Searching for a lost pet with a drone in Australia
In Australia you can fly for fun without registration or a licence, by day only. Flying for work needs registration and accreditation. Keep 30 m from people and away from search and rescue operations.
| Aviation authority | Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) |
|---|---|
| Registration | Not required to fly for fun. Flying for work requires registration. |
| Test or certificate | None to fly for fun. A licence or accreditation only to fly for work. |
| Maximum height | 120 m above the ground. |
| Line of sight | In sight with your own eyes, not through a screen or goggles. |
| Night flights | Not allowed for recreational flyers: daylight only. |
| No-fly zones | CASA-verified drone safety apps |
| Controlled airspace | Drones over 250 g stay 5.5 km from controlled airports; 250 g or less may fly up to 45 m within 5.5 km, outside the airport. To fly outside these rules, apply to CASA. |
What matters for a search in Australia
- Stay at least 30 m from people, never fly over anyone, and keep out of busy beaches, parks, events and sports grounds.
- Keep away from emergency operations, including search and rescue.
- Check state and local rules for parks and reserves.
Before every search flight
- Check the no-fly zones for the exact area in CASA-verified drone safety apps.
- Ask the landowner if you take off from private land.
- Keep the drone in sight and below the height limit, away from people, roads and buildings.
- Let the owner of the animal know you are flying, and where.
Official sources
A summary to help you prepare a search, not legal advice. The official sources have the final word.
Reviewed on October 22, 2026.
Share this page
WhatsApp · Facebook · X · Telegram · Reddit · Email ·
Ask an AI about it: ChatGPT · Claude · Perplexity · Google AI Mode