pet cameras vs. home security cameras
If you want a camera primarily to keep an eye on your pet, a general-purpose indoor home security camera could do the trick and save you some money. we’ve included a few on this list, all of which offer smart alerts that differentiate between animals and people.
all of the cameras we’ve selected also offer night vision, so you can see your pet in the dark, and two-way audio, so you can hear and respond to barking, howling, and meowing.
pet-specific cameras go one step further. they allow you to not only see, hear and talk to your animals, but also play with them remotely and throw treats. And beyond just alerting you when your cat or dog is moving, pet-specific cameras can tell you when they’re making noise. the furbo even alerts you when your dog is looking directly at the camera (which it calls a selfie), has been barking for more than a minute, or is crying or howling. it also notifies you when it detects a person, or if your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm goes off. that makes it useful as a home security camera and as a dog sitter.
Best Pet Cameras for Throwing Treats
one of the distinguishing features of the furbo and petcube bites models is their ability to drop treats on command. When setting up the Furbo, for example, its companion app guides you through the process of correctly introducing the device to your dog to foster a positive association. treats don’t usually motivate my dog, but he still learned right away and eats all the treats he shot on camera.
To get your pet’s attention, the furbo makes a barking sound when it’s about to dispense a treat. furbo recommends using this feature as a distraction when your dog is anxious, pacing, licking or barking. You can also use it as a reward when you stop any of those behaviors.
best cameras for pets with built-in toys
Some pet-specific cameras come with interactive toys so you can play with your cat or dog from your phone. The PetCube Play 2(opens in a new window), which we haven’t reviewed yet, features a built-in laser pointer that’s perfect for cats.
cameras let you touch and drag your finger across the video feed to shine a laser almost anywhere in the frame. it lags a moment or two behind the video, so it can’t be particularly accurate, but it’s still a welcome distraction for bored pets (and owners).
virtual veterinary visits
As pet owners, we often worry about our furry friends, but not every problem requires a visit to the vet. petcube cam (opens new window) offers a televet feature that can help you determine if an in-person visit is necessary. If you catch any concerning activity on camera, you can chat live with a licensed vet through your companion app, as well as share photos and videos of your pet. you get a free consultation with the camera, after which you have to pay a subscription of $4.99 per month.
How much should I spend on a pet camera?
As you can see in our picks, many of the best general-purpose and pet-specific home security cameras are in the $200 range, but prices vary. If you have a large home, you may want to go for a system with multiple cameras.
Please note that some devices in this category require an additional fee to store recorded video in the cloud. we break down the additional fees in our reviews, so it’s worth taking a look at each one to find out which camera best fits your budget.
The good news is that prices are coming down. If you’re not looking to make a huge investment, you can get a quality general purpose home security camera like the Wyzecam V3 for around $20, or a pet-specific camera like the PetCube Cam for $50.
more technology for your pampered dog
Once you find the right camera, consider investing in a pet tracker or gps collar for added peace of mind. We’ve rounded up our favorite wearable trackers and collars, which can monitor your pet’s location and activity to help ensure they’re safe and healthy.
And to help you stay on top of shedding, be sure to check out our list of the best robotic vacuums for pet hair.
Finally, if you’re the proud owner of a mutt but are curious about its background, check out the best dog DNA kits we’ve tested.
