Frequently Asked Questions

We’re Outdoorsmen First

Hunting and land management are in our blood. We understand your priorities because we share them — and you’ll appreciate working with like-minded professionals who speak your language.

We’re Passionate Pet Owners

As a family with four dogs, we know how deeply pets are woven into our lives. Having lost a beloved dog, every lost pet search is personal to us — and we treat your situation with the same care we’d want for our own.

Licensed & Insured

Our drone pilots are fully FAA Part 107 certified, and SkyGuardian Rescue operates as a registered Limited Liability Company (LLC) for your peace of mind.

Rapid Response Times

We know timing is critical — whether it’s a missing pet or a wounded deer. That’s why we prioritize fast communication and immediate deployment whenever possible.

Dual Expertise

With deep experience in both hunting and property management as well as drone reconnaissance and thermal imaging, we bring a unique blend of skills to every mission.

At SkyGuardian Rescue, we believe in setting clear and honest expectations. During the summer months, dense foliage and elevated ground temperatures can significantly reduce the effectiveness of thermal imaging — especially in heavily wooded areas, which make up the majority of our search zones.

Unlike winter, when visibility through bare trees is far greater and the temperature contrast makes heat signatures stand out, summer presents challenges that can limit success. For this reason, we strongly recommend conducting searches very early in the morning at first light or late at night, when conditions are cooler and more favorable for thermal detection.

We will absolutely perform summer searches upon request, but it’s important to understand that the chances of success are reduced. That said, there is always a possibility we’ll spot your pet in open fields, along trails, near homes, or other clearings — and we’re always ready to pursue those leads.

If you’re considering a summer search, we’ll walk you through what to expect and help you make the most informed decision possible.

Call Us Right Away — Time Matters

When a pet goes missing or a deer is wounded, every minute counts. Dogs and injured deer can travel miles in a short time, making recovery increasingly difficult the longer you wait.

For lost pets, early action can prevent serious risks from traffic, predators, or harsh weather.

When tracking wounded deer, timing is critical — the longer you wait, the more body heat is lost, reducing thermal visibility and the chances of a successful recovery.

Don’t wait until hope fades — make SkyGuardian your first call, not your last resort.

At SkyGuardian Rescue, we believe communication and preparation are key to a successful search.

1. Initial Phone Consultation

Every mission begins with a phone call. We’ll ask detailed questions to gather as much information as possible about the situation — including last known location, behavior, terrain, and more. Based on this conversation, we’ll give you honest feedback on whether a drone search is likely to be effective and worth pursuing.

2. Onsite Arrival & Planning

Once a search is confirmed, a FAA-licensed pilot from SkyGuardian Rescue will meet you on-site. Payment is processed in person, and then we’ll review the projected search area and mission plan with you in detail.

3. Live Thermal Search & Identification

Using advanced thermal drones, we scan the area for heat signatures that could indicate your lost pet or a wounded deer. When a heat source is detected, we zoom in using our drone’s 100x high-resolution camera, which provides a clear color image — day or night.

You’ll be able to watch the search live through the pilot’s remote viewer, seeing exactly what we see in real time.

4. If We Locate Your Pet or Deer

If a match is confirmed, we’ll immediately send Google Maps coordinates to your phone and assist you by phone or in person to guide you to the exact location.

• For pet searches, it’s important that the owner makes the recovery attempt, as pets are most likely to respond calmly to familiar voices and presence.
   
• If the pet is skittish or runs again, our pilot will continue tracking by drone, and we can coordinate a second recovery attempt if needed.
   

If recovery is not possible during the initial search, we can discuss additional services such as humane trapping and monitoring.

Understanding Success Rates

Every search is different — and while we bring advanced technology and deep experience to every mission, it’s important to understand that many factors can affect the outcome.

Lost Pet Searches

There are countless unknowns in a missing pet case. Was your pet picked up by someone? Did they travel miles from home? Are they hiding nearby or constantly moving? That’s why we evaluate each case individually, offering an honest assessment of your specific situation and the likelihood of success.

We started this business after experiencing the heartbreak of losing our own beloved dog — and we promise to bring that same urgency, heart, and determination to help find yours.

Wounded Deer Tracking

As with pets, wounded deer recovery depends on key factors. Shot placement, terrain, and whether the deer was pushed too soon can all impact success. In general, if the deer wasn’t bumped and has stayed within a known area, we’ve seen strong results using our thermal drones to locate and confirm recovery.

Yes — absolutely!

Our drones are equipped with high-performance thermal imaging and a powerful spotlight, allowing us to search effectively day or night.

In fact, nighttime searches often offer better results, as cooler surroundings make heat signatures stand out more clearly.

Absolutely — and drones are especially effective for finding escaped indoor cats.

Cats are most active and visible on thermal imaging at night, which is why we conduct all feline searches after dark for the best chance of success.