Introduction of our BEST PRACTICES for New Clients

Working Together to Bring Your Dog Home

The Lost Dog 911 and NJSARdrone.org Search & Recovery Team is here to help. We understand how stressful and emotional it is when a dog goes missing, and we are committed to helping you maximize the chances of a safe recovery.

Our team consists of experienced lost dog recovery specialists, professional drone pilots, animal control professionals, wildlife trappers, and volunteers who provide guidance and recovery assistance at no cost whenever possible.

How We Can Help

Our team provides:

• Lost dog behavior assessment

• Recovery strategy and case management

• Search planning and coordination

• Thermal drone search operations when appropriate

• Feeding station and trail camera guidance

• Humane trapping and recovery services

• Public awareness and recovery support

Every lost dog case is unique. We develop recovery plans based on the dog's behavior, circumstances of escape, environment, weather, sightings, and other factors.

Communication

To ensure clear communication, we require one primary contact person for the case. This person will work directly with the assigned case manager and will be responsible for sharing information with family members, rescue groups, and volunteers.

Please report all sightings, updates, and significant developments directly to your case manager as soon as possible.

Following the Recovery Plan

Our recommendations are based on years of field experience and proven lost dog recovery methods.

Before taking any major action—including search parties, drone requests, trapping attempts, or responding to sightings—please consult with your case manager. Well-intentioned actions can sometimes push a dog farther away or complicate recovery efforts.

Success is greatest when everyone follows a coordinated plan.

Sightings

If your dog is seen:

• Do not chase, call, or pursue the dog.

• Do not publicize exact sighting locations online.

• Immediately report the sighting to your case manager.

• Record the date, time, location, and direction of travel.

Accurate sighting information helps us identify movement patterns and determine the best recovery strategy.

Social Media

Social media is one of the most effective tools for locating lost dogs.

We encourage you to:

• Share clear photos and accurate information.

• Use local community groups and neighborhood networks.

• Encourage people to report sightings rather than attempt capture.

Please avoid posting:

• Exact sighting locations

• Feeding station locations

• Camera locations

• Trap locations

Public disclosure of these locations can jeopardize recovery efforts.

Mapping and Tracking

We recommend maintaining a map of all sightings and activity related to your dog. This information often reveals travel patterns and helps guide search, drone, and trapping efforts.

Your case manager may ask you to share a Google Map or similar tracking document.

Feeding Stations and Cameras

Feeding stations are often used to confirm a dog's location and establish predictable behavior patterns.

When necessary, we may recommend:

• Food stations

• Trail cameras

• Monitoring equipment

Property owner permission is required before placing equipment on private property.

Thermal Drone Searches

NJSARdrone.org evaluates every case to determine whether thermal drone operations may be beneficial.

Drone deployments depend on several factors, including:

• Weather conditions

• Terrain

• Time since disappearance

• Recent sightings

• FAA airspace restrictions

Our drone pilots are FAA-certified and experienced in lost dog recovery operations.

Humane Trapping

Humane trapping is one of the most effective recovery tools for fearful, displaced, or survival-mode dogs.

Important policies:

• Do not deploy your own trap without consulting our team.

• Do not allow outside parties to attempt trapping.

• Improper trapping can make a dog significantly more difficult to recover.

Before a trap is deployed, we typically establish a monitored feeding station to confirm the dog's presence and routine.

All traps must be continuously monitored and maintained according to our safety standards.

Client Responsibilities

While we provide expertise and guidance, clients and their support network are often responsible for:

• Posting flyers and signs

• Following up on sighting reports

• Maintaining feeding stations

• Refreshing food and bait

• Assisting with equipment monitoring

• Securing property owner permissions

If you are unable to perform these tasks, please arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or volunteer to assist.

Working Together

By requesting assistance from Lost Dog 911 and NJSARdrone.org, you agree to work collaboratively with your assigned case manager and follow established recovery protocols.

Our team reserves the right to discontinue involvement if actions are taken that compromise recovery efforts, endanger people or animals, or repeatedly disregard professional guidance.

We are committed to providing the best possible chance of bringing your dog home safely and appreciate your trust in our team.

Lost Dog 911 & NJSARdrone.org Search & Recovery Team

"Every sighting matters. Every case matters. Every dog deserves a safe return home."