Thermal Aerial Search and Rescue Program
Coming Soon
Combining canine search capabilities, thermal imaging, and aerial intelligence to support safer and more effective search-and-rescue operations.
A New Tool for the Search-and-Rescue Mission
Operational Canine Foundation is developing a public-safety drone program that will support search-and-rescue operations, canine training, disaster response, and community preparedness. The program will use unmanned aircraft systems equipped with thermal imaging and advanced aerial technology to provide search teams with additional information from above. The aircraft will not replace trained search canines or ground personnel. Instead, it will serve as another resource that can help teams search efficiently, evaluate difficult terrain, and improve situational awareness.
Equip • Educate • Empower
How the Program May Support Search Teams
Thermal Search Support
Use thermal imaging to help identify heat signatures in low-light conditions, wooded areas, open terrain, and other challenging environments.
Aerial Situational Awareness
Provide search leaders with an overhead view of terrain, structures, access points, hazards, and developing conditions.
Canine Team Support
Help canine handlers identify potential search areas, evaluate terrain, and coordinate resources without replacing the capabilities of trained search dogs.
Training and Exercises
Integrate drone technology into canine search-and-rescue exercises, public-safety training, and disaster-response scenarios.
Disaster and Emergency Response
Support future operations involving missing persons, storm damage, collapsed structures, flooding, and other emergencies when properly requested and authorized.
Community Partnerships
Work with fire departments, emergency-management agencies, law-enforcement organizations, search-and-rescue teams, and other community partners.
Program Currently in Development
Operational Canine Foundation is currently working to obtain the equipment, training, certifications, operating procedures, and partnerships needed to establish the program responsibly. The program will follow applicable FAA requirements, privacy protections, safety standards, and public-safety operating practices. More information will be announced as the program develops.
Operational Canine Foundation does not currently respond to incidents with drones and has not yet established an operational drone response team.
Help Us Take Search and Rescue to New Heights
Your support can help Operational Canine Foundation build a responsible and capable drone program that strengthens canine search teams and improves community safety.
Your Support Can Help Fund
- A public-safety thermal drone
- Additional aircraft batteries and charging equipment
- Search-and-rescue accessories
- Pilot training and FAA certification
- Safety equipment
- Program development and operational readiness
- Canine and drone integration training
Get Involved
Donations and partnerships help us build a responsible, capable program that strengthens canine search teams and improves community safety.
Receive Drone Program Updates
Join our interest list to be notified as the Thermal Aerial Search and Rescue Program develops.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By continuing to browse, you agree to our Privacy Policy.