We all wonder how our pets pass the time when we’re not around. Whether you just took the plunge and got a new pet, want to interact with your beloved cat or dog while you are at work, or simply curious as to what your pet does when left alone, a pet camera could be a viable purchase for you.
There are so many options out there, making it hard to choose just one. But fear not, pet owners: to save you time and to make your choice easier, I’ve reviewed five different cameras for your doc, each one with its own price listing, rating, and description.
Here are favorite cameras to watch pets.
Pet Surveillance Cameras Our Top Picks
Petcube interactive wifI
Best Ease of Use
- HD Quality
- Connects to smartphone
- Sleak design
Rated by: Debbie
PetChatz HD Greet & Treat
Best Rated Pet Camera
- Two-way HD video and audio
- Sound and motion detection
- Cord free
Rated by: Debbie
Dropcam pro
Best Video Quality
- Night vision
- Works on mobile and desktop
- Stores video for 30 days
Rated by: Debbie
PetChatz HD Greet & Treat
Quick Summary
Rated by: Debbie
The PetChatz HD Greet & Treat is a videophone that is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. PetChatz.com describes its product as “more than a treat cam. More than a treat dispenser. PetChatz is the only patented system that gives full multi-sensory interaction with your pet while away.”
This has the best of both worlds: two-way HD video and a treat dispenser!
Interestingly enough, this product comes with calming scents to soothe your pet. In addition to 10 scent pads, PetChatz includes a bottle of Calming Essential Oils. The idea of using aromatherapy on pets is not something I’ve ever heard of before. While your pet may not respond to it, it’s a pretty cool feature nonetheless!
PROS
- Two-way HD video and audio
- Sound and motion detection
- Compatible with PetChatz Paw Call, so your pet can call you
CONS
- The mobile app is only available on iOS
- No mention of social sharing directly from the app
Petcube Interactive Wi-Fi Pet Camera
Quick Summary
Rated by: Debbie
The Petcube is an interactive Wi-Fi pet camera with a wide angle lens, allowing users to view live video in HD. This product boasts a sleek design. There is a front-facing black screen equipped with a wide angle camera lens on the top and a LED status indicator on the bottom.
True to its name, the Petcube is about as interactive as it gets. With a quick download of the Petcube Mobile App, you can link your iPhone or Android up to the camera.
I was definitely impressed with the app’s user interface. It is aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, and easy to navigate. When coupled with the fact that it is free of charge, it is well worth the download
Once I created my account, there were five icons at the bottom of my screen: the Home button, which allows you to see your Recently Played videos and Favorites, a Play button, which allows you to view others’ public Petcube footage, a Feed button, which allows you to post photos and find friends to follow, an Explore button, which allows you to view others’ pet photos, and a Profile button, which allows you to connect your camera to the app and check out your followers.
PROS
- HD video quality
- Two way audio
- Sleek design
CONS
- No video recording when laser is in use, only photo
- Does not dispense treats
- No night vision
Dropcam Pro Wi-Fi Wireless Video Monitoring Security Camera
Quick Summary
Rated by: Debbie
The Dropcam is a wireless video monitoring security camera, and judging by the nearly 2,500 reviews on Amazon, it is extremely popular. With its sleek, black, rounded off design and 60-second setup, this camera has been given a solid 4 stars by customers
With an 8x zoom, 130-degree field of view, and excellent night vision, this product doubles as a camera for pets and a security camera.
You can connect your computer, mobile, or iOS device to the Dropcam, and the Amazon page mentions a 60-second setup
With motion detection abilities and two-way talk, this camera seems to pick up the slack where other dog cameras lack. If you decided against the previous two cameras based on your desire to have those features, the Dropcam may be a viable option for you — as long as you are willing to spend a bit more to get exactly what you are looking for.
PROS
- Night vision
- Links to mobile devices and computers
- Cloud Video Recording allows 30 days of footage
CONS
- Little pricey
- Potential streaming delays
- Monthly recording service fee
Pawbo Wi-Fi Pet Camera
Quick Summary
Rated by: Debbie
Pawbo is an interactive, wireless dog camera and treat dispenser. Don’t be deceived by the pictures — while it may look a little on the larger side, in person, it is actually quite small
If you are looking to share your pet’s cuteness with the world, you can instantly share videos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram via the Pawbo app
With just the touch of a button, you can dispense treats to your dog or cat. The Pawbo also has a built-in laser toy, which allows you to play with your pet from afar.
For those who work five days a week, this is a great way to ensure your pet is getting play time and exercise while you’re out of the house. It’s perfect for those that want to watch your dog while at work.
PROS
- Fast, convenient, and simple setup
- Treat dispenser and laser toy
- Two-way streaming
CONS
- No night vision
- Small treat tray
- Low quality video
Petzi Treat Cam: Wi-Fi Pet Camera & Treat Dispenser
Quick Summary
Rated by: Debbie
Co-founders David Clark & Simon Milner refer to the Petzi Treat Cam as “a ray of sunshine in your pocket.” An interactive pet camera that boasts a 720p HD wide angle lens and high quality audio, this product has a lot to offer.
Not only will your pet enjoy the camera’s presence, but as an owner, you will enjoy the ability to feed your pet remotely.
This is a really good indoor camera for pets.
The product has four main functions: See, Speak, Snap, and Treat. The “See” option allows you to view your pet via live video, while the “Speak” function allows you to speak to your pet via microphone. With the “Snap” function, you can take adorable photos of your pet playing or sleeping, and like the Petcube, you can share them via social media.
PROS
- Night vision
- Treat dispenser
- Great support team
CONS
- One-way audio
- Treats may jam in dispenser
- Delays in video
Other Popular Considerations
- Live Steam from Anywhere with Pan/Tilt: Sharp and clear 1080p Full HD provides high quality video right in the palm of your hand. Swipe up, down, left and right on your phone to rotate and set your...
- Real-Time Motion/Sound Detection: Get alerts on your smart phone whenever motion or sound is detected even at night (30ft). Enable patrol mode on your home security camera system, to make most use of...
- Secure Your Videos Locally or with AWS Cloud: EC70 mini camera continuously records and stores footage or video clips on a local MicroSD card up to 64 GB. You can view up to 30 days of video history...
- Smart Actions: As one of the most user-friendly security cameras, EC70 provides you a way to set your lights to turn on when your camera detects motion with Smart Actions, which allow you to create...
- Voice Control: For additional ease of use, pair the Kasa wifi camera with Alexa echo or Google assistant. Use a simple voice command to ask Alexa or Google Assistant to view your live camera feed on...
- FULL HD CAMERA WITH 360° ROTATING VIEW - The NEW Furbo 360° Dog Camera gives you best-in-class HD video quality with 360-degree rotating view for full room coverage, day & night. Stunning 1080p...
- REALTIME 2-WAY AUDIO & COLOR NIGHT VISION - Seamlessly hear and speak with family members and pets at home, and adjust volume in-app for crystal clear audio. Color night vision provides enhanced night...
- FUN ADJUSTABLE TREAT TOSSING - Toss a treat to your dog via the free Furbo iOS/Android app. All new Treat Toss allows you to adjust treat size to suit your dog's needs. Fill Furbo with your dog’s...
- REAL-TIME SMART ALERTS - Smart alerts give you reliable insight into what’s happening at home. Furbo’s BARKING SENSOR detects when your dog is barking and sends push notifications to your...
- EASY 3-STEP SETUP & SECURITY - 1) Plug the USB cord into a power outlet 2) Download the Furbo app 3) Connect to your home WiFi. Furbo 360° Dog Camera uses bank-level encryption to ensure your data...
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion or a person is detected, subscribe to Tapo care to for baby crying detection to use as a baby camera monitor. Discern...
- 【2-Way Audio w/ Built In Siren】Never truly leave home with the built-in 2-way audio. Use as a pet camera with phone app to comfort your pet from anywhere in the world. Keep your family safe with...
- 【Secure Local or Cloud Storage】Save footage continuously on up to a 128 GB microSD card (not included) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage which saves 30-day video history and provides...
- 【Night Vision up to 30 Ft.】Never miss a thing that goes on, even at night thanks to the integrated IR system on this indoor camera which provides 30 feet of night vision.
- 【Ultra 2K Resolution & Advanced Night Vision】Galayou wifi camera with 2K HD resolution provides you a clear and vivid image quality and captures more details on your home anywhere during day and...
- 【24/7 Real-Time Motion Alert & Smart Siren】 The baby camera supports motion detection and push alert to monitor your baby/pet/elder. When your baby is climbing out of the cribs or your pet is...
- 【Remote Monitoring & Two-Way Audio】 Built-in microphone and speaker allows you to keep in touch with your baby, pet,family by remotely controlling the Wansview Cloud APP when you are out or busy....
- 【Secure Local Storage & Cloud Storage 】 24/7 continuous recording feature is open to all Galayou customers without extra fees. Glayou indoor camera supports up to 128GB mciro SD card (not...
- 【Works with Alexa& Google Home】 The security camera is compatible with Alexa and Google home. Just use the voice command to control these devices to show you the live-feed of camera. The smart...
- Monitor the inside of your home day and night with our 1080P HD indoor plug-in smart security camera with motion detection and two-way audio.
- See, hear, and speak to people and pets in your home from your smartphone with Blink Mini’s live view and two-way audio.
- Get alerts on your smartphone whenever motion is detected or customize motion detection zones so you can see what matters most.
- Use Mini as an indoor plug-in chime for Blink Video Doorbell. Hear a real-time alert from Mini when someone presses your Video Doorbell.
- Choose to save and share clips with a free 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plan or locally with the Sync Module 2 (sold separately).
- 【Smart Indoor Camera & Gift for New Mom】Indoor security cameras are easily plugged in, connect it to 2.4GHz wifi, and use the baby monitor with wifi home camera and audio view your baby having...
- 【2K Live Steam from Anywhere】Home security cameras with super clear 2K FHD provide high-quality video right in the palm of your hand. Swipe up, down, left, and right on your phone to rotate and...
- 【Smart Tracking & Human Detection】Mubview indoor security cameras for home automatically track the motion if it detects motion. When motion is detected, the Mubview App will send you a real-time...
- 【24/7 Remote Monitoring & Two-way Audio & Wired】This smart indoor security camera is wired with a length of 67 inches/1.7 meters. Set the indoor security camera wherever you want to get the best...
- 【Enhanced Mubview App & Truly Risk-free Purchase】Live viewing four pet cameras with phone app simultaneously on the App. All your footage is kept private and secure. You can choose to save videos...
- 【2K Resolution & 360° Coverage】Galayou indoor camera for home security provides 2K super HD live stream which allows you to monitor your pets or babies in clear details, turning the head of this...
- 【Intelligent Motion Sensor & Siren Alarm】The pet camera is featured Siren and motion sensor scare off intruders when there are humans approach your home, an instant alert notification will be sent...
- 【Enhanced Night Vision & Two-Way Audio】With 4pcs 940nm infrared lights, Galayou home security camera displays a crystal visible image in the night up to 32ft, using built-in microphone & speaker...
- 【Optional Cloud & 24/7 SD Card Storage】Using security camera indoor wireless to save the alert video on SD card(not included) or free 30-day trial cloud storage to ensure your data safe, and...
- 【Multi-device Viewing & Sharing】Support adding multiple surveillance cameras on the app and displaying 4 live videos to keep up with everything in your house. Sharing memorable moments with your...
- 【Free AI-Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion or a person is detected, you can even use C100 as a baby camera monitor since it support baby crying detection....
- 【2-Way Audio w/ Built In Siren】Never truly leave home with the built-in 2-way audio. Use as a pet camera with phone app to comfort your pet from anywhere in the world. Keep your family safe with...
- 【Night Vision up to 30 Ft.】Never miss a thing that goes on, even at night thanks to the integrated IR system on this indoor camera which provides 30 feet of night vision.
- 【1080P FHD】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 1080P high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing...
- 【Works w/ Alexa & Google Home】Fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, use your simple voice command to view Tapo indoor security camera live stream on Echo Show or Google Chrome...
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 113° vertical range pan/tilt field of view. Set up the 【Patrol...
- 【Motion Tracking】Kasa Smart Hidden Camera with Audio/Video can automatically track moving objects or people, providing real-time alerts and increasing the overall effectiveness of your security...
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion or a person is detected, you can even enable baby crying detection to use EC71 as a baby camera monitor. Discern from...
- 【2-Way Audio w/ Built In Siren】Never truly leave home with the built-in 2-way audio. Use as a pet camera with phone app to comfort your pet from anywhere in the world. Keep your family safe with...
- 【Secure Local or Cloud Storage】Save footage continuously on up to a 256 GB microSD card (not included) or subscribe to Kasa Care for cloud storage which saves 30-day video history and provides...
- 【Full 2.5K HD and 355° Pan/Tilt】: The Vimtag pet camera provides 8X optical zoom, 2.5K HD crystal clear smooth live video with 355° horizontal and 100° vertical rotation range, covering every...
- 【Smart Motion Detection Alarm】: This indoor pet camera with phone app supports motion, human and sound detection, when motion or sound is detected, the app will send you a notification, just open...
- 【Two-way Audio & Works with Alexa】: The pet cam built-in microphone & speaker, allowing you to keep in touch with your baby while you are out. Works with Alexa, ask Alexa to show your the doorway,...
- 【24/7 Record Absolute Protection for Your Family】: This indoor wifi camera for home security,features in IR-CUT function to capture real-time crisp videos and photos from day to night, advanced...
- 【Optional Cloud & Local SD Storage】: Financial encryption video storage technology enables the security camera to keep a private recording in the Vimtag cloud, meanwhile you can choose an SD card...
Factors To Consider When Buying A Pet Camera
Before you make the investment for a new camera to watch your pet, you need to determine what is important to you.
Do you require night vision? Do you want to give your pet a treat? Do you want see them and them to see you?
Reviews
I hope that I have given you enough information to make your decision. But it would not hurt to do a quick look of the reviews on the Amazon product page. Make sure to check for “Verified Purchase” since those customers actually purchased the product.
When looking at the reviews, I recommend checking out a mix of reviews. Reading comments that are all negative or all positive will make you lean that way.
Additional features
If you just want a basic camera to watch your dog, then that’s perfectly fine. But some owners will want to do more such as giving their pet a treat, or recording the video to watch it later.
Additional features do add to the cost, but some of them are incredibly worth it.
One of my favorite features is dispensing treats. It can be very useful in training your dog to come to the video camera.
Product support
This one probably shouldn’t be the biggest factor in your purchase decision. However, if you can’t set up your new camera and need help, then you want to know that you can call the support team to help.
Price
Since you’re researching for a new pet camera for your dog or cat, you probably have a budget in mind. This will be a bit of an investment.
You can easily get something that is cheap. But a cheap product won’t usually last a long time and it won’t have great additional benefits.
Expect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars for a good quality pet camera. You will be happy you didn’t cheap out.
Verdict
Hailed as the best camera for your pet in 2020, the PetChatz HD Greet & Treat camera is both affordable and effective. The base model will allow you to interact with your pet in a fun way. I definitely recommend this to all of my friends.
Overall
I hope that I was able to help you in your search for the best camera to see your dog. If there was something I could have included to make your search easier, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Last update on 2023-05-30 . Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.