In a heartwarming display of innovation and compassion, a Tri-State nonprofit called FidoTracker is revolutionizing the way lost pets are found. By combining high-tech drones with Search and Rescue techniques, the organization has achieved a remarkable 70% success rate in reuniting pets with their owners, reports WCPO.
The Birth of FidoTracker
FidoTracker was launched in 2021 by Todd May, a firefighter and Director of AFRS Emergency Drone Services. May and his team had been assisting with dog rescues alongside their primary duties, but realized the need for a dedicated service. “We wanted to find a way to build up the dog rescue portion,” May explained.
How It Works
When a pet goes missing, FidoTracker’s operators spring into action. Drone pilots are typically on the scene within an hour, provided they have clearance to fly in the area. The drones are equipped with thermal imaging technology, allowing them to detect the heat signatures of mammals, even in extreme weather conditions.
“Once we locate that heat signature, we zoom in on it to confirm that that’s the dog that we’re looking for,” May said. “We convert that to a map pin, and then we send it to the dog owner. That leads them right to the dog, normally within three to six feet.”
A Lifesaving Service
For pet owners like Stephanie Dawes, FidoTracker’s services can be a lifeline. In December 2022, Dawes’s two dogs, connected on a double leash, broke free in Caesar Creek State Park just hours before sub-zero temperatures hit the area.
“I was just beyond upset and thought that there was no way that they could survive the night,” Dawes recalled.
After posting a plea on Facebook, Dawes connected with May. “He called me at like 3 a.m. and was like, ‘I have some equipment that might help,’” she said. After a five-hour search, the drone pilots located the dogs in a brush thicket, a spot where they would have been nearly impossible to find without the drone’s assistance.
A Community Effort
FidoTracker’s services come at a modest cost of $8 per month for members. Initially, May provided the service for free, but the costs became unsustainable. While the fees cover expenses, most of the organization’s drone pilots still volunteer their time and expertise.
Zander Parshall, a drone pilot with FidoTracker, emphasizes the emotional impact of their work: “You don’t understand until it happens to you. Your loved one is missing. Your pet goes missing. That’s a family member that’s missing.”
FidoTracker’s innovative approach to finding lost pets is making a significant difference in the lives of pet owners across the Tri-State area. By harnessing the power of technology and the dedication of volunteers, the organization is providing a vital service that brings families back together.
As FidoTracker continues to expand its reach, more pet owners can rest assured knowing that help is just a phone call away.
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