Drone Helps Reunite Lost Dog With Her Owner in Mission Viejo

In Mission Viejo, California, a drone typically used for public safety and inspection work helped bring a missing dog home. The city’s Animal Services department deployed its new DJI drone, equipped with a state-of-the-art thermal imaging camera, to locate and rescue a frightened pet that had been missing for more than 24 hours.

The success of this mission, as NBC los Angeles wrote about, highlights how advanced drone technology, once limited to law enforcement or industrial inspection, is now becoming a vital part of community response and animal welfare.

A Frightened Dog and a Race Against Time

Earlier this week, Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) received an emotional call from a local resident whose dog, Josie, had gone missing after being startled while walking in a remote area. As hours passed and daylight faded, traditional ground searches failed to produce any leads.

Recognizing the urgency, MVAS decided to deploy its newly donated unmanned aerial system (UAS). The department’s FAA-licensed pilot prepared the DJI aircraft for launch, using its advanced thermal and optical sensors to sweep a wide section of rugged terrain. The drone’s payload was designed to detect heat signatures, even through light vegetation, making it ideal for locating small animals that might otherwise be invisible from the ground.

Thermal Vision Tracks Josie’s Journey

The first flight produced no results, but the team refused to give up. After updated reports of a possible sighting reached the department, the pilot relaunched the drone and directed it toward that area. Using the thermal camera, the operator soon detected movement along a trail that appeared to match the dog’s size and shape.

The drone locked onto the heat signature, and its high-resolution live feed confirmed that it was indeed Josie. The pilot coordinated with the dog’s owner by phone while tracking her movements for nearly a mile. Josie was seen wandering along a remote path near open fields, appearing nervous but unharmed.

Guided by the aerial imagery, Animal Services helped the owner position herself ahead of Josie’s route, near a park the dog seemed to be heading toward. When Josie finally entered the area, her owner softly called her name. For a few long seconds, the dog froze, ears perked. Then, recognizing the familiar voice, she wagged her tail and bolted toward her owner, leaping into her arms.

“It was an emotional reunion,” said Kyle Werner, Animal Services Manager and Chief of Field Services. “Thanks to DAWG’s incredible generosity, our team now has another vital tool to help reunite families with their beloved pets, especially when terrain or time makes traditional searches difficult.”

A DJI Drone With Advanced Capabilities

The drone used in the rescue is a DJI model featuring thermal imaging technology, most likely part of the DJI Matrice 4 series or a similar enterprise-grade system. Drones in this category can fly in low light conditions, detect body heat from significant distances, and transmit precise GPS coordinates to rescue teams on the ground.

This type of technology has already been used by police departments, firefighters, and search-and-rescue teams worldwide. In this case, it allowed a small local agency to act quickly and efficiently in a situation where every minute counted.

A Donation Making a Difference

The drone was donated by the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), a nonprofit organization that supports Mission Viejo Animal Services by funding medical care, rescues, and specialized equipment.

MVAS says the addition of this drone has expanded its ability to respond to emergencies and locate lost animals faster, even in difficult conditions.

Mission Viejo Animal Services continues to integrate drone systems into its operations to improve animal welfare and community safety. The department expressed its gratitude to DAWG for its ongoing partnership and commitment to helping lost pets find their way home.

DroneXL’s Take

This story is more than a feel-good reunion. It shows how DJI’s enterprise drones are becoming essential tools for cities and communities, not just police or filmmakers. A single thermal-equipped drone turned what could have been a heartbreaking search into a story of relief and joy.

With more departments gaining access to this technology, stories like Josie’s may soon become common. Drones are not only transforming how we work and explore but also how we care for the creatures we love.

Photo credit: Mission Viejo Youtube