When a Drone Search Can Help
A drone search is worth arranging when the ground suits it. Knowing when it does not is just as useful.
Last reviewed 1 September 2026
Good conditions for a search
- Large open areas such as fields, farmland, moorland and scrub.
- Difficult terrain that is slow to cover on foot.
- A reasonably defined search area based on sightings.
- Calm, dry weather with usable light or suitable thermal conditions.
When a search is unlikely to help
- Dense woodland or thick vegetation that hides the ground.
- Built up areas where a pet is likely to be inside or underneath something.
- Restricted airspace, high wind, heavy rain or fog.
- No usable idea of where the pet may be.
Thermal imaging cannot see through solid objects, roofs, dense canopy or thick vegetation.