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Ring's Search Party helps find lost dogs faster.
Summary
Ring's Search Party now uses nearby outdoor Ring cameras nationwide to scan for reported lost dogs, and U.S. users can post Lost Dog alerts without owning a Ring device.
Content
Ring has expanded its Search Party feature so anyone in the U.S. can report a lost dog and tap into nearby Ring outdoor cameras that use AI to scan recent footage. The update removes the previous requirement that a searcher own a Ring device and makes the Ring Neighbors app the entry point for posting Lost Dog alerts. When a post qualifies, cameras scan automatically and camera owners receive optional alerts with a photo and short video clip. The company is also committing funds to bring shelter cameras into the network.
Key facts:
- Search Party uses AI to scan recent footage from nearby outdoor Ring cameras after a Lost Dog post is created in the app.
- The feature is now available nationwide and anyone in the U.S. can download the Ring Neighbors app and post a Lost Dog alert without owning a Ring camera.
- Camera owners receive an alert with a photo and video clip of a possible match and can choose whether to share footage or contact the owner; phone numbers remain private.
- Search Party alerts run for a few hours at a time and must be renewed or restarted if a dog remains missing.
- Ring has pledged $1 million to equip up to 4,000 animal shelters with camera systems and works with partners such as Petco Love and Best Friends Animal Society.
- Ring reports that Search Party has helped reunite more than one lost dog per day and cites several recent reunion examples.
Summary:
The expansion opens Search Party to a wider public so lost-dog posters can reach an existing camera network without buying hardware or a subscription. Ring is also moving to bring animal shelters into the network through funding and partnerships. The company notes participation and footage sharing are voluntary, and conversations around privacy and default settings have continued alongside the rollout.
