Thermal imaging is most effective in cooler, stable weather. While our M30T is able to fly in moderate rain, strong wind, extreme heat, or dense fog can significantly reduce visibility and accuracy. For safety and success, we may need to reschedule or decline searches in poor conditions.

Thermal drones detect heat differences to locate lost pets. However, during the day, especially when it is sunny, surfaces like roads, buildings, and vegetation absorb heat from the sun—a phenomenon known as solar loading. This absorbed heat can mask the unique heat signatures of animals, making them harder to detect.

To ensure the most accurate results, searches are typically scheduled shortly before sunrise or after sunset, when the environment has cooled, and animals stand out more clearly against the background. During cool overcast weather, searches can usually be conducted during the day.

Some areas are located within restricted or controlled airspace (such as near airports or military zones). In these cases, drone flights may be limited or require special authorization, which is not always possible on short notice.

Seek and Rescue is a small operation. While I do my best to respond quickly, my availability depends on current search cases, travel time, and other obligations. I prioritize urgent, active cases and will always communicate clearly about timing.

I am based in Newcastle, WA (south of Bellevue) , and while I serve a wide area, long-distance searches may not always be feasible—especially for cases that require multiple visits or ongoing monitoring. In some cases, I may refer you to another pet search/thermal drone service closer to your area.

Not all lost pet cases are a good fit for a drone search. Factors such as time elapsed since the pet went missing, terrain, or the size of the animal (e.g., small animals like hamsters, ferrets, or rabbits) limit what a thermal drone can reasonably detect. I assess each request individually to determine whether a search is likely to be productive. If a drone search is not your best option, I will always let you know and point you in the right direction.