Pet Cam Top Picks: The 10 Best Cameras for Monitoring Your Furry Friend
Are you looking for the best pet camera on the market? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ve rounded up the top 10 pet cameras you can buy today. Whether you have a curious cat or a playful pup, you can feel confident that your pet is safe and sound while you’re away. These cameras are specifically designed to let you monitor your pets, interact with them, dispense treats or play a game of laser that cats love. Find the high-tech options with advanced features like night vision and two-way audio or the more budget-friendly options. The cheapest best pet camera costs about $60. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 10 best pet cameras available today.
Pros & Cons of Pet Cameras
Overall, an indoor security pet camera can be a great tool for keeping an eye on your pet and making sure they’re safe and comfortable while you’re away, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your own specific needs and concerns before making a purchase.
Pros
- Being able to check in on your pet while you’re away
- Being able to see if your pet is in distress or needs help
- Being able to interact with your pet remotely using two-way audio
- Some cameras have an automatic treat dispensing feature, which can be great for rewarding or distracting your pet
- Some cameras have motion detection feature, which can be great for alerting you to any activity in your home
- Some cameras can be connected to a smartphone app for remote viewing
Cons
- Cost: Some models can be expensive
- Privacy concerns: having a camera in your home can raise privacy concerns
- Dependence on internet and power supply, If the internet goes down or power is cut off, you will lose the ability to access the camera feed
- False alarms: Motion detection can be triggered by other things, like shadows or reflections which may not be your pet.
- Some pets may be uncomfortable with a camera in the house and may act differently.
How To Choose a Pet Camera
There are several factors to consider when choosing a pet camera. These include price, customer reviews, quality, brand reputation, ease of use, and other features. By considering all of these factors, you can choose a pet camera that meets your specific needs and budget. Here are some common features that you might find in a pet camera:
1. Two-way Audio
Two-way audio allows you to communicate with your pet through the camera’s speaker and microphone. This can be a useful feature if you want to calm your pet down, give them a verbal command, or simply say hello. Some pet cameras have a built-in speaker and microphone, while others may require you to use your own device (such as a smartphone) to communicate with your pet. Two-way audio can be a useful way to interact with your pet and provide some reassurance when you are away from home. It can also be helpful for training purposes, as you can give your pet commands and praise through the camera.
2. Night Vision
Night vision allows a camera to capture images in low-light conditions. This can be useful for a pet camera, as it allows you to see your pet even when it is dark in the room. There are several ways that night vision can be achieved in a camera. One method is to use infrared (IR) technology, which detects heat signatures and produces a black-and-white image. Another method is to use a low light sensitive camera sensor, which can capture a color image in low light conditions. Some pet cameras may also have a built-in IR light or LED light that can be used to improve visibility in low-light conditions. Night vision is a useful feature for a pet camera as it allows you to see your pet at any time, even when it is dark in the room.
3. Motion Detection
Motion detection is a feature that allows a camera to detect movement within its field of view. When the camera detects movement, it can trigger an alert or notification, record a video clip, or take a photo. Motion detection can be useful for a pet camera, as it allows you to be notified if your pet is moving around while you are away. Some pet cameras have advanced motion detection algorithms that can distinguish between different types of movement, such as the movement of a pet versus the movement of a person. Other cameras may have adjustable sensitivity settings, allowing you to fine-tune the motion detection to your specific needs. Motion detection can be a useful feature for a pet camera, as it allows you to stay informed about your pet’s activity while you are away.
4. Treat Dispenser
A treat dispenser is a feature that allows you to remotely dispense treats for your pet through the pet camera. This can be a fun and interactive way to reward your pet and keep them entertained while you are away. Some treat dispensers are integrated into the camera itself, while others may be a separate unit that is compatible with the camera. Treat dispensers may work by using a mechanical arm to dispense the treats, or they may use an air pump to shoot the treats out of the device. Treat dispensers may also have a hopper or container that holds a supply of treats, which you can refill as needed. Some treat dispensers may also have adjustable settings, allowing you to control the size and frequency of the treats that are dispensed.
5. Laser Toy
A laser toy is a feature that allows you to play with your pet remotely through the pet camera. It typically consists of a small laser pointer that is built into the camera, which you can control through the camera’s app or user interface. When you move the laser pointer around on the screen, the laser beam will move around in the room, allowing your pet to chase and play with it. Laser toys can be a fun and interactive way to keep your pet entertained while you are away. Some pet cameras may also have other types of interactive toys, such as a ball that can be launched from the camera or a scratching pad for cats. These types of toys can provide mental and physical stimulation for your pet and help to prevent boredom.
6 HD Video
HD video refers to video footage that is captured in high definition, typically with a resolution of 720p or 1080p. HD video can provide clear and detailed images, making it easier to see your pet and their surroundings. HD video is a useful feature for a pet camera, as it allows you to see your pet in greater detail and make out any small details or movements. Some pet cameras may also have features such as digital zoom, which allows you to zoom in on specific areas of the video footage to get a closer look. HD video is becoming increasingly common in pet cameras, as it allows you to see your pet in greater detail and helps to ensure that you don’t miss any important moments.
7. Wide-angle Lens
A wide-angle lens is a type of lens that has a wide field of view, allowing it to capture more of the scene in a single image. Wide-angle lenses are often used in cameras to provide a broad, panoramic view of a scene. In a pet camera, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing a larger area of the room, allowing you to see more of your pet’s surroundings. A wide-angle lens can also be helpful for capturing a larger group of pets or for monitoring multiple rooms at once. Some pet cameras may have a fixed wide-angle lens, while others may have a lens that can be adjusted or swapped out. A wide-angle lens can be a useful feature for a pet camera, as it allows you to see more of your pet’s surroundings and activities
8. Cloud Storage
Cloud storage refers to the practice of storing data on servers that are located remotely and accessed over the internet. In the context of a pet camera, cloud storage can be used to save and access recorded video footage. Some pet cameras may have a built-in cloud storage feature, allowing you to save and access your recorded footage through the camera’s app or user interface. Other cameras may require you to use a separate cloud storage service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to store your recorded footage. Cloud storage can be a useful feature for a pet camera, as it allows you to access your recorded footage from any device with an internet connection. It can also provide an additional layer of security, as the footage is stored remotely and is less vulnerable to theft or damage.
9. App Compatibility
App compatibility refers to the ability of a device to be accessed and controlled through a smartphone app. In the context of a pet camera, app compatibility allows you to access the camera and its features through your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device. Some pet cameras may have their own dedicated app that you can download from the App Store or Google Play, while others may be compatible with third-party apps or home automation platforms. App compatibility can be a useful feature for a pet camera, as it allows you to access the camera and its features from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. It can also provide an additional layer of convenience, as you can control the camera and check in on your pet without having to be in the same physical location.
10. Sound & Bark Alerts
Sound and bark alerts are features that allow a pet camera to detect and notify you of loud noises or barking. These alerts can be triggered by the camera’s microphone, which listens for loud noises or barking sounds within its range. When the camera detects a loud noise or barking, it can send an alert to your smartphone or other device, letting you know that something may be happening with your pet. Sound and bark alerts can be useful for a pet camera, as they allow you to stay informed about your pet’s surroundings and any potential disturbances. Some pet cameras may also have adjustable sensitivity settings for their sound and bark alerts, allowing you to customize the sensitivity to your specific needs.
Our Favorite Pet Cameras
Pet Camera Comparison Chart
| Check on Amazon | Name | Price | Subscription Fee | Two-way Audio | Night Vision | Motion Sensor | Treat Dispenser | Laser Toy | HD Video | Mounting Required? | Sound & Bark Alerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furbo Dog Camera |  | $147 | $6.99/ month (optional) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1080p | No | Yes |
| Eufy Pet Camera |  | $198.98 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1080p | No | Yes |
| Petcube Bites 2 Lite |  | $149 | From $3.99/ month (optional) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1080p | Yes | Yes |
| Petzi Treat Cam |  | $94.99 | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | 720p | Yes | No |
| Skymee Owl Robot |  | $169.99 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1080p | No | No |
| VSTARCAM Pet Camera |  | $63.95 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 1080p | No | Yes |
| WOPET Smart Pet Camera |  | $149.99 | From $6.99/ month (optional) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1080p | No | Yes |
| Petcube Play 2 |  | $99.98 | From $3.99/ month (optional) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 1080p | No | Yes |
| GalaYou Indoor Security Pet Camera |  | $35.99 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | 1296p | Yes | No |
| Enabot Home Security Pet Camera |  | $119 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | 1080p | No | No |
1. Furbo Dog Camera
The Furbo Dog Camera is a popular pet camera that has received positive reviews from many customers. Furbo’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology constantly improves thanks to new features and proprietary algorithms. Furbo has become more adept at alerting you to significant events as it gains more knowledge about your dog’s movement and behavior. Every component of Furbo is created with dogs in mind. Veterinarians and dog trainers both endorse Furbo as a way to aid your dog who is experiencing separation anxiety. The life-saving Smart Alerts from Furbo can identify dog-related events and notify you of what’s going on at home.
Pros
- Vibrant & clear picture
- Outstanding customer service
- Easy to use app
- Pets love the treat dispenser
- Great for dogs that suffer from separation anxiety
Cons
- Night vision could be better
- Expensive (but worth it)
- Furbo Dog Nanny is optional but not free of charge, you need to subscribe ($69/year with 50% off Furbo 360° with this plan)
2. Eufy Pet Camera
The Eufy Pet Camera is a home security camera designed specifically for use with pets. It has a 1080p HD camera with night vision, two-way audio, and a treat dispenser that can be used to reward or distract pets while the camera is in use. The camera can be controlled and accessed through a smartphone app and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Some other features of the Eufy Pet Camera include motion detection, automatic recording when motion is detected, and the ability to set up a schedule for the treat dispenser. The camera is designed to be easy to use and install, with no need for a separate hub or base station. You get a diary of your dog’s day every evening.
Pros
- No monthly fees
- Clear image and video
- Clear night vision
- Easy-to-use app
- Great customer support
- Good quality pet camera
Cons
- Expensive
- The app can only be used by one person
- No cloud storage of video footage
3. Petcube Bites 2 Lite
The Petcube Bites 2 is a smart pet camera that allows you to see, talk to, and treat your pets remotely. It has a 1080p HD camera with night vision, a two-way audio system, and a built-in treat dispenser that can hold up to 100 treats. The Bites 2 also has a laser toy that you can control from your smartphone to play with your pets. It connects to the internet via Wi-Fi and can be controlled using the Petcube app on your phone.
Pros
- Good quality & performance
- Great customer service
- Easy-to-use app
- Great for dogs that suffer from separation anxiety
Cons
- The treat dispenser is noisy, some dogs are scared of it
- Drops connection too easily (Needs 4 Mbps internet connection to work correctly)
4. Petzi Treat Cam
With the help of the Petzi Treat Cam, you can see, communicate with, and treat your pet from a distance. You can monitor your pet even in low light thanks to the wide-angle camera’s night vision. It also comes with a built-in speaker and microphone so you can use the app to talk to your pet. You can plan automated treat dispensing using the Petzi Treat Cam’s reward dispenser, which allows you to give your pet treat from a distance. The Petzi Treat Cam also has the following extra features: A social media platform for pet owners where you can interact with other pet owners and post pictures and videos of your pet. Customizable alerts, so you can receive notifications when your pet is active or making noise. A “bark alert” feature, which sends an alert to your phone if the camera detects barking, compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Overall, the Petzi Treat Cam is a popular pet camera with many useful features for keeping an eye on your pet when you are away.
Pros
- Allows you to see, talk to, and treat your pet remotely
- Treat dispenser that can be scheduled to dispense treats automatically
- A social network for pet owners
- Customizable alerts
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
- Good customer service
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the treat dispenser getting stuck or not working properly
- The camera may not be as durable as other pet cameras on the market
- Slow, delayed video
- Expensive, not enough features to justify the price
5. Skymee Owl Robot
The Skymee Owl Robot is a small, smart home security camera in the shape of an owl. It is designed to be placed in a room and can be used to monitor activity, record video, and communicate with people through two-way audio. The Owl Robot has a 1080p HD camera with night vision and can be controlled and accessed through a smartphone app. It can also be connected to other smart home devices and used to trigger actions or alerts when it detects motion or sound. Pets are incredibly spirited and won’t stay in one spot for very long. You may drive Owl Robot to track your pet and communicate with it using the Skymee app.
Pros
- Compact and portable design makes it easy to place in any room
- Motion and sound detection can be used to trigger alerts or actions
- Good picture quality
- Automatic video recording (requires TF card which is not included)
Cons
- Does not work that well on carpets
- Some pets may be scared of it
- The treat dispenser clogs easily
6. VSTARCAM Pet Camera
The Vstarcam Pet Camera is a great budget buy. It has great features for the price and customers rate it highly. It doesn’t come with a treat dispenser but it’s a good option for cats since it has a laser toy that cats love. The device detects motion so that you can speak to your cat when they are bored. It also helps detect uninvited visitors to your home which is a very useful feature. The 360° view allows you to see the whole room. The video quality is good and it has decent infrared night vision too. Definitely worth considering if you are on a budget.
Pros
- All features work very well
- The night vision is incredibly clear
- You can see the whole room with the 360° view rotating camera
- Detects unwanted visitors to your home (but the weight of the cat can sometimes trigger this alarm… hmmm)
Cons
- The hardware is great but the software needs improvement (ie. the app is slow)
- The app loses coustomers have pointed out security issues
7. WOPET Smart Pet Camera
The Wopet Smart Pet camera comes with a built-in treat dispenser that can be operated remotely plus two-way audio so pet owners can speak to and hear their pets. The dim lighting allows you to see your pet clearly at night thanks to the camera’s 1080p HD video resolution and night vision features. You can take pictures and videos of your pet using the WOpet Smart Pet Camera’s smartphone app. It also has features like the ability to schedule feedings and play music. With the use of this webcam, you can keep in touch with your pet even when you are away.
Pros
- Great Furbo alternative
- The bottom is equipped with suctions that keep it from falling, not easy to knock over
- No subscription required
Cons
- Your home WiFi network needs to be a 2.4GHz frequency in order for the dog camera treat dispenser to work (5Ghz currently not supported)
- Whenever a pet moves quickly in a video, the image may get pixelated
8. Petcube Play 2
The all-in-one smartphone and robotic nanny, Petcube Play 2, is powered by cutting-edge AI technology. It has a 1080p HD camera with night vision and a two-way audio feature that allows you to talk to your pets and hear them. This can be comforting for both you and your pets. The device also has a built-in laser pointer that can be controlled from the Petcube app, allowing you to play with your pets remotely.
Petcube Play 2 is completely pet-proof and is made of high-quality metal and durable plastic. The modern cube shape will blend in beautifully with any decor. Additionally, the device comes with Smart Alerts feature that will notify you if the device detects any unusual activity or noise in your home, which can help you ensure the safety and well-being of your pets.
Overall, Petcube Play 2 is a great way for pet owners to stay connected with their pets and provide entertainment and care for them even when they’re not at home.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Great customer service
- Cats love the laser game
- It has a wide-angle lens, which allows you to see more of your pet’s surroundings
Cons
- Pricey compared to other similar pet cameras on the market
- Video quality could be better
- Some users have reported technical difficulties with the camera and the laser toy
9. GalaYou Indoor Security Pet Camera
The GalaYou Indoor Security Pet Camera is a camera designed specifically for monitoring pets indoors. It typically features a wide-angle lens, night vision capabilities, and two-way audio so that you can interact with your pet remotely. Some models may also include additional features such as automatic treat dispensing, motion detection, and the ability to connect to a smartphone app for remote viewing.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Images and recordings can be saved to Micro SD card (not included)
- Good value for money
Cons
- Your home WiFi network needs to be a 2.4GHz frequency in order for the camera to work
- Only 1 user can be logged in at the same time
- Does not come with a treat dispenser or laser toy
- Customer service could be better
10. Enabot Home Security Pet Camera
The Enabot pet camera is a genuine wireless pet security camera for your home. It’s a free-moving robot with automatic cruising. It allows you to set the patrol time. At the designated time, EBO will depart from the charging dock to begin patrol. It takes three minutes for each patrol. EBO will automatically leave the charging dock and move in an erratic manner until its battery runs out if the charging dock is not connected to the power supply or the charging dock and EBO are not in good contact.
EBO will automatically seek out the charging dock when it is running low or not in use. Any obstructions must be removed from the area surrounding the charging dock; the EBO robot can usually find it within 15 to 25 feet.
It’s not as good and feature-rich as the Furbo Pet Camera but customers seem to like it. Keep in mind that the device allows you to look just left or right, not up and down. You may not be able to see your pet’s face, just their feet. We feel that this robot pet camera is a little pricey as it lacks many important features.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Multiple users can log in at the same time
- The self-charging feature is handy
Cons
- Does not work well on carpets
- Does not come with a treat dispenser or laser toy
- The self-patrol should be longer than 3 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pet cameras be hacked?
Yes, pet cameras can be hacked. As with any device connected to the internet, pet cameras are vulnerable to hacking attempts. Hackers may attempt to gain access to the camera’s video feed, steal personal information, or use the camera as a point of entry to other devices on the network. It is important to take steps to secure the camera, such as using a strong password and keeping the device’s software up to date. Additionally, research the company’s security protocols and see if they have any certifications in security.
Do pet cameras require a subscription?
Some pet cameras may require a subscription for certain features, such as cloud storage for video footage or advanced analytics. Others may not require a subscription and offer their features for free. It depends on the specific camera and manufacturer. Check this pet camera comparison chart for different options available.
How does a pet camera work?
A pet camera typically works by connecting to your home’s WiFi network and streaming video to an app on your smartphone or tablet. The camera can be placed in a location where you can keep an eye on your pet while you’re away, such as in a living room or bedroom. Some cameras have built-in treat dispensers or speakers, which allow you to interact with your pet remotely by dispensing treats or talking to them. Other cameras may have advanced features like night vision and motion detection. Some cameras may also have a two-way audio feature, which allows you to hear your pet and they can hear you so you can communicate with them.
Do pet cameras help with separation anxiety?
Pet cameras can provide some benefits for pets with separation anxiety, as they allow you to keep an eye on your pet and interact with them remotely. Seeing you through the pet camera can help to reassure your pet, and you can use the camera’s treat dispenser or speaker to give your pet positive reinforcement. However, it is important to note that pet cameras should not be used as a substitute for proper training and behavior modification to address separation anxiety. It is best to use pet cameras as a tool to aid in managing separation anxiety under the guidance of a certified professional trainer or behaviorist.
