Having a pet go missing is one of the most distressing experiences for any pet owner. That’s why GPS pet trackers have become so popular in recent years. They give you peace of mind by letting you monitor your pet’s location and movements from your smartphone.
But with so many models on the market, how do you choose the right GPS tracker for your furry friend?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at Weenect pet trackers to help you decide if they’re the best option for your needs.
What is Weenect?
Founded in 2012, Weenect is a French company dedicated to pet safety and localization technology. They manufacture a variety of GPS trackers for dogs, cats, kids and the elderly.
Weenect’s pet trackers allow owners to monitor their pet’s location and activity in real time through a mobile app. Their trackers are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for animals to wear.
Some of the key features offered by Weenect pet trackers include:
- Real-time GPS location tracking
- Activity monitoring
- Geofencing and escape alerts
- Two-way calling via built-in microphone
- Ring/vibrate modes to help locate pets
- Long battery life (up to 5 days)
- Waterproof casing (IP67 rated)
Weenect has a reputation for high-quality products and good customer service. Their trackers work throughout Europe via a 2G network and offer a standalone subscription service.
Below, we’ll take a hands-on look at Weenect’s Dog 2 and Cat 2 trackers to see if they live up to the hype.
Weenect Dog 2 GPS Tracker Review
The Weenect Dog 2 is designed to be the smallest and lightest dog GPS tracker available. Let’s see how it performs in real-world use cases.
Design and Hardware
The Weenect Dog 2 tracker itself is compact and lightweight, measuring just 58x23x10mm and weighing 25g. It’s designed to attach to your dog’s collar via an included silicone case.
The tracker casing feels well-constructed from durable plastic. It’s 100% waterproof with an IP67 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep.
It contains a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts around 2-5 days depending on usage. Charging takes 2-3 hours via the included USB cable.
The Dog 2 has multiple LED lights that indicate charging status, GPS connectivity, and GSM network connection. There’s also a power button to turn the device on/off.
Overall, the hardware feels sturdy and well-designed for pet use. The tracker sits flush against the collar when snapped into the silicone case.
Features
The Weenect Dog 2 tracker connects to iOS/Android apps to provide the following features:
- Real-time location tracking: View your dog’s location on a map updated every 5 minutes (adjustable). Locations are accurate to within a few feet.
- Activity monitoring: Track total distance traveled and speed. Review location history over custom time periods.
- Geofencing: Create virtual fences on the app’s map that will alert you if your dog wanders outside.
- Escape alerts: Get notifications immediately if your dog leaves a specified safe zone.
- Walk recording: Log walks with GPS tracking to view detailed information later.
- Health monitoring: Monitor rest patterns. Coming soon: additional health metrics like heart rate and respiration.
- Two-way calling: Use the device’s microphone to communicate with your dog when nearby.
- Ring tone and vibration: Remotely make the device ring or vibrate to get your dog’s attention.
The Weenect app provides at-a-glance access to your dog’s key stats and all device controls. It offers different map modes and lets you share access with family members.
Performance
Over a few weeks of testing, I found the Weenect Dog 2 performs very reliably for real-time GPS tracking.
The mobile app displays your dog’s location immediately whenever opening it. You can expect approximately 5 meter accuracy in most environments.
The GPS tracking works well at long distances too. I tested over 10 miles away from home and it continued updating the location every few minutes.
The activity and geofencing features also work as expected. I particularly like the customisable geofencing that lets you draw any shape fence on the map.
The two-way calling feature can be useful, though there is a slight lag in transmission. The microphone picks up loud ambient sounds from your dog’s surroundings.
My only issue was occasional minor inaccuracies in displaying “speed” when my dog wasn’t actually moving. Overall though, the real-time tracking performance is excellent.
Battery Life
Battery life depends heavily on your usage. With live tracking enabled, I got just under 2 days of use per charge. This is decent but less than the 5 days claimed on the website.
However, you can stretch battery life much longer by increasing the GPS polling interval and limiting live tracking. Overall battery life is pretty good compared to similar GPS pet trackers.
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Sturdy, waterproof design
- Easy to attach to collar
- Accurate real-time GPS tracking
- Useful activity monitoring features
Cons
- Battery life less than stated 5 days
- Occasional incorrect speed data
Conclusion
The Weenect Dog 2 performs very well as an affordable, lightweight GPS dog tracker. It provides accurate real-time location tracking and useful activity monitoring features.
While battery life could be better, it should still last 1-3 days for most users. Overall the Dog 2 delivers solid performance and tracking peace of mind.
For an in-depth comparison of Weenect and a top competitor, check out this Weenect vs Tractive review.
Weenect Cat 2 GPS Tracker Review
Now let’s look at how the Weenect Cat 2 model stacks up for feline friends.
Design and Hardware
Like the Dog 2, the Cat 2 tracker features an ultra compact, lightweight design at just 25g. It attaches to your cat’s collar via the same silicone case.
It shares all of the same durable, waterproof construction and LED indicators. Battery life is slightly better at up to 5 days since cats are less active on average.
The Cat 2 tracker is small and lightweight enough for kittens and cats of all sizes to wear comfortably. My cats did not seem bothered by it at all.
Features
The Cat 2 includes all of the same great features as the Dog 2:
- Real-time GPS location tracking
- Activity and distance monitoring
- Customisable geofencing
- Escape alerts if your cat wanders too far
- Two-way calling via the tracker’s microphone
- Remotely activated ring tone or vibration
Additionally, the Cat 2 lets you review your cat’s nighttime activity patterns and routes. The tracker provides insight into where your outdoor cat roams even when you can’t follow them.
You get the same easy-to-use mobile app with at-a-glance stats and map views.
Performance
In my testing, the Weenect Cat 2 delivered the same excellent GPS tracking performance as the Dog 2 version.
It provided reliably accurate, real-time location updates within a few meters. I had no issues tracking my cat’s movements anywhere in my neighborhood.
The activity tracking features work well for cats, logging distance traveled and speeds. The cat nighttime activity reports were particularly interesting to see where my cat went on his late night adventures!
Battery life was right around the claimed 5 days since my cat is not super active. The two-way calling feature was amusing with my meowing cat.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight and comfortable for cats
- Logs nighttime activity patterns
- Accurate real-time GPS tracking
- Useful cat geofencing alerts
- Good battery life up to 5 days
Cons
- Occasional minor activity tracking inaccuracies
Conclusion
Overall, the Weenect Cat 2 is an excellent mini GPS tracker tailored for felines. It performed flawlessly for real-time location monitoring and provides great insight into your cat’s activities.
If you have an outdoor cat prone to wandering, the Cat 2 gives you invaluable peace of mind.
Weenect App Review
The Weenect mobile app works seamlessly with both the Dog 2 and Cat 2 trackers. Let’s look at the key features and functionality of the app.
Ease of Use
The Weenect app immediately detects and connects to your tracker device. Getting set up takes less than 5 minutes.
The app features an intuitive, modern design. I had no issues figuring out all the features and settings menus.
Key info and controls are conveniently located on the main dashboard screen. Switching between multiple pets is easy if you have more than one tracker.
Weenect also offers a web portal that largely mirrors the mobile app functionality on desktop.
Main Features
The Weenect app lets you:
- View your pet’s location on a map in real time
- Create customizable geofences with escape alerts
- Monitor activity stats and routes travelled
- Remotely activate ringtone and vibration modes
- Two-way audio communication via the tracker microphone
- Review location history and nighttime activity (cats)
- Share pet profiles and access with family members
- Change tracker settings and update your account
Reliability
Throughout my usage, the Weenect app worked reliably 100% of the time. The real-time location data was fast and accurate.
Connecting and switching between trackers was seamless. Alert and notifications came through instantly when testing geofences.
The app makes accessing all your tracker’s capabilities straightforward from your smartphone.
Pros
- Easy, intuitive mobile interface
- Reliably fast real-time tracking
- Useful location history and activity review
- Customizable alert settings
- Ability to share access and info
Cons
- Web portal lacking some mobile features
- Minor delays in two-way calling function
Conclusion
The Weenect app complements the hardware trackers nicely. It offers an easy way to monitor and control your pet tracker from your phone.
Real-time location tracking performance is excellent. The availability of historic data and activity analytics make the app really stand out.
Weenect Subscription Options and Costs
Weenect offers flexible subscription plans to meet different budgets. Here are the pricing options as of 2024:
Monthly Plan
- £7.90 per month
- Cancel anytime
1 Year Prepaid Plan
- £59.90 total for 1 year
- £5 per month equivalent
- 7 day free trial
2 Year Prepaid Plan
- £89.90 total for 2 years
- £3.75 per month equivalent
- 7 day free trial
Each plan includes:
- Unlimited GPS location tracking
- App access and features
- Customer support
There are no long term contracts. You can cancel anytime, even during a prepaid term.
Additional fees include:
- One-time device cost: £49.90 per tracker
- SIM card: Included with tracker
- Shipping: Free UK shipping, £6.90 for Europe
Overall, Weenect offers reasonable subscription rates, especially if you prepay for 1-2 years. There are no hidden fees or surprises.
Compared to competitors, Weenect provides better value thanks to functionalities like two-way calling and nighttime monitoring.
Weenect Support and Customer Service
Good customer service is crucial for any pet tracker company dealing with anxious owners. Here is an overview of Weenect’s customer support resources:
Knowledge Base
Weenect has a searchable knowledge base with setup tutorials, troubleshooting guides, FAQs and step-by-step instructions for all device features. This covers most common questions.
Customer Support Email
You can email Weenect customer support 24/7. They promise a response within 8 hours, though are often faster in practice.
Telephone Support
Weenect has a customer service phone number for immediate assistance during business hours. Support agents are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to help.
Social Media
The Weenect Facebook and Twitter accounts are very responsive to questions and feedback. They provide an additional channel for customer service via social media.
User Forum
There is an online Weenect User Forum where you can get advice from fellow users. The community is fairly active and helpful for peer-to-peer troubleshooting.
Return Policy
If you need to return your Weenect tracker, you have 30 days to do so provided it’s in resalable condition. This ensures you have time to test it out.
Based on my experience and online reviews, Weenect customers consistently praise their helpful, responsive customer service. They really take pride in supporting their users.
Weenect Pet Tracker Pros and Cons
Here is a high-level overview of the main advantages and potential drawbacks of choosing a Weenect GPS pet tracker:
Weenect Pros
- Lightweight, durable design comfortable for pets
- Accurate real-time GPS location tracking
- Useful activity monitoring and geofencing features
- Affordable price compared to competitors
- Excellent mobile app and interface
- Responsive, helpful customer service
Potential Weenect Cons
- Shorter battery life compared to claims
- Limited health monitoring capabilities
- Web app lacking some mobile features
- 2G network has coverage gaps in remote areas
- Subscription required for full functionality
Weenect Pet Tracker Alternatives
Weenect makes some of the best GPS pet trackers available today. However, there are a few alternatives worth considering:
Whistle – Offers long battery life and health monitoring like licking and scratching. But more expensive.
Tractive – More focus on activity tracking metrics. But bulkier device.
Findster – Uses private radio network instead of public cellular. But limited range.
Fi – Emphasis on smart collar form factor and fitness tracking. But subscription required.
Weenect competes well against these brands in terms of balancing price, performance and features. Make sure to compare options to find your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weenect Pet Trackers
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Weenect pet GPS trackers:
What is the battery life for Weenect devices?
Battery life is 2-5 days depending on usage. Enabling live tracking reduces battery faster. Changing GPS polling frequency helps extend it.
Are Weenect trackers waterproof?
Yes, they have an IP67 waterproof rating meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Do the trackers work worldwide?
Weenect trackers work in most of Europe and the UK thanks to their 2G cellular network coverage. They do not work worldwide.
Can I use a Weenect tracker on multiple pets?
Yes, you can attach one tracker to different pets and manage them under your single account and app. But only one pet at a time.
Do the trackers require a subscription?
Yes, a paid Weenect subscription is required to access real-time tracking and app features. The tracker will not work without an active subscription.
How accurate is the GPS tracking?
The trackers provide location accuracy within a few meters in most environments. Dense forests or tall buildings may impact signal slightly.
Can I track my pet outside of my home country?
Weenect trackers work across most of Europe thanks to their 2G network access. But they only work within this region.
How is Weenect customer service?
Customer feedback indicates Weenect offers excellent customer service across email, phone, social media, and user forums. They are very responsive.
What if my pet loses its tracker?
You can order a replacement tracker at the reduced price of £30. Weenect also offers subsidized replacements if you choose a plan with insurance.
The Verdict: Are Weenect Pet Trackers Worth It?
At the end of the day, Weenect pet trackers provide excellent performance and value in a compact form factor.
They offer reliable GPS location tracking you can count on to monitor your pets in real time.
Useful features like customizable geofencing, two-way calling, and activity tracking make them stand out from the competition.
For anxious pet owners seeking peace of mind, Weenect trackers are certainly worth investing in. They help keep your furry friends stay safe whether at home or roaming free.
The affordable pricing, long battery life, and great customer service make these hard to beat. Weenthusastically recommend Weenect pet trackers for cats, dogs and other pets needing monitoring.
They provide the right balance of value, convenience and functionality to provide trustworthy tracking for any pet. Try out a Weenect tracker to experience the benefits yourself!
