Search and Rescue of Pets Using Drones with Thermal Cameras

When every second counts, modern technology makes the difference.

We offer search and rescue services using drones equipped with high-sensitivity thermal imaging cameras and laser rangefinders, enabling the rapid location of pets, animals, or lost livestock—even in low visibility, during nighttime, in severe weather conditions, or in hard-to-reach terrain.
Whether it involves:
• Lost pets in urban or forested areas;
• Livestock that have escaped enclosures or been startled by external stimuli;
• Missing elderly people, hikers, or children;
• Rescue missions during natural disasters or accidents;
• Escaped exotic or dangerous animals that pose a threat to the public;
• Or a person in distress — our technology and expertise can be critical.
We combine high precision, rapid response, and next-generation drones to deliver efficient and safe service in critical situations.
We work with individuals, farmers, rescue teams, and institutions across the entire territory of Bulgaria.

How a Drone-Based Search and Rescue Operation Works

Operations using drones equipped with thermal cameras are conducted according to a clearly defined process tailored to the specific conditions on-site and in strict compliance with European drone regulations.

1. Signal Reception and Preliminary Analysis

Upon receiving a report about a missing person, pet, or other animal, we gather critical information to ensure the mission is executed efficiently and with minimal risk to third parties:
• Habits and health status of the subject;
• Last known location;
• Time of disappearance;
• Type of terrain (forest, field, mountain, residential);
• Weather conditions;
• Whether the subject is likely moving or stationary;
• Additional case-specific information based on the above.

This stage allows us to create an effective search strategy and define the optimal coverage area. Our professional team is trained to do this quickly—often in just a few minutes.

2. Drone Preparation and Launch

We deploy drones equipped with high-quality thermal imaging cameras capable of detecting heat signatures in dense vegetation, harsh weather, and hard-to-access areas.
We also use a custom-trained artificial intelligence system that assists in identifying suspicious thermal signatures that require further analysis.
The drone is programmed to search within a defined area—either manually or through automated pathing. When needed, a high-resolution RGB camera with 500x zoom is also used for visual confirmation.

3. Automated or Manual Terrain Scanning

• In automated mode, the drone follows predefined coordinates and altitude, scanning the area in a grid pattern;
• In manual mode, the operator controls the drone in real time, directing it toward potential signs or areas of interest;
• The two modes can also be used in combination.
The thermal camera streams live video in real time to a ground station, where a second operator monitors a larger screen using specialized software for identifying relevant heat signatures. This operator can be located remotely—anywhere in the world—and, when appropriate, all involved parties can access the live video feed via a secure web link, with zero or near-zero latency from all onboard cameras.

4. Object Location and Marking

When a thermal signature is detected that matches the size and shape of a person or animal, the object is visually confirmed via close-up imaging using the RGB camera.
The exact coordinates are recorded and immediately relayed to the rescue team, the owner, or responsible authorities. If necessary, the drone can broadcast an audio message from the air.

5. Support for the Ground Rescue Team

If required, the drone remains airborne over the located object to serve as an aerial marker, guiding ground teams. This occurs even after coordinates have been shared with all involved services.

6. Documentation and Reporting

Upon request, we can provide:
• Video recording of the flight and discovery;
• Photographic evidence of the location;
• Data on object movement;
• Additional telemetry and expert interpretation.

Technology We Use

• High-sensitivity thermal camera (up to 1280×1024 resolution);
• Long-flight-time drone with stable communication at long ranges — via traditional controls, GSM ground station, and satellite backup;
• Real-time GPS protected against jamming and spoofing;
• 4K/8K RGB camera with 500x optical zoom for visual ID;
• Mission management software for thermal data processing;
• AI trained in-house for object recognition and condition assessment.

Advantages of Our Method

• Rapid coverage of large, inaccessible areas;
• Faster detection compared to ground search teams;
• Capability to operate at night, in fog, snow, or low visibility;
• Suitable for regions inaccessible by vehicle;
• Minimal risk to human searchers, avoiding dangerous terrain;
• High accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.