Ring Expands ‘Search Party’ Feature to All Dog Owners, Enhancing Community Support for Lost Pets
Ring has broadened access to its innovative “Search Party” feature, enabling all dog owners across the United States to utilize this AI-driven tool designed to locate lost pets. Originally launched last fall, the feature harnesses footage from the company’s extensive network of outdoor cameras to aid in the search for missing dogs, marking the first time it will be available to users without a Ring camera.
How the Search Party Feature Works
When a dog is reported lost via the Ring app, the system employs AI technology to analyze camera feeds from nearby neighbors. If potential sightings are detected, the camera owner receives a notification and can choose to share relevant video clips or contact the pet’s owner directly, all while keeping their phone number private.
Since its introduction, the Search Party feature has successfully reunited over one dog per day with their owners, demonstrating its effectiveness in community-based pet recovery.
Key Highlights of the Search Party Feature:
– Available to all Ring users, including those without a Ring camera
– Utilizes AI to connect lost pet reports with local camera footage
– Allows for easy communication between dog owners and camera users while maintaining privacy
– Over a dog reunited with its owner every day since launch
Jamie Siminoff, Ring’s founder, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Now, pet owners can mobilize the whole community—and communities are empowered to help—to find lost pets more effectively than ever before.” This aligns with the company’s mission to enhance community engagement through its Neighbors app.
In tandem with this feature rollout, Amazon’s Ring has pledged $1 million to outfit animal shelters across the U.S. with Ring camera systems, intending to support around 4,000 facilities. By integrating these shelters into its network, Ring aims to facilitate even more successful reunions between lost dogs and their families.
The company continues to collaborate with various nonprofits, such as Petco Love and Best Friends Animal Society, and is actively seeking additional partnerships to expand its community support efforts.
