Best Pet Cameras: How to Keep an Eye on Your Pet While You’re Away: As a pet owner, leaving your furry friend at home while you go to work or run errands can be stressful for both you and your pet. You may worry about how they’re doing, if they’re getting into trouble, or simply if they’re feeling lonely.

Thankfully, pet cameras are an excellent solution for easing your mind and keeping an eye on your pet while you’re away. These devices allow you to monitor your pet in real-time, and some even let you interact with them through two-way audio or treat dispensers.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the best pet cameras on the market, what features to look for, and how these devices can improve the bond between you and your pet, even when you’re apart.

Best Pet Cameras: How to Keep an Eye on Your Pet While You’re Away

1. What is a Pet Camera?

A pet camera is a type of surveillance camera designed specifically for pet owners to monitor their pets remotely. These cameras typically connect to your smartphone or computer, allowing you to check in on your pet anytime and anywhere through an app. Pet cameras come in a variety of forms, from simple monitoring devices to more advanced options that feature treat dispensers, two-way communication, and motion detection.

Features of a Pet Camera

• Live Streaming: Pet cameras allow you to watch a live feed of your pet, so you can check in whenever you want.
• Two-Way Audio: Many cameras come with two-way audio, enabling you to speak to your pet and hear their responses.
• Motion Detection: Some cameras have motion sensors that can alert you when your pet is moving, playing, or even getting into trouble.
• Treat Dispenser: A few advanced pet cameras feature treat dispensers, so you can reward your pet remotely for good behavior or simply show them love.
• Night Vision: This feature allows you to monitor your pet even in low-light conditions.
• Interactive Features: Some cameras come with laser pointers or toys that you can control remotely to entertain your pet.

2. Why Should You Invest in a Pet Camera?

Investing in a pet camera offers multiple benefits for both pet owners and pets alike:

• Peace of Mind: With a pet camera, you can check in on your pet at any time to ensure they’re safe, healthy, and not causing any trouble.
• Reduce Separation Anxiety: Some pets experience separation anxiety when left alone, and seeing your face or hearing your voice can help calm them down.
• Monitor Behavior: Pet cameras let you observe your pet’s behavior while you’re away. This can help you spot issues such as chewing, excessive barking, or potty accidents.
• Entertain Your Pet: Some cameras come with interactive features like treat dispensers or laser pointers, allowing you to engage with your pet and keep them entertained while you’re gone.
• Track Health and Activity: Certain cameras track your pet’s movements and habits, providing valuable insights into their health and well-being.

3. Best Pet Cameras: A Comprehensive Review

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of pet cameras, let’s dive into the best options available on the market.

1. Furbo Dog Camera

Best For: Treat Dispenser and Two-Way Audio

The Furbo Dog Camera is one of the most popular and highly-rated pet cameras on the market. It features a treat dispenser, allowing you to toss treats to your dog remotely through the app. This is a fun and interactive way to engage with your pet while you’re away.

Key Features:

• 1080p HD video streaming
• Two-way audio, so you can talk to your dog and hear their response
• 4x zoom for a closer view of your pet
• Motion and sound alerts when your dog barks or moves
• Treat tossing feature to reward your dog remotely
• Night vision for monitoring your pet in low light

Pros:

• Great for interacting with your pet
• User-friendly app with a sleek design
• High-definition video quality and wide-angle view
• Provides fun and engaging experiences for your pet

Cons:

• Some users report that the treat dispenser can get jammed
• The camera requires a stable Wi-Fi connection for smooth performance

2. Petcube Play 2

Best For: Interactive Play and Entertainment

The Petcube Play 2 is a high-tech pet camera that’s designed for active dogs who need entertainment while their owners are away. This camera features a built-in laser pointer, which can be controlled remotely via the app, so you can play with your pet from anywhere.

Key Features:

• 1080p HD video with wide-angle lens
• 2-way audio for communication with your pet
• Built-in laser toy to play with your pet remotely
• Motion and sound detection alerts
• Night vision
• Smart integrations with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart devices

Pros:

• High-quality video and audio
• Laser pointer feature is fun and interactive
• Easy-to-use app with smart home integration
• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for added convenience

Cons:

• Laser pointer may not be suitable for all pets (some may not engage with it)
• The device is on the pricier side compared to others

3. Wyze Cam Pan

Best For: Budget-Friendly Option

If you’re looking for an affordable pet camera that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Wyze Cam Pan is an excellent choice. It offers impressive features at a fraction of the price of other cameras, making it a popular budget-friendly option for pet owners.

Key Features:

• 1080p HD video with a 360° pan and tilt feature
• Two-way audio for communicating with your pet
• Motion tracking and sound detection
• Night vision for clear viewing in the dark
• Free cloud storage for up to 14 days of video footage

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• 360° rotation and motion tracking for a full view of the room
• High-definition video and sound quality
• Easy to set up and use

Cons:

• No treat dispenser or interactive features like a laser pointer
• Limited cloud storage (though you can upgrade for more)

4. Petzi Treat Cam

Best For: Treat Dispensing

The Petzi Treat Cam is another excellent choice for owners who want to interact with their pets remotely. This camera features a treat dispenser that lets you reward your pet with a tasty snack while you’re away. It also offers clear, real-time video so you can monitor your pet’s activities.

Key Features:

• 720p HD video streaming
• Two-way audio to talk to your pet
• Remote treat dispensing
• Wide-angle lens for better visibility
• Night vision for monitoring pets in low-light environments

Pros:

• Easy-to-use app
• Affordable option with treat dispenser feature
• Fun and engaging way to connect with your pet

Cons:

• Video quality is not as sharp as some other options (720p vs. 1080p)
• Treat dispenser capacity is smaller than other models

5. Skymee Dog Camera

Best For: Comprehensive Features at a Lower Price

The Skymee Dog Camera offers a variety of features at a more affordable price point. This camera combines HD video, two-way audio, treat dispensing, and even a laser pointer for interactive play.

Key Features:

• 1080p HD video quality with a wide-angle lens
• Two-way audio for communication with your pet
• Treat dispenser to reward your pet
• Laser pointer for engaging play
• Motion detection alerts and night vision

Pros:

• Comprehensive features at an affordable price
• Great video quality and interactive features
• User-friendly app
• Reliable treat dispenser and laser pointer

Cons:

• May experience some connectivity issues with Wi-Fi
• Treat dispenser may be tricky to load for some users

READ ALSO: Top 10 Pet Health Products Every Owner Should Have

4. Features to Look for in a Pet Camera

When choosing the right pet camera, consider these key features to ensure you get the best device for your needs:

1. Video Quality:

Look for a camera with at least 1080p HD video for clear, detailed footage of your pet. Some cameras also offer 4x or even 8x zoom for closer views.

2. Audio Features:

Two-way audio is essential if you want to speak to your pet and hear their responses. This feature is especially helpful for calming anxious pets or giving commands.

3. Treat Dispenser:

For added interaction, a treat dispenser can allow you to reward your pet while you’re away. Some cameras have remote treat-tossing capabilities, making it easy to treat your pet.

4. Motion Detection:

A pet camera with motion detection can alert you when your pet is active or when something unusual happens. This feature is useful if your pet tends to get into trouble when left alone.

5. Night Vision:

Night vision allows you to monitor your pet in low-light conditions, which is crucial if you want to keep an eye on them during nighttime or evening hours.

6. Ease of Use:

The camera should be easy to set up and control, preferably with an intuitive app that’s compatible with your smartphone or tablet.

FAQs

Can I use a pet camera for both dogs and cats?

Yes, pet cameras are suitable for both dogs and cats. However, some pets may respond differently to certain features, like laser pointers or treat dispensers, so consider your pet’s personality when choosing a camera.

How can I connect a pet camera to my phone?

Most pet cameras connect to your phone via a Wi-Fi connection. After setting up the camera on your home network, you can download the corresponding app and connect your camera to it for live streaming.

Are pet cameras safe for pets?

Yes, pet cameras are generally safe for pets. They are designed for monitoring and interacting with your pet without posing any harm. However, always ensure that the camera is securely placed to avoid your pet knocking it over.

Do I need a subscription to use a pet camera?

Some pet cameras offer free cloud storage for a limited time (usually 24-48 hours), while others may require a subscription for long-term cloud storage. Check the specific details of each camera’s storage options before purchasing.

Can I use a pet camera for other purposes, like home security?

Yes, many pet cameras double as home security cameras. They offer features like motion detection and alerts, making them useful for monitoring both pets and the overall security of your home.