp to the location the drone hovered over. With communication from the drone operator who could see the heat signature from the dog on screen the operator directed the rescuers until they were within feet of the dog but hadn’t discovered the location yet. After some coaxing the rescuers were able to harness the dog and walk out of the swamp unharmed
• In Western Manitoba, Drogo was called to aid in the search for a dog who was missing in a marsh on the edge of a lake. Barking had been heard the day before so the general location was likely known and the search area was manageable. After flying close to the road the search was expanded outwards toward the lake and the dog was spotted on screen. The location was communicated through text message as to not spook the dog any further away from the rescuer. Even though the rescuer was less than 50 yards away the terrain made the dog very hidden and likely would not have been found if not for an aerial view. Again the drone was stationed above the dogs location and when the dog and rescuer was less than 10 ft apart, texts were used to direct the rescuer in the correct direction. A food and water break for both dog and rescuer the next task was to direct both out of the marsh and back onto the road which was done arduously in about an hour.

Challenges to Address

While thermal drones are incredibly effective, they aren’t without challenges. Dense canopies or extreme weather conditions, including cold weather, can sometimes obscure heat signatures or affect drone performance. Furthermore, the initial cost of purchasing high-quality drones and thermal imaging equipment can be prohibitive for some organizations.

Drogo is proud to have successfully reunited pets with their respective families and if the need ever arises we’re here to help.