This survey explores the situations in which pets go missing, with a focus on vacation periods. Its goal is to uncover common risk factors and debunk persistent myths around pet loss.
Over 700 participants responded, including Weenect customers across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. The sample includes both dog and cat owners from urban, rural, and suburban areas, with diverse travel and pet-monitoring habits.
Discover the main insights from the survey through detailed findings, illustrated with charts and data visuals.
In 55% of cases, pets went missing while accompanying their owners on vacation. In contrast, only 7.6% disappeared at a relative’s home, and just 0.5% at a boarding facility. This challenges the idea that pets are mainly lost when left in someone else’s care.
Only 31% of owners always restrain their pet using a leash, harness, or crate. The rest are more relaxed: 36% apply restrictions in specific places only, 25% allow some freedom while staying alert, and nearly 6% give full freedom without supervision. This drop in vigilance—especially common during vacations—helps explain why so many pets get lost despite being with their owners.
According to the survey, 47.2% of pet losses occur in natural settings (forests, mountains, countryside), while 52.8% happen in inhabited environments: at home (18.8%), at someone else’s place (9.6%), at vacation accommodations (8.1%), or on public roads (9.6%). Contrary to popular belief, nature isn't the only danger zone—familiar places can be just as risky.
Whether your pet is in a forest or the backyard, escapes can happen for many reasons: a gate left open, a moment of distraction, or an instinctive chase. The even split across environments highlights the need for constant attentiveness—wherever you are.
35.5% of losses occur in the afternoon, followed by 27.4% in the morning and 21.8% in the evening. Only 3% happen at night. Most losses align with outdoor daytime activities such as walks, breaks, or playtime.
Nearly half (43.6%) of pet losses occur during summer holidays—much more than during other school breaks (spring, winter) or outside vacation periods (23.9%). Frequent travel, warm weather, and lowered vigilance all contribute to this spike.
52% of respondents report changes in their pet’s behavior in unfamiliar environments: 27.5% become more curious, while 24.4% become agitated or stressed. Only 34% behave as calmly as at home. These behavioral shifts can increase the risk of escape—even for pets that are usually stable.
While 67.2% of pets are found within 24 hours, 20.4% return after a few days, and nearly 12% take weeks or longer. Escapes triggered by stress or curiosity can lead to prolonged and emotionally taxing searches.
Among those who experienced a pet loss, 74.4% bought a GPS tracker afterward, and 13.5% considered it. A single event is often enough to change habits and embrace prevention.
Over 90% of GPS tracker users say they feel more secure since equipping their pet. This highlights how a small investment can bring lasting peace of mind and reduce the fear of future loss.
Pets don’t just go missing in unfamiliar places—they’re often lost while on walks, on vacation, or even at home. These situations may seem under control, but without careful attention, they quickly become high-risk.
By pinpointing when and where pets are most vulnerable, this survey helps guide meaningful prevention efforts: better supervision, smarter travel preparation, and anticipating behavioral changes in new environments.
To avoid the worst, Weenect GPS trackers offer a simple, reassuring solution: track your pet in real time, and find it quickly if it runs away.
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