Lost Havanese Puppy Found with Thermal Drone After Two Escapes

She was just nine months old, lost, alone, darting through unfamiliar woods. Lulu, a reddish-brown Havanese, had been missing since morning, and no one could catch her. We thought we had her… then lost her… then found her again. What followed was one of the most heart-pounding rescues we’ve ever done.

Watch the full video here: This Dog Escaped Twice—Here’s How Our Thermal Drone Finally Found Her.

The Plan

Lulu had been missing since around 9 a.m., last seen near an intersection close to her family’s neighborhood. Her owner, Austin, met us roadside and explained what had happened. Lulu had darted across the road after being spooked by a stranger’s attempt to catch her and now she was on the run.

We waited until evening to begin the drone search. Thermal imaging works best once the sun sets and ground temperatures drop, making heat signatures stand out more clearly. With key locations mapped out, we launched the drone from a high vantage point and began scanning.

The Search

Within just 30 minutes, we spotted her. A tiny heat signature glowed on the drone’s thermal screen; Lulu, curled up in the backyard of a nearby home. I dropped a pin and called Austin. This was our chance.

But as the family approached, Lulu bolted. Startled, confused, and still in survival mode, she ran before anyone could reach her. In the few seconds I took my eyes off the screen, she was gone.

We didn’t give up. Batteries swapped, feeds recalibrated, we launched again. The chase was back on.

The Recovery

The drone picked her up again, this time weaving through woods and fields, back toward familiar ground. Lulu was running hard, zigzagging across the terrain.

We regrouped. Austin’s sister and dad brought along Lulu’s canine sibling, hoping a familiar scent would calm her. Austin flanked from the opposite side. We reminded the family: no shouting, no chasing. Calm voices, soft movements, and familiar scents were key.

Finally, Lulu ran up a set of steps, stopped by a baby gate. She was cornered but calm. Using the drone’s light, we guided Austin directly to her. In that moment, the search ended. Lulu was safe.

The relief and joy on her family’s faces said it all. A little dog who had no idea how many people were working tirelessly to bring her home was finally back in their arms.

Lessons from Lulu’s Rescue

Lulu’s journey reminds us of an important truth: finding a missing pet isn’t just about spotting them, it’s about recovering them safely. Drones can track, but patience, strategy, and calm handling turn sightings into reunions.

Thanks to teamwork and thermal drone technology, Lulu’s story ended with relief and gratitude instead of heartbreak.

Watch the full story here: This Dog Escaped Twice—Here’s How Our Thermal Drone Finally Found Her.

If your pet ever goes missing or if you’re interested in becoming a thermal drone pilot, visit DronePetRecovery.com to learn more and connect with our national network of vetted drone pilots.