The arrival of spring makes us all want to get outside and enjoy the good weather with our four-legged companions. In France, 43% of households have a dog or a cat, and sharing active moments with them has become not only a trend but a true lifestyle. However, this can also involve risks: in 2020, 69,136 pets were reported lost in France (Santevet²). To address this issue, Weenect, the French leader in GPS collars for dogs and cats, conducted an in-depth study among its users, revealing insights into the practice of exercising with our loyal companions.
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Weenect reveals that 81% of pet owners engage in sports activities with their animals, highlighting the importance of an active lifestyle for their mutual well-being.
Sports activities with our pets are largely influenced by their size and age, which determine the type and intensity of exercises best suited to their well-being.
Medium-sized dogs represent 57% of participants in sporting activities, while for cats, this figure reaches 79%.
Moreover, young dogs aged 2 to 3 years are particularly active. They make up 20% of sporty dogs, illustrating a clear preference for more dynamic activities at that age.
Among the most popular activities, hiking ranks first with 46% among dogs, establishing itself as a preferred way to strengthen bonds. Among cats, 78% also show a preference for hiking, revealing their taste for exploration and enjoyable outdoor moments.
However, although cats are generally less inclined than dogs to engage in sports activities, they still show interest in various practices such as running or yoga specially designed for them. This highlights that they too have access to a range of exercises beneficial to their well-being.
With the arrival of spring and its milder weather conditions, 27% of pet owners enjoy outdoor sports with their animals during this season. The contrast with winter is clear: days are longer, temperatures are milder, and conditions are less harsh for animals. As a result, these factors lead to a 6% increase in sports activities between owners and their pets with the onset of spring.
To reduce risks during outdoor activities, 58% of pet owners choose to secure their animals with a tracking device, especially when they are off-leash. This safety measure is adopted by 72% of dog owners and 71% of cat owners.
In this context, Weenect’s XS GPS proves to be an ideal solution, thanks to its ability to update the pet’s exact location every second, its water resistance, and its reliability even in low-light conditions. These features provide peace of mind to owners, allowing them to fully enjoy moments of freedom and adventure with their pets.
Even though 19% of respondents do not practice any sport with their pet—often due to a lack of time (10%), a lack of interest from the animal (20%), or health issues affecting the pet (14%)—there is still a small sign of hope: 3% of non-participants plan to start physical activities with their pet in the future, opening the door to more shared moments of well-being 😊
In collaboration with veterinarians, Weenect recommends ensuring that pets stay well hydrated and that their paws are protected during activities in hot weather. It is also advised to adapt the type and intensity of exercise to the animal’s age, size, and physical condition. Paying close attention to signs of fatigue or distress is equally important to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, Weenect’s survey highlights a growing enthusiasm for shared sports activities with pets, particularly hiking, which strengthens both well-being and the bond between animals and their owners. Ensuring pet safety through the use of GPS trackers is therefore essential. Weenect is committed to animal well-being by offering an innovative solution that ensures the safety of dogs and cats at all times of the day and during their outdoor activities.
