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
- 360°Coverage with 2K Resolution - blurams security camera automatically tracks the motion if detect motion. Features in IR-CUT function to capture crisp videos and photos from the day to night, even...
- Smart AI Detection & Instant Alerts - Receive instant alerts on your phone if human, motion or abnormal sound detected in your house. Automatically record a 10-15 seconds alert video to the cloud and...
- Smart Integration - Use your simple voice command to view blurams baby monitor live stream on Alexa or Google Assistant device with a screen or on your phone or tablet. Works with IFTTT lets you link...
- Enhanced blurams App - Live viewing 4 dog cameras simultaneously on App or official web portal. Share your camera with unlimited family members. Two-way audio allows you to receive and transmit audio...
- Optional Cloud & Local Storage - 24/7 CVR enables the indoor security camera to keep a nonstop recording in the cloud, avoid the risk of losing video footage from a SD card. According to the time,...
- 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...
- 【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).
- 【2K High Definition】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 2K high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is...
- 【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.
- 【Secure Local or Cloud Storage】Save footage continuously on up to a 256 GB microSD card (not included) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage which saves 30-day video history and provides...
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from...
- 【Works w/ Alexa & Google Assistant】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...
- 2K Full HD & Pan Tilt Zoom: with the resolution of 2304 x 1296, this wireless security camera can capture every detail in stunning clarity to ensure that you can know exactly what's happening in your...
- Detection & Instant Notification: the home camera can detect motion, noise and track movements in real-time. Instant alerts will be sent to your phone to keep you informed of every potential danger at...
- Clear Night Vision & Two-way Audio: thanks to the integrated IR system on this dog camera which provides 32.8 feet of night vision and allows you to enjoy industry-leading video clarity even at night....
- Multi-user Access with Widely Application: the home security camera supports max 5 users to access the camera simultaneously via the APP "CloudEdge" and can be widely used for home/ office/ store. You...
- Dual Storage, Security with Privacy: our plug-in house camera supports 24/7 monitoring with local recording (TF Card up to 128GB, not included) and cloud storage to keep your loved ones safe. This dog...
- 360° Angle Covered - The P2T dog camera has a 100° wide-angle enhanced lens. Combined with 355° horizontal and 60° vertical rotation range. Create a complete 360° coverage. 8X digital zoom to...
- 2K/3MP Resolution & Superior Night Vision - 2K resolution displays a clear video so can keep an eye on your home 24/7. The enhanced night vision mode allows you to see clearly in the dark, up to...
- Adjustable Motion Detection & Noise detection - The P2T security camera support motion detection and noise detection. It has three levels of sensitivity for adjustment.The free app can be download on...
- Clear Two-way Audio & Alexa and Google Assistant support - The P2T home security camera has a Built-in Mic and speaker. Offer you a smooth talk through the Arenti Mobile phone app. Support voice...
- 3 Month Free Cloud Storage & 180's Video recording - The P2T home camera support 60-180 second video recording. Longer than most other cameras on the market. It's compatible with FAT32 Micro SD cards...
- 【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, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it 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 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.
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 2023-09-22 . Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.