Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about FindSquad
General Questions
What is FindSquad?
FindSquad is a mobile app that coordinates volunteer search efforts for lost pets, missing persons, and dropped items using patent-pending sector division algorithms and real-time GPS tracking. It makes organizing and joining searches incredibly simple.
How much does it cost?
The app is FREE to download. Lost pet searches cost $3.99, lost item searches cost $4.99, and missing person searches cost $0.99. Volunteers never pay to join. Evidence searches are available for $19.99.
Why charge organizers but not volunteers?
Organizers get tremendous value from coordinating help when they're in a desperate situation. Volunteers are providing free labor to help their community - charging them would reduce participation and be ethically wrong. Our model ensures maximum volunteer participation while sustaining the platform.
How long do searches stay active?
Person searches: 7 days
Pet searches: 3 days
Item searches: 3 days
Evidence searches: 7 days
You can end a search early at any time by marking it as "FOUND".
Technical Questions
Do I need cell service during the search?
Yes, currently you need a data connection for real-time coordination. Offline mode is planned for 2026, which will allow searches in areas with limited connectivity.
What are the search patterns?
We use a family of patent-pending search patterns — including grid, radial sector, expanding square, contour-following, urban block, shoreline, and a tight evidence grid — and the system automatically selects the best one based on terrain type and search type.
How accurate is the GPS tracking?
Typical smartphone GPS accuracy is 5-15 meters in field conditions — closer to 3-5 meters in open areas, and 10-30 meters under tree cover or near terrain. FindSquad is designed around these real-world limits: for evidence searches, we use tight search-path spacing and intentional overlap at sector boundaries to compensate for GPS uncertainty, rather than pretending the GPS is more precise than it is. For forensic-grade positioning, we recommend pairing FindSquad with external RTK GPS equipment.
What platforms does FindSquad support?
FindSquad is available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) and can be launched via our deep link (findsquad.app/dl). A web app is also available at findsquad.app.
Payment Questions
Are there refunds?
Generally we do not offer refunds once a search is activated, except in cases of technical failures or duplicate charges. Contact findsquadapp@gmail.com if you experience issues.
Will there be a subscription option?
We're considering monthly subscription plans for frequent users and organizations in 2026. This would give you a certain number of searches per month at a discount.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) and Apple Pay/Google Pay through our in-app payment processor.
Squad Scramble Questions
What is Squad Scramble?
Squad Scramble is an upcoming GPS-based adventure race mode: players navigate to stations, complete creative and physical challenges at each stop, and compete for the best combined score. It is currently in development and not yet available to play or purchase. Learn more on our Squad Scramble page.
When will Squad Scramble launch, and what will it cost?
We're actively building and testing Squad Scramble now, and we haven't announced a launch date or final pricing yet. When it launches, we expect hosts to be able to cover their group or have players claim their own spots. Nothing is purchasable today — if you see anything suggesting otherwise, it's out of date.
Where will people be able to play?
Squad Scramble is designed for local parks, downtown areas, college campuses, and neighborhoods — any walkable area with GPS coverage.
Safety & Privacy
Is my location data private?
Yes. Your live location is only visible to participants in the search you joined, and the entire search — location history, chat, and photos — is permanently deleted within about 10 days of the search ending. We don't sell your data, we don't use your location for advertising, and we don't track you outside of an active search. Like any U.S. company, we can be legally compelled to disclose information — see our Privacy Policy for the full picture.
What if I join a search and feel unsafe?
Tap "Leave Search" and your location stops streaming immediately. The search's data is automatically deleted within about 10 days of the search ending, and you can delete your account and your data right away from Settings if you don't want to wait. There's also a "Report Search" button to flag suspicious searches so our team can intervene.
Can children use FindSquad?
Users must be 13 or older to use FindSquad, and users under 18 need a parent or guardian's consent. FindSquad is not directed to children under 13, and the app should not be used by or handed to a child under 13 — though kids are of course welcome to walk alongside a parent who is searching with their own device.
Do you work with law enforcement?
We’re actively working with departments to build direct notification rails and Amber/Silver alert integrations, but those features aren’t live yet. Right now we share exports and mission data when law enforcement requests it with proper legal authority.