Do you miss your pet when you're at work? Can't leave the house without wondering what your fur babies are up to and whether they're safe? You might want to consider a pet camera.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market that let you monitor the inside of your home—and any pets within view—from your phone. But the best ones in this segment allow you to do more, including throw a treat to your cat or dog and get alerts when they make lots of noise.
Below are the best pet cameras we've tested, as well as some traditional security cameras that also work as pet monitors. Make sure to read to the end for additional advice to keep in mind during your search for the perfect pet companion device.
Pet Cameras vs. Home Security Cameras
If you want a camera primarily to keep tabs on your pet, a general-purpose indoor home security camera might serve you just fine—and save you some money. We've included some on this list, all of which offer intelligent alerts that differentiate between animals and people.
All of the cameras we've selected also offer night vision, so you can see your pet in the dark, and two-way audio, so you can listen for and respond to barks, howls, and meows.
Capture from Furbo 360 (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)Pet-specific cameras take things a step further. They let you not just see, hear, and talk to your animals, but remotely play with them and toss treats. And beyond just alerting you when your cat or dog is moving around, pet-specific cameras can tell you when they're making noise. The Furbo 360 even alerts you when your dog is looking directly at the camera (which it calls a selfie), has been barking for over one minute, or is crying or howling. It also notifies you when it detects a person, or if your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm goes off. That makes it useful as both a home security camera and a dog nanny.
The Best Pet Cameras for Tossing Treats
One of the hallmark features of Furbo and Petcube Bites models is their ability to toss treats on command. When setting up the Furbo, for instance, its companion app walks you through the process of properly introducing the device to your dog to foster a positive association. Treats don't typically motivate my dog, but he still got the hang of it right away and eats all the treats I toss out using the camera.
Furbo 360 treat receptacle (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)To get your pet's attention, the Furbo makes a barking sound when it's about to dispense a treat. Furbo recommends using this feature as a distraction when your dog is anxious, pacing, licking, or barking. You can also use it as a reward when it stops any of those behaviors.
Which Pet Cameras Offer Virtual Vet Visits?
As pet parents, we often worry about potential health issues, but not every one requires a trip to the vet. Petcube models, including the affordable Petcube Cam, offer a televet feature that can help you determine if an in-person visit is necessary. If you capture any concerning activity on camera, you can chat live with a licensed veterinarian via its companion app, as well as share photos and videos of your pet. You get one free consultation with the camera, after which you need to pay for a $4.99-per-month subscription.
Petcube Cam live vet chat (Credit: Petcube)How Much Should You Spend on a Pet Camera?
As you can see from our picks, the top-rated pet security cameras can cost around $200. If you have a large home, you must factor in the cost of buying several of them.
Petcube Bites 2 Lite (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)Keep in mind that some devices in this category require an additional fee to store video recordings in the cloud. We break down any extra fees in our reviews, so it's worth reading each of those closely.
The good news is that prices are coming down. If you're not looking to spend a lot, you can get a quality general-purpose home security camera like the Wyze Cam OG for around $20, or a pet-specific one like the Petcube Cam for around $50.
More Tech for Your Pampered Pooch
Once you find the right camera, consider investing in a pet tracker or GPS collar for additional peace of mind. We've rounded up our favorite wearable trackers and collars that can monitor your pet's location and activity to help make sure it's safe and healthy.
And to help you stay on top of shedding, be sure to check out our list of the best robot vacuums for pet hair.
Finally, if you're the proud owner of a mutt, but are curious to know just what its background is, check out the best dog DNA kits we've tested.
