Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionS - About thermal drones
How does thermal drone recovery work?
Thermal drones use a special camera that can detect heat signatures. This allows us to locate pets, deer, and other animals quickly. From the air, we can cover large areas much quicker than ground searches - even in the dark! We can find animals in woods, tall grass, marshes, wetlands, and agricultural fields. Thermal cameras actually work better after sunset and in cooler conditions when animal heat signatures stand out more clearly against the cooler background.
When should I call if my pet goes missing?
In short, as soon as possible. Time matters, the sooner we deploy, the higher chances of locating your pet before they travel long distances. Plus, I’m sure you want to be reunited with your pet as soon as possible! Lost pets may be scared or confused and travel long distances - especially dogs. Ideally, contact us right away so we can search the first evening after they have gone missing. Though, thermal drone recovery can also be highly successful after a reported sighting of a lost pet. There are many cases where lost pets are found with drones several days after they’ve gone missing. Either way, if you want help finding a lost pet - give us a call!
Prohibitive Conditions?
Our pilots reserve the right to delay, postpone, or cancel any flight that may be deemed unsafe. High winds, rain, storms, FAA restrictions and other factors may prevent or delay flights. Rest assured, we will be ready to respond as soon as conditions permit!
Can thermal drones find any animal?
Thermal imaging detects body heat, not color or fur patterns. This makes it effecting for locating any warm blooded animal, even when they are hidden in vegetation. Results depend on several factors including: Time since the animal was last seen. If we wait too long - the animal may travel well beyond where we think it could be and into areas beyond our search grid. Cats can be just as easy to find as dogs - except they are prone to hid in places where thermal drones can’t detect them, like under decks or other structures that may block their heat signature.
Why are searches often done at night?
Thermal imaging works best when the ground and surrounding environment cool down. At night, animals stand out much more clearly against the cooler background - making them easier to detect from the air. This is especially important during the warmer months. Remember, the bigger difference between the temperature of the animal and the temperature of the ground around them - the better thermal imaging will work. We can be successful on cool mornings and evenings or on cloudy days too. Another benefit of searching at night is, less people walking around that may spook your pet.
How large of an area can you search?
A thermal drone can quickly cover large areas that would otherwise take hours to search on foot. Exact coverage depends on terrain, environmental conditions, and flight conditions. Lost pets are very easy to find in tall grass and fields. Heavy residential areas may take more time because there are lots of hiding places - but it’s very difficult to hide from a thermal drone! Under ideal conditions, it’s relatively easy to search several hundred acres with a thermal drone in under an hour.
Do you help with deer recovery?
Yes! We assist hunters in locating wounded or lost deer after the shot. Thermal imaging can detect heat signatures in thick cover - even after they have passed away. However, time is critical. Once an animal expires, the heat signature begins to fade. If you can’t find a deer - call us immediately.
How long should I wait to call after shooting a deer?
In most cases, we recommend waiting 30 minutes before ground pursuit of your deer (depending on shot placement). If you made a good shot, your deer will usually be found within 100 yards. Call us immediately if: You don’t see or hear your deer go down. Your deer is not found with the first 100 yards of trailing. If you know the shot was bad - in this case, quietly back out and call immediately. Also call us quickly if you can’t find your deer and poor weather is coming. The simple rule is, “when in doubt, back out” and call us for a thermal drone search. Thermal cameras are very sensitive, some tests have shown that they can pick up the heat signature up to 7 days after an animal has expired - however this depends on how cold it is outside and many other factors. We have the highest chance of success when we deploy quickly.
What areas do you serve?
Chesapeake Thermal Drone Recovery serves the Upper Chesapeake Bay region and beyond, including: Harford County, Cecil County, Kent County, Baltimore County, Lancaster County, York County and the surrounding areas. If in doubt, contact us. We are willing to travel if you need us. We charge the Federal Rate for mileage and $250 for the first hour of service, then $100 for each additional hour. For further locations - we may require additional costs. There is no additional charge for recovered animals.