Pets are not exempt from running away. Despite pet owners’ general awareness of identification methods, losing a pet remains a frequent occurrence. Through a survey conducted among over 1,400 European customers, Weenect unveils surprising insights into pet identification and loss while sharing advice from our expert, Sylvia Masson, on how to keep our four-legged friends safe. (find here the detailed survey report)
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According to the survey conducted by Weenect, over 83% of respondents are aware of the laws regarding pet identification, and more than 85% know they must update their information in case of a move. However, younger owners under the age of 25 are less informed, with only 66.7% aware of legal obligations compared to older age groups. Raising awareness remains crucial to prevent unnecessary losses.
Microchipping is the most widespread method of pet identification (94.2%) and is strongly recommended by veterinarians for its reliability and growing adoption across Europe. Sylvia Masson, behavioral veterinarian, highlights that "it is currently the best and most modern method available."
Nearly a third of pet owners have experienced the distress of losing their pet, with similar rates reported for dogs and cats. Sylvia Masson explains that curiosity, hunting instincts, or panic caused by loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, are the primary causes of escapes. Young animals, particularly those aged 1 to 3 years, are most affected (49.3%). Hyperactive dogs are also more prone to escaping, but as Sylvia Masson points out, "it depends more on the living environment than the dog itself." For instance, a dog living near a forest with access to prey is more likely to escape than one living in an urban area. To prevent escapes, our expert advises using high-quality fencing with concrete bases and welded panels.
When a pet goes missing, owners use various methods to find them. The Weenect GPS tracker, chosen in 21.8% of cases, proves to be the most effective tool for quickly locating pets. It helped recover 26.3% of lost dogs and 17.3% of cats, compared to just 14.4% for posters and 15.2% for social media, which require more time and effort. "The GPS collar reassures cat owners when their pets don’t return for several hours and gives peace of mind to dog owners hesitant to let their pets off the leash, granting animals greater freedom," emphasizes Sylvia Masson. Moreover, 85.6% of our customers report feeling more at ease thanks to this device.
According to the survey, over half of lost pets (53.7%) are found within a few hours, particularly those wearing a tag (84.6%) or a GPS tracker (80.2%). In case of a disappearance, Sylvia Masson recommends contacting veterinarians, shelters, and using social media: "With these three reflexes, pets are generally found quickly." However, even when pets are recovered promptly, the experience often has psychological effects. A pet that wandered off voluntarily may be tempted to do so again, while a frightened or lost pet might become traumatized and prefer to stay indoors. Our expert suggests giving them time to calm down and readjust gradually
The results of this survey highlight the importance of identification and prevention tools such as the Weenect XS GPS tracker. Complementing microchip identification, this device enables owners to locate their pets faster, offering both peace of mind and security. Weenect remains committed to developing innovative solutions to support pet owners in protecting their four-legged companions.
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