<p>I am considering getting into the drone search and rescue industry in the southern California area.  Specifically, using thermal drones to look for lost dogs.  I stumbled upon a website <a href="https://www.missinganimalresponse.com/mar-courses/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.missinganimalresponse.com/mar-courses/</a> that stated in part</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If you plan to offer fee-based services, be aware that a few states (in the USA) have laws that say you must have a private investigator’s license in order to search for lost or stolen pets as a business.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I have two questions regarding this, the second is dependent on the answer of the first, so it may not be relevant:</p>
<p>Does California have this requirement and, if so, what is the reference?</p>
<p>If California does have this requirement AND I only accept donations (as opposed to fixed-fee based), does the PI License requirement still apply?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-06-17T23:48:09.733Z
Welcome to D&MA:SE.  I wonder if you might have better luck getting answers to this question on Law:SE?
sempaiscuba
CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-06-19T12:52:48.497Z
That’s a good idea, thanks.
Bryan
<quadcopters><license>
PI License Requirement?
Bryan
# PI License Requirement?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2024-06-17)

I am considering getting into the drone search and rescue industry in the southern California area. Specifically, using thermal drones to look for lost dogs. I stumbled upon a website <https://www.missinganimalresponse.com/mar-courses/> that stated in part

> If you plan to offer fee-based services, be aware that a few states (in the USA) have laws that say you must have a private investigator’s license in order to search for lost or stolen pets as a business.

I have two questions regarding this, the second is dependent on the answer of the first, so it may not be relevant:

Does California have this requirement and, if so, what is the reference?

If California does have this requirement AND I only accept donations (as opposed to fixed-fee based), does the PI License requirement still apply?

**Tags:** quadcopters, license

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Welcome to D&MA:SE.  I wonder if you might have better luck getting answers to this question on Law:SE?  
> **username_0**: That’s a good idea, thanks.  

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