IP67 & IP68: What Waterproof Ratings Really Mean

When we shop for a pet GPS tracker, smart collar, outdoor camera, or connected pet device, the word “waterproof” can sound simple.

But waterproof ratings are not all the same.

An IP67 tracker, an IP68 device, and a product described as “water resistant” may perform very differently in rain, mud, puddles, swimming, saltwater, or long outdoor use.

For pet products, this matters because dogs and cats do not use devices in a laboratory. They run through wet grass, roll in dirt, splash through puddles, and sometimes get caught in rain before we notice.

So instead of only asking, “Is it waterproof?”, a better question is:

What kind of water exposure is this device actually built to handle?

What Does an IP Rating Mean?

An IP rating usually has two numbers.

For example:

IP67

The first number tells us about protection against solid objects and dust. The second number tells us about protection against water.

In IP67 or IP68, the first number is 6, which means the device enclosure is designed to be dust-tight. That matters for pet trackers because outdoor use is not only about water. Sand, dry soil, fur, and small debris can also affect a device over time.

The second number is where IP67 and IP68 become different.

IP67 Meaning: Dust-Tight + Temporary Immersion

An IP67 device is generally built to resist dust and temporary immersion in water.

In practical terms, IP67 is commonly understood as protection against temporary immersion in water, often around 1 meter for up to 30 minutes under controlled test conditions.

For daily pet use, IP67 is usually a strong practical rating for:

rainy walks

wet grass

muddy paths

puddle splashes

accidental short water exposure

outdoor routines where the device may get dirty or wet

But IP67 does not mean the device should be used as a swimming device every day. It also does not mean the device is protected from saltwater, soap, shampoo, high-pressure washing, or long underwater use.

For most pet GPS trackers, IP67 is best understood as:

Good protection for normal outdoor wet conditions, not a promise of unlimited waterproof use.

IP68 Meaning: Dust-Tight + Stronger Immersion Protection

IP68 also starts with 6, so it is dust-tight.

The difference is the second number: 8.

IP68 usually means stronger immersion protection than IP67, but the exact depth and duration depend on the manufacturer’s stated test conditions. That is why two IP68 products may not always be tested in exactly the same way.

For pet products, IP68 may be useful when a device is more likely to face:

deeper water exposure

longer wet conditions

frequent outdoor adventure use

heavier rain and muddy environments

working-dog or farm-style routines

But IP68 still does not mean “impossible to damage by water.” Water resistance can weaken over time through wear, impact, aging seals, chemicals, repeated exposure, or damaged charging covers.

IP67 vs IP68: The Simple Difference

Rating	Dust Protection	Water Protection	Best For
IP67	Dust-tight	Temporary immersion under controlled conditions	Daily outdoor pet tracking, rain, wet grass, puddles
IP68	Dust-tight	Stronger immersion protection, based on manufacturer test details	More demanding outdoor use, heavier wet exposure

The key point is simple:

IP68 usually offers stronger immersion protection than IP67, but the exact IP68 meaning depends on the product’s stated test conditions.

What IP Ratings Do Not Tell Us

An IP rating is helpful, but it does not explain everything about real outdoor durability.

IP67 or IP68 does not automatically tell us whether a device can handle:

saltwater

swimming pools

shampoo or soap

hot water

high-pressure water jets

chewing

drops and impacts

cracked shells

loose charging covers

damaged seals

long-term aging

This is why we should treat waterproof ratings as a protection layer, not as permission to expose a device to every wet situation.

For pet trackers, charging ports, SIM covers, speakers, buttons, and seams are especially important. Even a well-rated device needs proper sealing before outdoor use.

Waterproofing protects the hardware, but tracking accuracy also depends on signal conditions, update timing, and how the device connects outdoors. For that part, we explain more in our guide to pet tracker location jumps.

Why Pet Trackers Need Waterproof Protection

Pet trackers live in a harder environment than many handheld devices.

A phone usually stays in our pocket. A pet GPS tracker sits close to movement, fur, water bowls, mud, rain, grass, and sometimes teeth.

Waterproof protection helps reduce risk during normal routines such as:

morning walks after rain

trail walks with wet plants

beach entrances and sandy paths

camping trips

backyard play

farm and rural use

muddy seasonal weather

But tracking performance is not only about waterproofing.

For a GPS tracker, we also care about:

satellite visibility

cellular signal

battery life

collar fit

charging habits

app alerts

safe-zone setup

nearby recovery tools like sound or light

Water protection matters, but outdoor reliability also depends on charging habits and update settings. We cover this in more detail in our guide to GPS tracker battery life.

Waterproofing protects the hardware. It does not replace good outdoor habits.

Can Pets Swim With an IP67 or IP68 Tracker?

This is where we need to be careful.

An IP67 tracker may survive accidental short immersion, but regular swimming is not the same as a controlled test. Swimming adds movement, pressure changes, impact, dirt, and sometimes salt or chlorine.

An IP68 tracker may offer stronger immersion protection, but we still need to check the manufacturer’s exact test conditions.

For safer daily use, we usually suggest this mindset:

Rain and splashes are normal. Accidental immersion is what the rating helps protect against. Regular swimming should be treated as higher risk unless the product is clearly designed and tested for it.

After any heavy water exposure, it is better to:

rinse off mud or salt residue with clean fresh water when appropriate

dry the device fully

check charging covers and seams

avoid charging while wet

inspect for cracks or loose parts

confirm the tracker is still updating normally

If our dog often plays near the ocean, waterproofing is only one part of the routine. It also helps to understand sand, saltwater, and heat risks in our beach safety for dogs guide.

IP67 and IP68 for Dog Trackers

For dogs, waterproof ratings are especially important because many dogs enjoy wet outdoor environments.

An IP67 dog GPS tracker is usually suitable for everyday walks, wet grass, rain, and accidental splashes. For dogs that hike, camp, or run through muddy trails, IP67 can be a practical baseline.

For dogs that frequently swim, work outdoors, or spend time in harsher environments, IP68 may offer more confidence, depending on the device design and stated testing.

Still, even with a waterproof tracker, we should not forget collar fit. A tracker that is too loose may hit surfaces more often. A tracker that is too tight may be uncomfortable. Good fit helps both comfort and durability.

For dogs that hike, camp, or spend more time off the usual walking route, we also need to think about collar fit, signal coverage, and recovery habits. Our GPS collar for hiking and camping guide covers that outdoor checklist.

IP67 and IP68 for Cat Trackers

For cats, waterproofing matters in a slightly different way.

Many cats are not swimming, but outdoor cats may move through wet grass, under bushes, garden soil, rain, and narrow spaces. A lightweight IP67 cat GPS tracker can be helpful because it supports daily weather exposure without making the collar feel too heavy.

For cats, weight and comfort are just as important as waterproofing. A strong waterproof rating does not help much if the device is too bulky for daily wear.

When choosing a tracker for cats, we usually look at:

lightweight design

secure collar attachment

rain and splash resistance

reliable outdoor GPS performance

safe-zone alerts

battery life that matches the cat’s routine

For cats, waterproofing should always be balanced with comfort and weight. We explain this more in our guide to choosing the best GPS tracker for cats.

How We Should Read Waterproof Claims Before Buying

Before choosing a pet tracker or outdoor pet device, we can use a simple checklist.

First, check the IP rating. IP67 and IP68 are clearer than vague words like “waterproof” or “splashproof.”

Second, check what the brand says about real use. Does the product mention rain, puddles, swimming, saltwater, or outdoor adventure use?

Third, check the structure. Charging covers, SIM covers, buttons, speaker holes, and seams matter.

Fourth, match the rating to the pet’s routine. A city dog, backyard dog, hiking dog, outdoor cat, and farm dog may all need different levels of protection.

Finally, remember that waterproofing is one part of the safety system. GPS accuracy, signal coverage, battery life, app alerts, and recovery features matter too.

If we are comparing more than waterproof ratings, our 2026 pet tracker buying guide can help match features such as GPS, safe zones, sound and light support, calling, and daily comfort.

Where VerdantTrace Products Fit

For everyday outdoor pet tracking, we often position IP67-rated 4G pet GPS trackers as a strong balance between daily durability, comfort, and practical weather protection.

For example, a 4G GPS tracker with IP67 waterproofing can support daily walks, safe-zone alerts, location history, and outdoor movement awareness without turning the device into a heavy rugged tool.

For pets that need stronger recovery support, sound and light finding can also help during nearby searching, especially in grass, bushes, low light, or around the home.

For more connected routines, the GlocalMe PetPhone series adds another layer with two-way calling, activity awareness, and location support.

For yard and outdoor awareness, FetchLink C10 can support a broader view of movement, safe-zone context, and visual awareness around outdoor routines.

The goal is not to choose a product only because the rating looks bigger.

The goal is to choose the right layer of protection for the pet’s real routine.

Final Thought

IP67 and IP68 are useful waterproof ratings, but they are not magic words.

IP67 usually means strong dust protection plus protection against temporary immersion. IP68 usually means stronger immersion protection, but the exact depth and duration depend on the product’s stated test conditions.

For pet trackers, the best choice depends on how the pet actually lives:

daily walks, backyard play, hiking, camping, beach trips, wet grass, rain, or rough outdoor use.

A good waterproof rating helps protect the device. A good routine helps protect the pet.

FAQ

Is IP67 waterproof enough for a pet GPS tracker?

For many daily pet routines, yes. IP67 is usually suitable for rain, wet grass, mud, splashes, and accidental short water exposure. It should not be treated as unlimited swimming protection.

Is IP68 better than IP67?

Usually, yes. IP68 generally means stronger water immersion protection than IP67. However, the exact depth and duration depend on the manufacturer’s test conditions, so we should always check the product details.

Does IP67 mean my dog can swim with the tracker?

Not necessarily. IP67 supports temporary immersion under test conditions, but regular swimming adds movement, pressure, dirt, salt, chlorine, and long exposure. Swimming should be treated as higher risk unless the product is clearly designed for it.

Can saltwater damage an IP67 or IP68 tracker?

Yes, saltwater can be harsher than fresh water. After beach use, it is safer to clean and dry the device carefully, avoid charging it while wet, and check covers or seals before the next use.

What is more important: IP rating or GPS performance?

Both matter. Waterproofing protects the device from outdoor conditions, while GPS, cellular signal, battery life, app alerts, and collar fit affect how useful the tracker is in real pet routines.

Related Reading

Pet Tracker Location Inaccurate? 7 Common Reasons Why the Map Jumps

Pet GPS Tracker Battery Life Tips: How to Make a Tracker Last Longer

Beach Safety for Dogs: Sand, Saltwater & Heat Prevention

Camping with Dogs Checklist: Water, Ticks, Recall, and Better Outdoor Awareness

Best GPS Collar for Dogs: Hiking, Camping & Off-Leash Guide

2026 Pet Tracker Buying Guide

Choose protection that matches the routine

Rain, mud, grass, and outdoor movement are part of real pet life. At VerdantTrace, we focus on practical pet safety tools that support better awareness without making daily routines harder.

Explore 4G pet GPS trackers, connected support with the GlocalMe PetPhone series, or broader yard awareness with FetchLink C10.