Keeping an eye on your beloved pets while you’re away has never been easier, thanks to the latest advancements in pet technology. The best pet monitoring cameras offer not just a way to watch your furry friends, but also to interact with them, monitor their health, and ensure their safety. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one?
This guide explores the top 7 pet cameras of 2024, from basic monitoring to interactive features like treat dispensing and two-way audio. We’ll also discuss the key factors to consider before purchase, helping you choose the best pet camera to keep connected with your pets no matter where you are.
Top 7 Pet Cameras on the Market
Whether you’re looking for high-tech features or simple reliability, here’s a rundown of the 7 best cameras to watch pets currently on the market. Each has been selected for its unique capabilities to help you monitor and interact with your pets in the best possible way.
Best Indoor Camera for Pets: eufy Indoor Cam S350
The eufy Indoor Cam S350 offers unparalleled 24/7 monitoring and recording with its advanced AI pet tracking technology that automatically follows your dog or cat, eliminating blind spots with its 360° rotation and dual-camera lens.
Capture every adorable moment in crisp 4K & 2K HD quality, day or night, thanks to its powerful night vision capabilities. Enhanced by two-way audio and activity notifications, you’ll always be informed of your pet’s actions and any unusual movements within your home. Moreover, with up to 128GB local storage, enjoy capturing these moments without the burden of monthly fees, and store up to nearly 5 days of video.
Best Pet Camera for Two-Way Audio: Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera
The Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera shines with its superior two-way audio capabilities, featuring noise-cancelling technology to ensure clear communication with your pets. It excels in detailed monitoring with its 2K video capability, allowing you to zoom in and identify nuances in your pet’s behavior or appearance.
Receive notifications on your phone and watch live as soon as motion is detected, ensuring you’re always connected to your pet’s activities. The enhanced night vision makes this camera ideal for overnight monitoring. Setup of this pet camera with speaker is made simple with the Arlo Secure App, guiding you through each step.
Best Dog Webcam for Value: Wyze Cam OG
The Wyze Cam OG stands out for its exceptional value, offering comprehensive features at a cost-effective price. This webcam allows you to monitor your home and pets day or night with 1080p HD video and color night vision. It’s designed to alert you instantly to any motion or sound with customizable sensitivity settings that let you fine-tune how and when you want to be notified.
It offers flexible recording options; you can choose secure cloud recording with a Cam Plus subscription for additional analytics like person and pet detection or insert a microSD card to store videos locally without extra costs. The improved two-way audio feature lets you soothe your pets from afar. It also includes both a stand and a wall-mounting kit, making it versatile for setup.
Best Pet Camera for Dogs with Treat Dispenser: Petcube Bites 2
The Petcube Bites 2 is a top choice for pet owners who want to interact remotely with their pets. This Wi-Fi pet camera offers 1080p full HD video, a 160° ultra-wide angle view, night vision, and 4x zoom, making it easy to watch over your pet from afar. Setup is quick and simple, taking just 2 minutes and supporting both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi connections.
The treat dispenser can launch treats at various distances or on a schedule, supporting a wide range of dry, crunchy dog and cat treats with a large capacity of 1.5 lbs. This pet camera also features real-time smart sound and motion alerts, keeping you informed when your pet is active. Additionally, it includes a built-in Alexa assistant, allowing you to play music, control smart home devices, and even order treats through voice commands.
Best Pet Camera for Cats: Furbo 360 Cat Camera
The Furbo 360 Cat Camera is designed specifically for cats, featuring a full HD camera with a 360° rotating view that offers complete room coverage. This setup ensures you never miss a moment of your cat's day or night activities, thanks to the stunning 1080p live view and color night vision. The camera’s real-time two-way audio lets you hear and speak with your cat clearly, with adjustable volume through the app.
The treat tossing feature and a detachable feather wand toy cater to your cat’s playful nature and hunting instincts. This cat camera also provides real-time smart alerts, including a unique meowing sensor that notifies you when your cat is calling. It ensures an easy setup and a secure connection, maintaining privacy with bank-level encryption.
Best Pet Camera for Interaction: SKYMEE Owl Robot
For those looking for interactive pet monitoring, the SKYMEE Owl Robot is an innovative choice. This mobile robot can be controlled via an app to navigate around your home, offering a fun way to play hide and seek with your pet. It features a full HD camera with night vision and 4x zoom, providing clear images and videos both day and night.
The Owl Robot can toss treats and allow two-way audio communication, helping you interact with and soothe your pet remotely. Equipped with PIR detection, it reacts automatically to touch and can record videos on a TF card (not included). The Owl Robot supports daily operation of up to 8 hours and can connect via 2.4G WiFi, ensuring continuous monitoring and interaction with your pet.
How to Choose a Pet Camera?
Choosing the right pet camera can make a significant difference in both your life and your pet’s life, offering peace of mind when you’re away from home. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a pet camera that fits your needs and those of your furry friend:
- Video Quality and Field of View: The clarity of the video is crucial for monitoring your pet effectively. Look for cameras that offer at least 1080p resolution for clear images. Additionally, consider the field of view provided by the camera. A wider angle gives you a better view of larger areas, reducing blind spots and letting you see more of the environment. Some cameras offer rotating views or pan-tilt functions that can cover an entire room.
- Night Vision:Your pet’s activities during the night are just as important as during the day. Ensure that the pet camera you choose is equipped with night vision. This feature should provide a clear picture even in low light conditions, allowing you to check on your pet without any disruptions.
- Two-Way Audio:Two-way audio is a beneficial feature if you want to hear and interact with your pet. This can help soothe your pet if they are anxious or alert you to issues like excessive barking or meowing. Make sure the audio quality is clear enough to hear any noises and speak to your pet without confusion.
- Motion and Sound Alerts:To keep tabs on your pet’s activity or any unusual behavior, look for a camera that includes motion and sound detection. This feature should send real-time alerts to your phone or device, allowing you to monitor situations that may require your attention immediately.
- Treat Dispenser:Some pet cameras come with built-in treat dispensers, which can be a great way to reward or entertain your pet remotely. This feature is particularly useful for training purposes or simply making sure your pet feels loved and cared for even when you’re not physically there.
- Connectivity:Consider how the camera connects to your home network. Most pet cameras use Wi-Fi, but it’s important to check that it’s compatible with your home’s system (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz).
- Storage:Look at the storage options for recording videos. Some cameras offer cloud storage, often requiring a subscription, while others allow local storage on microSD cards or other media.
- Ease of Use and Installation:Look for a pet camera that is easy to set up and use. Cameras that come with a user-friendly app and clear instructions will make the process smoother. Also, consider the physical installation of the camera—whether it needs to be mounted on a wall or can be placed on a shelf.
- Budget:Finally, consider your budget. Pet cameras come in a range of prices, with more features generally leading to a higher cost. Determine what features are must-haves for you and which you can live without to find a balance between cost and functionality.
Conclusion
Choosing the best pet camera can significantly enhance your ability to monitor and interact with your furry friends from anywhere. The top 7 pet video cameras we’ve reviewed offer a range of features tailored to different needs and preferences. By weighing factors like video quality, night vision capabilities, storage options, two-way audio or treat dispensing features, you can find the right one for your needs. Invest in the right technology to stay connected with your furry friends, ensuring they are happy, healthy, and safe while you’re away.
FAQs
Can I have a pet camera without Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can have a pet camera that doesn’t require a WiFi connection, but these are less common and might have limited features compared to WiFi-enabled models. These cameras typically store video locally on SD cards or similar storage devices, which you can review later. Keep in mind that without WiFi, features like live streaming or receiving alerts on your phone will not be available.
Can I use my phone as a pet camera?
Yes, you can use your phone as a pet camera. Many apps are available that transform your smartphone into a surveillance camera, allowing you to monitor your pets remotely. These apps typically provide features like live streaming, motion detection, and alerts, so you can keep an eye on your pet’s activities from anywhere. Just install the app, set up your phone in a stable location with a good view, and ensure it is connected to the internet.
Where should I put my pet camera?
The best place to put a pet camera depends on what areas your pet frequents the most and where you want surveillance. It’s advisable to position the camera in a room where your pet spends a lot of time, such as the living room or kitchen, and at a vantage point that covers as much space as possible without any obstructions. Ensure the camera is placed where your pet cannot tamper with it and consider the need for power outlets if the camera is not battery-operated.