Losing a pet can be as devastating as losing a family member for many pet owners. In New Jersey, one man has made it his mission to turn panic into relief, using drones to help bring missing pets safely home.
Image Credits: Michael Parziale, Facebook
Key Takeaways
- Michael Parziale founded the nonprofit Unmanned Search and Rescue (U.S.A.R) in New Jersey, using drone technology to help reunite families with missing pets.
- With a fleet of 18 drones, the organization has successfully located over 122 lost animals, earning Parziale the nickname “Drone Ranger.”
- U.S.A.R also supports veterans by offering drone training that leads to real job opportunities, while assisting first responders during natural disasters.
- Through community donations, Parziale provides these services to pet owners who cannot afford professional search efforts, turning moments of panic into relief.
Michael Parziale, a 64 year old restaurant owner from Manasquan, founded the Unmanned Search and Rescue (U.S.A.R) nonprofit organization two years ago, saying his work was inspired by his father and grandfathers who served in both World War I and II.
Embed profile
His collection of 18 hi-tech drones has located over 122 lost animals including cats, dogs and livestock, earning him the nickname ‘Drone Ranger’.
Image Credit: Michael Parziale
Besides animal rescues, the organization also supports veterans by offering drone training to help them transition into various careers including aerial surveying, agriculture and photography. “You can’t have a nonprofit without profit,” Parziale explained, saying that the training leads to real job opportunities.
The idea for U.S.A.R began after he helped locate a mentally disabled man who had gone missing for three days. Shortly afterward he received a request to find a missing pet, and the rest was history.
He said his focus naturally shifted onto finding pets. “It just developed into animals because I became really good at that,” Parziale commented. As word spread, more families began reaching out. Through donations and a GoFundMe, Parziale also helps elderly and retired pet owners who cannot afford professional search services.
Parziale works alongside his two sons and a small group of volunteers, often witnessing emotional reunions firsthand. He recalled one moment when a woman was so overwhelmed after finding her pet that she cried into his shoulder. “Their pets are like children to them,” he said.
Image credits: Michael Parziale
One such rescue involved a five month old puppy named Shade, who ran off during a winter walk. After a frantic 24 hour search, the puppy’s owner contacted U.S.A.R. Parziale arrived promptly and located Shade in just 41 minutes.
The grateful owner later shared her experience on social media, praising Parziale for donating his time and skills to reunite families with their pets, a moment that was later featured in a heartwarming video, which quickly struck a chord online. Comments came flooding in, with many people praising him for his noble work, calling him ‘an absolute hero’ and wanting to donate
Once a call comes in, Parziale travels anywhere in New Jersey, launching drones near the search area while following strict FAA regulations. His work doesn’t stop with just pets – he also assists first responders during natural disasters, helping locate flood zones and landslides after hurricanes.
Through technology and compassion, Parziale has shown how innovation can be used for good. His work continues to bring comfort, hope, and happy endings to families when they need it most.
It’s stories like these that bring people together and remind us of what truly matters. Small moments of care, empathy, and love can leave a lasting impact – not just on those involved, but on everyone who hears them.
Find more meaningful, feel-good stories on Simply Wholesome and stay connected with moments that uplift and inspire.
Leave a comment