Leaving your pet pooch home alone can be traumatic for them and worrying for you. If only you could check up on them from work or while out with the family. With a camera you can do just that, and much more. But, with so many different cameras on the market, how do you know which is best for you and your dog. Our panel of pet experts and dog lovers have put together a list of the best dog cameras to help you make the right decision for your needs.
The Best Pet Cameras
The Furbo Dog Camera was designed with input from over 5,000 pet experts and owners. Specifically created to meet the needs of dogs and owners it includes a range of unique features, including a treat toss; enabling you to treat and reward your dog, even when you are away from home. The camera has a 160-degree wide-angle lens, night vision, and zoom function, so you don’t miss a moment, night, or day. It also includes an adjustable bark alert and 2-way audio, so you can hear and speak to your dog.
The unique camera not only streams video in real-time but also includes real-time dog alerts. These are received through the Smartphone app and enable you to know when your dog is active and when anyone else enters the camera range. For owners that want still pictures of their pet pooch, it also includes a selfie mode. Read in-depth review.
You may also like our guide on the Best Dog Treats.
Live streaming video and ability to capture still photos of your pet
160-degree wide angle lens, night vision mode, and 4x zoom function
Treat toss function; holds up to 100 of your dog’s favorite treats
Real-time smart dog alerts that learn as you use them
Free Smart phone app compatible with iOS and Android operating systems
- Brand: Furbo
- Model: 001-01WHTOA-1
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
Two-way communication allows you to see, hear, and speak to your dog in real time
Adjustable dog alerts, which learns as you use them
Treat dispenser keeps your dog occupied and rewards good behavior
High-definition 1080p camera and night vision function
Easy to set up and use
Real-time Smart dog alerts are still in Beta mode
The camera is one of the more expensive on the market
Unclear whether it records video as well as taking still images
The TENVIS HD IP Camera includes 1280 mega pixel camera with high-tech optic lens to give the best quality video images. It comes complete with night vision infrared light, which has a 32ft range for quality pictures and a potential range of 50ft. The camera unit includes 128GB of storage space, so you can replay video as well as watch live streams through your Smart device. The rotate and tilt functions give 340-degree coverage horizontally and 105-degree vertical coverage, meaning fewer spots in your home where your dog is not able to be seen. The fast frame rate means it is ideal for tracking fast moving objects, so perfect for the more playful pets that are left at home.
Live streaming and video recording functions
1280 mega pixels and high tech optic lens for crystal clear images
Infrared night vision mode with up to 50ft range
Pan and tilt modes for extensive coverage
Connects to Smart devices for two-way audio and remote camera control
- Brand: TENVIS
- Model: WH-TH661
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
Two-way communication allows you to see, hear, and speak to your dog
Record function and 128GB memory mean you can keep and replay video at a later date
High-quality 1280-pixel camera and night vision for sharp, clear images 24 hours a day
Easy to set up and use
Pan and tilt modes increase coverage area
Requires stable Wi-Fi connection for notifications and remote access
This is a fantastic camera for your home, to watch your dogs as you go about your day. Not only does it come at a great price, it also plays host to a wide range of features, too. Motion detectors can tell the difference between humans and animals, and the sound alert drowns out standard background noise. It can even tell what is considered an unusual sound and send you an alert, as appropriate.
The high quality images as showcased through 1080p and you can view the feed from you phone, with the accompanying app. Best of all, you can schedule your camera to work when you’re not at home. All so that you’re not wasting energy or your cell battery, while maintaining your peace of mind.
Available at a great price
Motion detectors based on activity level
Sound alerts from abnormal noises
High quality images provide crystal clear vision
Used in combination with an app
- Brand: YI
- Model: Camera 3 1pc
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
The Petcube Bites Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser is fully compatible with Alexa and Amazon Dash Replenishment, so you can treat your pet remotely, and be confident that you will never run out of treats again. You can pre-program the number and frequency of the treats that are dispensed. The camera itself provides 1080p HD video, 138-degree wide angle view, night vision mode, 2-way audio, and sound and motion alerts, so you will never miss another moment of your dog’s antics when you are at work. Cloud storage enables you to play back recordings of your dog, so you can monitor and check on behavior and look for signs of things like separation anxiety.
1080p HD video, 138-degree wide angle lens, 3X zoom, and night vision mode
Built-in adjustable treat dispenser
Compatible with Alexa and Amazon Dash Replenishment
High-quality two-way audio
Sound and motion detectors
Cloud video recording
- Brand: Petcube
- Model: PB913NVTD
- Weight: 6 pounds
Alexa and Amazon Dash Replenishment connectivity give you complete remote control over the camera and means you never run out of treats
Zoom control means you can get a closer look at potential problems or your dog when they are playing
Night vision allows you to see clearly in any light
Treat dispenser allows you to give immediate reward or provide treats to occupy your dog throughout the day
Cloud storage requires paid membership after free trial
Camera is at the more expensive end of the market
Requires 2.4 GHz, iOS 9.3 and above, or Android 5.1 and above to work effectively
The TOOGE Pet Camera offers infrared night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection to give you peace of mind when you are away from your four-legged friend. As well as its basic functions the camera allows multiple users to view the camera simultaneously, on different devices, in different locations. This means the whole family can watch what the family pet gets up to when you are not there. The camera comes complete with high-level protection, making it difficult to hack when it is connected to your Wi-Fi. It also performs regular self-checks to ensure it is working normally. If it reboots the head of the camera shakes before it tries to reconnect to your router. The camera is compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android operating systems and requires 2.4G Wi-Fi.
112-degree wide-angle professional lens, with 80-degree vertical rotation and 350-degree horizontal rotation
Infrared night vision, 720-pixels HD, 4x zoom function, motion detection
Two-way audio with anti-noise filter microphone
64G micro SD card video storage
Can be viewed simultaneously from multiple devices
- Brand: TOOGE
- Weight: 1 pounds
Quick and simple to set up
App is supported on iOS, Android, and Windows
Two-way communication allows you to speak to your dog and monitor their barking or other noise
Motion detection send push alerts to your device, so you can monitor your home and pet in real time
App not supported on Mac devices
Lower quality video feed than some other camera
The Wyze cam is ideal for those who don’t want to purchase multiple cameras, in order to see their entire home or room. Able to pan, tilt and zoom, so you can get your focus where it needs to be, this option is one of the most flexible choices of dog cameras on the market, today.
Control your camera using the accompanying app as a remote, or choose to use Alexa or Google Assistant, to activate your camera. Night vision comes as standard, so you can keep an eye on mischievous pets at night, too. Best of all, it comes with free cloud storage, so you can refer back to your recordings at any point.
Vision can be adjusted remotely
Recording available with cloud storage
Night vision mode available
Can be voice controlled with Alexa or Google Assistant
Used in combination with an app
- Brand: WYZE
- Model: WYZECP1
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
Both affordable in price and high in quality, this dog camera ticks all the boxes for many pet owners. The 6G lens is known for producing beautifully clear imaging. When any movements are detected by the monitor, notifications will be sent to your phone via the app so you can keep a close eye what is going on at home.
As for storage, you have the option of using SD card storage or cloud storage, depending on your preferences. Using the two-way audio, you can speak to your dog and keep the connection strong between the two of you – even when you are out of the house.
Easy and quick installation
Stable connection under 2.4G Wi-Fi
Super night vision
Smart motion detection
- Brand: Victure
- Model: PC330
- Weight: 12.6 ounces
You can monitor the room you choose 360 degrees with this dog camera. It also offers 100 degrees of vertical rotation for even more coverage. And there is also a super IR LED night vision option, so you don’t have to let the dark stop your monitoring.
You can have up to 128GB worth of storage to save all your video clips. Wireless connection is quick and easy. There is also Friendly Cloud Storage which provides sharing and storage options. Using the two-way audio, you can have smooth and clear conversations with your furry friend when you are out of the house!
Excellent night vision option
1080P HD provides clear vision
Motion detection and notification system
Remote control pan
- Brand: KAMTRON
- Model: 826
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
The picture quality is one of the most celebrated features of this wireless camera, which makes it perfect for waving hello to your furry friend! Even if you enhance it eight times, it still provides HD quality. But it is also highly rated in audio quality too. Noise filer technology is equipped to stop nothing getting in the way of you speaking with your dog!
Plenty of material can be saved by the large storage system of the camera. Set up is straightforward. All you need to do is download the manual, get hooked up to your Wi-Fi, and you are ready to start monitoring your pet at home, taking away any worries that you may have about leaving them alone.
Motion detection and alarm function
Cloud backup and privacy protection
Offers excellent two-way audio with noise cancelling
1080P HD and image magnification
- Brand: Conico
- Model: C12
- Weight: 1.55 pounds
If you are looking for a camera that is specifically designed for pets, the Petzi Treat Cam is a good possible option. You can fill it up with your pet’s favorite treats to be dispensed. And you can also say hello to your dog using the one-way audio function.
Once you bring the camera home, you need to download the dedicated app as this controls the device and allows all the content to be shared. It is equipped with Amazon Dash replenishment capabilities, allowing you to automatically reorder some more of your dog’s treats if levels start getting a little low.
Check in with your pet anytime with easy mounting camera
Offer your dog a treat whenever
Built-in HD video and high-quality audio
Night vision camera
- Brand: Petzi
- Model: PET0025-USA
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
Best Dog Camera Buying Guide & FAQ
Knowing the range of best dog cameras that are available to help you keep a watchful eye on your dog is only part of the answer to finding the right one for you. It also helps to know more about pet monitors in general, what they are used for, and what to look for when choosing a pet surveillance camera. In this part of the buying guide, we explore these areas and cover key questions related to buying a dog monitor camera.
You may also like our ultimate guide on Dog Activity Monitors.
What is a Dog Camera?
A pet monitoring camera allows you to see what your pet pooch gets up to when you are out of the house. Such cameras stream live video in real-time to an app that you have on your smart device, computer, or tablet. This means that you can see everything your dog does within the range of the camera lens. Most cameras also allow you to communicate with your dog through a two-way audio link. This means that you can calm an anxious dog, monitor their barking, and speak to them when you are missing them. Top-of-the-range pet cameras often have a range of other features to help you feel closer to your dog when you are not there, and which help to keep them safe. These include sound and motion sensors and treat dispensers.
Things to Consider When Buying
When choosing a camera to watch your dog it is important to purchase one that provides good value for money and meets your individual needs. While a dog treat dispenser may not be a valued requirement for you, there are some key features that you should always look for. These include:
High-quality resolution
You want a camera that provides clear video of your dog. This requires a high-quality lens and high resolution on the feedback. Most of the best cameras have 1080 megapixels and high definition playback. You certainly do not want to go lower than 720 pixels, otherwise, you will lose picture clarity.
Zoom function
This allows you to get a closer look at specific areas that it covers. This is ideal for checking whether your dog has eaten, what a specific mess might be, or checking on them when they are sleeping.
Pan and tilt
Being able to move the camera angle gives you a much clear picture of the whole space where your dog is and ensures that there are fewer spots that are not covered by the dog camera. Pan and tilt modes allow you to move to specific areas of the room, for example checking doors or windows, especially if you notice your dog has become agitated. If the camera you are considering does not have pan and tilt functions, then ensure it has a wide-angle lens to take in as much of its surroundings as possible.
Two-way audio
To be fully beneficial, cameras with two-way audio need to include noise-canceling microphones and high-quality speakers. If your voice is not clear, your dog may not realize it is you and become more agitated, rather than less so.
Night vision
This allows you to see your dog clearly, regardless of light conditions within your home. It is ideal if you work nights, or are enjoying an evening out, but also means you can check on your dog without disturbing it when you are home at night.
Motion detection
With motion detection cameras, you receive push notifications to your smart device when your dog is within the camera’s visual range. This means you can watch them when they are near the camera, rather than waiting by your phone for ages watching an empty space. Motion detection also allows you to watch for other people entering your home, from dog walkers to intruders, giving you extra peace of mind. An additional benefit that some of the top cameras have is sound detection, so you are alerted to increased levels of sound within the house. It is important to look for a camera where the sound detection levels are adjustable.
Remote viewing
The main purpose of a dog camera is to be able to see your four-legged friend, even when you are not there. Given this, it is essential that the package includes remote viewing. Check the compatibility of the app that is part of the package, as well as the Wi-Fi requirements and what security is in place to ensure a safe and private connection between your device and the camera.
Benefits of Using a Pet Monitor Camera
As much as you might like to be with your dog all the time, it is not always possible. One of the main benefits of a pet camera app is that it allows you to see and speak to your pet when you are not there. As well as giving you peace of mind a pet camera can:
- Provide comfort for your dog.
- Allow you to immediately correct inappropriate behavior.
- Reward good behavior.
- Create lasting memories of your pet – especially if the camera takes still photos or records video.
- Provide stimulation through a dog camera treat dispenser.
- Reduce separation anxiety.
Using a Camera to Help with Separation Issues
An interactive pet camera can help greatly reduce separation issues in dogs. Separation issues occur in dogs for many reasons, but most center around the fear that you, as their pack leader, won’t come back. Symptoms of separation anxiety vary, but can include:
- Destructive behaviors
- Escape attempts
- Howling and excessive barking
- Excessive salivation
- Impulsive excretion
- Fear reactions include difficulty breathing
Being able to watch your dog when you leave the house helps you to recognize the signs and symptoms of separation issues and to identify how long after you leave these symptoms occur. This can help you determine how long you can safely leave your pet, and begin a program of desensitization to be able to increase this time.
Check out our guide on Dog Proof Kitchen Trash Can.
A pet camera that has interactive capabilities also enables your dog to feel less alone in the home when you are not there. Being able to hear your voice, and in some cases see you, can have a calming effect on dogs who experience separation issues.
If the camera also has a treat function, then when you see your dog reacting positively to being alone you can provide an immediate reward for the behavior. Dog camera treat dispensers also provide a way of keeping your dog occupied, so they focus less on the fact that you are not present. If you sent the dispenser to provide treats at random times during the day, then your dog will focus on when the next treats are coming, rather than on waiting for you to return.
Best Pet Cameras FAQs
Q: Why Should I Buy a Pet Camera?
A: To give you peace of mind that your dog is safe and well while you are out of the house. It also has the added benefit of providing a way to communicate with your dog and reinforce positive behaviors when you are not present.
Q: How do I set it up?
A: Firstly, place the camera in a part of the room that provides the best coverage of that room. Follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer if the camera needs to be attached to the wall or ceiling of your home. If the camera provides visual feedback for your pet, then ensure it is set at their eye level when they are either standing or sitting in front of it.
Next, connect the camera to your home Wi-Fi and download the appropriate app onto your smart device, tablet, or laptop. Connect the app to your camera following the specific instructions that are provided with your specific camera. Do not forget to change any pre-set passwords to ensure that your connection and any Cloud storage are private and secure.
Adjust your motion and sound alerts so that they send alerts when your dog is in range or is barking, but they are not so sensitive that flies or the wind set them off.
You may also like our guide on the Best Anti Bark Collars.
Q: Where in my house should I set up my pet camera?
A: To get the most from your pet surveillance camera it needs to be set up in the main room that your dog is in when you are out of the house. For example, if you limit them to the kitchen, then this is where the camera needs to be placed. If your dog has the run of the house, then pick a room at has their favorite spot. If the camera provides treats, then they will soon favor this spot, even more, when you are away from home.
Q: Can I use it outdoors?
A: Some cameras are suitable for outdoor use, but you should always check the individual manufacturer’s guidelines before setting up a camera outdoors. It is also a good idea to ensure that if the camera is outside it is not overlooking your neighbors or capturing images from public places, this is even more important if your camera records video or captures images.
Take a look at our article on the Best Dog Gadgets.
Source:
- Lynn Buzhardt, DVM, Watching Your Watch Dog: Home Pet Monitoring Systems, VCA
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