In the quest to bolster their efforts to reunite lost pets with their owners, the nonprofit Lost Pets of Omaha Area is eyeing a technological upgrade: a thermal imaging drone. Over the past decade, the organization’s volunteers have diligently expanded their services, striving to locate missing animals. Now, they seek to incorporate advanced aerial surveillance tools into their repertoire.
Jim Welsh, a local resident, recently endured a harrowing ordeal when his beloved canine companion, Oreo, went missing not once, but twice, in December. Reflecting on the experience, Welsh remarked, “When you lose a dog, it’s just – Here’s this poor defenseless creature out there that needs help and doesn’t know how to get it.” Fortunately, with the assistance of Lost Pets of Omaha Area, Welsh and Oreo were reunited after enduring a three-week separation, followed by another brief period of four days.
Rich Eaton, a dedicated board member of Lost Pets of Omaha Area, underscores the commonality of such distressing narratives among pet owners. He notes instances where weeks have elapsed before missing pets are located. In response to such challenges, the organization is exploring innovative approaches to expedite pet recoveries.
The focal point of their endeavor is the acquisition of a high-quality drone equipped with thermal imaging technology. Eaton elucidates that conventional drones have proven inadequate for their purposes. He explains, “What we’ve discovered is if you get up high enough to see any kind of territory then you can’t see the details of a pet and if you get down too low in altitude, then you can’t cover up much territory, you might as well be walking.”
Moreover, conventional drones are hampered by weather conditions, further impeding search efforts. Drawing inspiration from successful implementations by pet rescue organizations nationwide, Lost Pets of Omaha Area is eager to harness the enhanced capabilities of thermal imaging technology.
However, financial constraints pose a formidable obstacle. The price tag for a thermal imaging drone ranges from $9,000 to $20,000, a substantial investment beyond the organization’s current means. Thus, they appeal to potential donors to contribute towards this critical initiative.
Despite the challenges, individuals like Jim Welsh remain optimistic about the potential efficacy of such technological advancements. “It certainly couldn’t harm one bit,” Welsh affirms.
In the interim, Lost Pets of Omaha Area will continue to leverage existing resources and technology while leveraging community outreach efforts via platforms like Facebook. Through their unwavering commitment, they strive to provide solace to distressed pet owners and facilitate heartwarming reunions with their furry companions.
