Volunteer Guide

Volunteer Roles

Drone SAR operates with four volunteer roles. You may hold more than one — many drone pilots also serve as ground searchers. Every search is a combined effort across all roles.

Drone Pilot

Aerial search using drones with standard or thermal cameras. We welcome pilots at all levels — formal qualifications are not always required. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the CAA rules that apply to your category:

• Hobby Pilot — recreational operator, open category (A1/A3) only.
• A2 CofC Holder — permitted to fly closer to people, enabling semi-urban searches.
• GVC / STS Holder — commercial-standard operations in more complex environments.

Every type of drone adds value — standard cameras cover open ground quickly while thermal cameras help in dense cover and low light. Whatever you fly, make sure it is listed on your profile.

On a search you will:

• Fly systematic search patterns (grid or expanding spiral) from the last known location outward.
• Focus on areas appropriate to your equipment.
• Log every flight path on PetMap so the team can see what has been covered.
• Report any sightings immediately — do not attempt to land near the dog.

Pilot-specific standards:

• Comply with all CAA regulations. Maintain visual line of sight, respect no-fly zones, and carry your operator ID and flyer ID.
• Drone SAR provides insurance cover for registered and approved pilots during active searches. Having your own third-party liability insurance is also recommended.
• Complete pre-flight checks before every flight: battery levels, propellers, firmware, compass calibration, and weather.
• Check NOTAMs and airspace restrictions before flying. PetMap provides airspace overlay data to help.
• Do not share raw footage publicly. Upload flight logs to PetMap once the search concludes.

Ground Searcher

On-foot search of areas that benefit from a human presence — gardens, hedgerows, streets, and outbuildings. No formal qualifications are needed. All you need is a willingness to help and a reasonable level of fitness for walking outdoors.

On a search you will:

• Search assigned sectors methodically — check sheds, hedges, bins, parked cars, garages, derelict buildings, and culverts.
• Knock on doors, speak to residents, and distribute posters if supplied.
• Place trail cameras or humane dog traps if trained and instructed by the coordinator.
• Log your route and any points of interest on PetMap.

Search techniques:

• Line search — walk straight lines across your sector, spacing 5–10 metres from other searchers.
• Point-to-point — move between likely hiding spots rather than covering open ground.
• Door-to-door — knock on every door in residential sectors. Be polite and ask to check gardens.
• Quiet listening — stop periodically. A whimper, bark, or scratch may reveal a trapped dog.

Scent Tracker / Tracking Dog Handler

A specialist role requiring a trained tracking dog with proven scent discrimination ability. Dogs should be trained specifically for scent work (not general obedience), comfortable in unfamiliar environments, and up to date on vaccinations.

On a search you will:

• Deploy your tracking dog at the last known location. Scent degrades with time, rain, and foot traffic, so earlier deployment gives the best chance of a trail.
• Request a scent article from the owner where available (blanket, collar, or toy).
• Log the scent trail on PetMap in real time so coordinators can redirect other searchers.
• Communicate trail direction, changes, and any loss of scent to the coordinator.

Be honest — if conditions are too contaminated or your dog is not indicating, say so. A false trail is worse than no trail. Rest your dog appropriately and do not work them in extreme heat.

Search Coordinator

On-scene leadership, sector planning, and volunteer management. This role is assigned by the admin team to experienced volunteers who have demonstrated strong organisational and communication skills. You cannot self-select it during registration, but you can express interest.

Responsibilities include:

• Plan sectors, brief arriving volunteers, and assign search areas based on skills and equipment.
• Monitor PetMap for coverage gaps and redirect resources as new information comes in.
• Act as the single point of contact — relay sightings and updates between all teams.
• Keep the owner informed. Be compassionate but honest about progress.
• Make the call to stand down when conditions are unsafe or coverage is complete.
• Debrief after the search and update PetMap and the admin team.

How Alerts Work

When a dog is reported missing and the admin team activates a search:

1. You receive an email with the dog's details, photo, last known location, and your distance from it.
2. You respond with one click — “I Can Help” or “I Can't Attend.” No login required.
3. The coordinator plans the search based on who is available, what equipment they have, and how close they are.

On a Search

If You See the Dog: Stop, Drop, Think

What to Bring

Every piece of equipment contributes to the combined effort. You do not need specialist gear to make a real difference.

If you have specialist equipment (drones, thermal imagers, trail cameras, dog traps, GPS trackers, 4x4 vehicles), list it on your volunteer profile so coordinators know what is available.

Code of Conduct

These principles apply to every volunteer, regardless of role:

1. Safety first — your safety comes before the search. Never trespass on dangerous land, fly in unsafe conditions, or take unnecessary risks. If in doubt, stand down.
2. Respect the owner — they are going through one of the worst experiences of their life. Be compassionate, patient, and kind.
3. Follow the coordinator — follow their instructions on scene. Raise concerns privately.
4. Keep your phone on — check for messages from the coordinator regularly during a search.
5. Be honest — if you cannot cover your sector, say so. If you need to leave early, tell the coordinator and log your coverage. It is always better to click “I Can't Attend” than not show up.
6. No social media speculation — do not post about active searches unless sharing official posts. Speculation can hamper a search and cause distress.
7. Respect privacy — owner contact details and personal circumstances are strictly confidential.
8. No fees, ever — never ask for payment. You may accept contributions for fuel but should direct offers to the donation page.
9. Fly legal — drone pilots must follow all CAA regulations, maintain line of sight, respect no-fly zones, and carry their operator and flyer IDs.
10. No trespass — always ask permission before entering private land. If refused, move on.
11. Report concerns — if you encounter animal welfare issues or suspicious circumstances, report them to the coordinator or admin team.
12. No alcohol or drugs — never participate in a search under the influence.

Quick Reference

FAQ

Do I need a drone to volunteer?

No. Every role contributes equally. It is always a team effort.

Am I obligated to respond to every alert?

No. There is no minimum commitment. Respond when you can — even one search a year makes a difference.

Can I bring my own dog?

Only if you are a trained tracker dog handler deploying your working dog. Pet dogs can contaminate scent trails and frighten the lost dog.

What about insurance?

Drone SAR provides insurance cover for drone pilots during active searches. Having your own liability insurance is also recommended. Ground searchers participate voluntarily and at their own risk. Contact the admin team with any concerns.

How do I know if a search is still active?

Check the dog's report page. “Lost” means the search is active. “Reunited” means the dog has been found.