Pet Search and Rescue, Is There Really a Need?

In 2024 when Florida Pet Recovery (FPR) first began, it started as a hobby, a way to use the drone while making a difference. Shortly after launching in November 2024, phone calls from from pet owners came pouring in. Pets were going missing every single day and despite most pet owners thinking their pet would return quickly, that often was not the case. FPR quickly realized the need for their search and rescue service and fully committed to the pet owner community.

Trey Larson, the owner of Florida Pet Recovery, takes pride in being on-call 24/7, 365 days a year for families in need. His commitment is personal. He understands the heart ache the families are going through when they lose a pet. When Trey was young, his beloved Redbone Coonhound, Dan (named after Dan in Where the Red Fern Grows) ran away and was never found. That loss shaped his understanding of the heartbreak families face and fuels his mission to help others.

In just a year and a half , Trey has conducted over 380 pet searches and built a reputation that brings calls from across Florida and neighboring states. Despite FPR’s competitive pricing, nearly 60% of pet owners are unable to afford the cost of the thermal drone service. Surprised by FPR’s statistics, we dived head first into our own research. As we looked deeper into the issue, the need became even more clear.

According to the Animal Humane Society, approximately 10 million pets go missing every single year, with 1 in 3 pets going missing in their lifetime. These staggering statistics reinforce the importance of accessible search and rescue support for everyone.

That is why we created Pet Recovery Foundation. Our mission is to provide pet owners with a lifeline during one of their most difficult moments. We are committed to delivering impactful support and top tier search and rescue services at zero cost to families. Through an exclusive network of experienced drone pilots and humane trappers, who are available around the clock, we manage the coordination of resources so pet owners do not have face it alone.

Each and every donation goes directly back to the pet community, helping reunite families with their lost pets.