Do I always need a heat pack for winter shipments?

You do not always need a heat pack, but if temperatures anywhere along the route are near or below freezing, a UniHeat pack is strongly recommended, especially for live animals, feeder insects, feeder rodents, and temperature-sensitive products. Using a heat pack in these conditions greatly reduces the risk of cold shock, freezing, and DOA shipments.

Can heat packs get too hot for small animals?

UniHeat packs are designed to provide controlled, gentle warmth suitable for live animal shipments. However, they should never be placed in direct contact with animals or insects. Always use a barrier such as cardboard, paper, or a divider and ensure there is adequate ventilation inside the box to prevent overheating.

Should I use more than one heat pack in the same box?

Yes, it is often appropriate to use more than one heat pack. Larger boxes, longer transit times, and very cold conditions may require multiple UniHeat packs. Space them apart inside the box and make sure there is enough air circulation for proper activation. Adjust the number of packs based on route temperature, box size, and species sensitivity.

Do heat packs replace proper insulation?

No, heat packs do not replace proper insulation. UniHeat heat packs work best when used together with insulated packaging such as foam liners, thermal wraps, or double-walled boxes. The heat pack provides warmth, while insulation helps retain that warmth and protect against outside temperature swings during transit.

Which UniHeat pack is best for my pet store shipments?

The best UniHeat pack depends on your transit time and weather conditions. For overnight or short routes, many pet stores use 40-hour UniHeat packs. For typical 2–3 day ground shipments, 72-hour packs are a common choice. For long-distance routes or extreme cold, 96-hour UniHeat packs provide extended protection. When in doubt, test your packing setup in realistic winter conditions and adjust as needed.

Posted by UniHeatPacks on 14th Dec 2025

Pet Stores: Safe Cold-Weather Deliveries

Cold weather brings some of the biggest challenges for pet stores and online pet suppliers. When temperatures fall below freezing, shipments of live animals, insects, feeder rodents, reptiles, aquatics, and temperature-sensitive products are all at risk. Customers expect their pets and supplies to arrive safe and healthy, and a single cold snap can turn a routine shipment into a loss.

The solution is a combination of smart packing techniques, proper insulation, and reliable UniHeat heat packs designed specifically for cold-weather transit.

Why Cold Weather Is So Dangerous for Pet Shipments

Unlike typical retail goods, pet shipments involve living organisms or items that directly support them. Exposure to low temperatures can cause:

Hypothermia in reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
High mortality in feeder insects like crickets, roaches, and worms
Frozen feeder rodents, making them unusable or unsafe
Temperature shock in fish and aquatic invertebrates
Damage to temperature-sensitive products such as live foods, gels, and probiotics

Most carriers do not provide heated trucks or climate-controlled sorting facilities. Packages may sit on cold docks, conveyor belts, and doorsteps for hours. Without protection, winter shipping becomes a gamble.

Cold-Weather Rule of Thumb:
If any part of the route is near or below freezing, include insulation and a UniHeat 72-Hour Heat Pack .

Why Pet Stores Rely on UniHeat Heat Packs

UniHeat heat packs were developed for live animal and perishable shipments. They provide steady warmth without overheating, making them ideal for cold-sensitive pet products.

Benefits for Live Shipments

Controlled temperature curve safe for animals
Long-lasting heat in 40, 72, and 96-hour options
Non-toxic and airline-approved
Oxygen-activated—no batteries needed

Why Stores Use UniHeat

Reliable winter-temperature stability
Reduces DOA rates dramatically
Consistent output across climates
Easy to integrate into packing stations

Many pet stores consider UniHeat packs as essential as boxes and insulation.

Choosing the Right UniHeat Pack for Different Pet Shipments

Live Reptiles & Amphibians

Highly sensitive to temperature drops.

Feeder Insects

Crickets, roaches, and worms freeze easily.

40-Hour for overnight
72-Hour for ground shipping

Feeder Rodents

Must be kept above freezing to retain quality.

Aquatic Animals & Sensitive Products

Prevent rapid temp swings.

40-Hour Pack
Use with insulated liners

How Many Heat Packs Should You Use?

General guidelines for winter conditions:

Above 25°F: 1 heat pack
10–25°F: 2 heat packs
Below 10°F: 2–3 packs + insulation

Also consider:

Transit distance
Carrier speed
Box size & insulation
Animal/product sensitivity

Packing Tip: Heat rises — place UniHeat packs above animals or feeders with a breathable divider.

Cold-Weather Packing Basics for Pet Stores

1) Pre-Warm Your Packing Area

Pack indoors at room temp to avoid cold shock.

2) Use Insulated Packaging

Foam liners
Thermal wraps
Double-walled boxes

3) Activate Heat Packs Properly

Open wrapper
Shake gently
Let warm 5–10 minutes

4) Prevent Direct Contact

Use cardboard or paper barriers.

5) Seal & Ship Quickly

6) Avoid Weekend Shipments

Ship Mon–Wed to prevent cold warehouse delays.

Set Expectations with Your Customers

Clear communication reduces complaints and DOA claims. Consider:

Publishing a winter shipping policy
Automatic heat-pack protection
Offering insulated upgrades
Pausing shipments in extreme weather

Customer Experience Tip: Mention that you use UniHeat heat packs to protect live shipments during winter — customers love knowing their pets are safer.

The Cost of Skipping Heat Packs

Without heat protection, pet stores risk:

Higher DOA rates
Refunds and reships
Negative reviews
Lost repeat customers

Heat packs cost far less than the cost of replacing animals or feeders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need a heat pack?

If temperatures are near freezing, yes — especially for live animals or feeders.

Can heat packs get too hot?

UniHeat packs offer controlled warmth, but never place them directly against animals.

Should I use more than one pack?

Yes — use multiple packs for long routes or colder regions.

Do heat packs replace insulation?

No. They work best with insulated liners or foam packaging.

Which UniHeat pack is best?

40-Hour for overnight, 72-Hour for ground, 96-Hour for long-distance.

Summary: With the right combination of UniHeat heat packs , insulation, and smart timing, pet stores can ship live animals, feeders, and sensitive products safely all winter. Choose the right duration: 40-hour, 72-hour, 96-hour, depending on your needs and route temperatures.