05/06/2026
We completely understand the panic and urgency when your beloved dog goes missing, and we genuinely wish we could help every owner in every situation. However, we would like to explain a few realities about thermal drone searches so expectations are realistic.
Drones cannot fly unlimited distances or remain airborne for hours at a time. Flight times are typically limited, weather dependent, and governed by aviation laws and safety restrictions.
Thermal cameras are a fantastic tool, but they are not “magic dog finders.” A thermal drone detects heat signatures — which can include people, livestock, wildlife, warm roofs, machinery, compost heaps, and many other things besides a missing pet.
Finding a missing dog depends on many factors:
• Time since the dog went missing
• Weather conditions
• Terrain and vegetation
• Whether the dog is moving or hiding
• Ambient temperature
• Access permissions and safe flying locations
In some cases, thermal drones can be incredibly effective. In others, they may not locate a dog at all — especially in dense woodland, buildings, thick undergrowth, or during warm daytime temperatures when everything retains heat.
We will always be honest about whether we believe a drone search is likely to help. Our priority is giving owners realistic advice and using the right tools in the right situations — not making promises nobody can guarantee.
We also have been made aware of a number of scams that have been using our name. We will never reach out via WhatsApp, and the only emails from us will end in .co.uk, if you are unsure about a message from someone claiming to be SkyCam, please call us via the number on our website to confirm that the account is legitimate.
Thank you to everyone who supports and understands the work involved in lost dog searches.
