Learn how to protect your pet and your technology during winter travel with our expert guide to cold weather GPS tracking.
Winter wonderland is perfect for zoomies in the snow, but the cold can be tough on tech. If you are a pet parent, you may be wondering: Can a pet GPS tracker really survive the cold and wet weather?
The short answer is yes! High-quality trackers (like the Tractive) are built to be winter heroes. To keep your furry friend safe, you just need to know how winter affects your gear and how to choose a truly “winter-proof” tracker.
5 Second Summary
Modern GPS trackers are built to handle snow, ice, and freezing wind. To stay safe, look for a tracker with an IP68 waterproof rating and a cold-resistant battery. Although winter can drain batteries quickly, a rugged tracker will always work to help you find your pet in the snow. Just remember: always let your tracker warm up inside before you plug it in to charge!
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Why winter conditions can be difficult for technology
Winter challenges electronics in two main ways: it’s very cold again deceptive humidity.
- It’s cold: Almost all trackers use Lithium-ion batteries. These batteries work using chemicals. When it’s too cold, the battery has to work harder, which can cause it to die faster. This is called “battery depletion.” It’s a good idea to check your battery levels often during the winter!
- Humidity: If the tracker is not properly sealed, melted snow can get inside. Going from a cold backyard to a warm house can also cause small water droplets (condensation) to form inside the device, which can damage the electronics.
That’s why it’s so important to choose a winter-proof pet tracker like Tractive.
Keep your pets healthy and safe
Get real-time location information, no matter where they are. See how much – or how little – work they get. And get Health Alerts if something might be wrong.
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What makes a tracker “winter-proof”?
Just get ready for any pet tracking device. To survive a snowstorm, a tracker needs these three things:
- Waterproofing: This means that it is vacuum sealed or otherwise protected from ice and mud.
- Wide Temperature Range: It should be tested to operate over a wide temperature range.
- Strong Signal (LTE-M): This type of cell signal is like a snowplow—it cuts through falling snow better than regular chips.
“The safe temperature range of our trackers is 0°C to 40°C. Within this range, all functions are unaffected. If it gets below freezing, the device stays on to keep your pet safe, but it will stop charging. This is a built-in ‘battery protection mode’ to ensure the cells are not damaged by the cold.”
“Additionally, the close attachment to your pet’s collar helps ensure the tracker stays warm in sub-freezing temperatures. For best results, fully charge the tracker before your pet goes outside.”
– Ivelin Nenkov, Embedded Systems Engineer at Traktive
Secret weapon: Why GPS is important in winter
Exploring the snowy wilderness is magical, but it can be mind-boggling. GPS pet trackers are a life saver for three main reasons:
- Real Time Tracking: Snow hides familiar smells and landmarks. When your pet wanders down a snowy road, “LIVE” tracking lets you see their exact location.
- Virtual Fences (Geofences): You can set “Safe Zones” and “Travel Zones”. If your pet wanders into an area where it shouldn’t be, you’ll get an instant Escape Alert.
- Visibility: Winter days are short and dark. Most trackers have built-in lighting you can open from your phone to see your pet in the dark.
Attraction: the perfect winter companion
At Trative, we don’t just build animal trackers for sunny days. We are based in Austria, near the Alps, so we know exactly how harsh winter can be. We designed our dog and cat trackers to be “adventure proof” in any weather.
We have pet parents who use Tractive all over the world—from the snowy forests of Norway to the freezing plains of Canada. Our community knows that when the temperature drops, Tractive stays on.
Imogen’s story: a winter wonderland
Nothing proves the power of a tracker for winter protection like a real raft. Imogen, a super-strong puppy, once wandered into a frozen pond and fell through the ice.
Because his Tractive tracker was 100% waterproofit kept sending a signal even in freezing water. The owners saw exactly where he was and called for help in time. Because her tracker was built to withstand snowy, wet winter conditions, Imogen arrived home safely to take a warm bath and sleep.
Read Imogen’s Story
Expert tips for GPS animal tracking in winter
To keep your tracker running smoothly all season long, follow these four simple rules:
- Fully Charge Before Going Out: For best results, make sure your tracker is fully charged before placing it on your pet as winter conditions may affect battery life.
- Keep It Clean: After a snowy trip, wipe off any snow, slush, or road salt. Make sure the speaker holes (sound hole) are not plugged with ice so the buzzer will always be loud and clear when you need to find your pet!
- The “warm payment” rule: Never charge a frozen tracker. Charging the battery while it is below freezing can cause permanent damage. Always let your device sit at room temperature 30 minutes before connecting it.
- Check Attachments: Cold air can make plastic clips brittle. Use sturdy accessories and make sure the tracker is firmly attached to the collar. If your pet is wearing a winter coat, attach the tracker to the outside so it has a clear view of the GPS satellites.
An important point
Winter doesn’t have to stop the fun! With a rugged, waterproof tracker and minimal maintenance, you can enjoy the entire snow season with peace of mind.