These Top-Rated Cameras and Monitors Let You Interact with Your Pet All Day Long, No Matter Where You Are
Courtesy of Google
Whether you're planning an out-of-town family vacation or are heading back to a busy office job, a pet camera or monitor can help ease your anxiety about leaving your animals alone at home. "Pet cameras and monitoring systems can give pet parents peace of mind when they are out of the house," says Dr. Emily Wilson, DVM at Fuzzy - The Pet Parent Company. "Particularly with many pet parents starting to return to working in offices, this can be a great transition for pets and parents, alike."
Pet cameras can also be a valuable training tool to help alert you to unwanted behaviors such as barking, and provide you with the potential to intervene with a verbal command. "There are many new options available with pet camera monitoring systems, so it's important for pet parents to think about the specific intended use for their own pet," Wilson explains. "If you have an anxious dog or cat, then it may be useful to make sure that there is a two-way microphone or video component so your pet can hear or see you, and if you have an active younger dog that needs enrichment, then finding a monitoring system that dispenses treats or that you can play a game of laser with, may be useful."
In the market for a quality pet camera or monitor to help you keep an eye on your furry family members while you're away? From motion-tracking pet cameras to design-savvy monitors and more, read ahead for ten pro-approved styles.
The Top 10 Pet Cameras for 2021
Treat Dispensing Camera: Furbo Dog Camera
Motion-Tracking Camera: Eufy Security 2K Indoor Pan & Tilt Pet Camera
Wide Angle Camera: Wyze Cam Pan
Vet-Accessible Camera: Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring Camera
Feline-Friendly Camera: VSTARCAM Cat Camera with Laser
Robot Camera: Dogness Smart iPet Red Robot
Design-Savvy Pet Camera: Petkit Smart Dual Communication Infrared Hd Wifi Video Pet And Baby Monitor
Feeder Camera: HONGSA Smart Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser
Outdoor Camera: Wyze Cam V3 with Color Night Vision
Smart Camera: Google Nest Cam Indoor
Related: These Are the Best Vacuums for Cleaning Up Pet Hair, According to the Experts
Treat Dispensing Camera
For an HD-quality camera that can toss a treat to your pup, consider The Furbo Dog Camera. "This camera also offers real-time alerts for things such as barking, unusual activity, or if there’s a home emergency," says pet lifestyle expert Rebecca Tomala, vice president of Matrix Partners.
Shop Now: Furbo Dog Camera, $169, shopus.furbo.com.
Motion-Tracking Camera
The Eufy camera system provides pet parents with two-way audio communication as well as 360-degree horizontal panning, which Wilson says can be helpful for monitoring large areas and especially active animals. "This system also integrates with Apple Homekit and Amazon Alexa, which can be an added benefit if this is already used in the home," she explains.
Shop Now: Eufy Security 2K Indoor Pan & Tilt Pet Camera, $89 for set of two, chewy.com.
Wide Angle Camera
If your main concern is monitoring the movement and activity of your four-legged friends, then Tomala recommends investing in a camera that provides a wider camera angle. "The Wyze Cam Pan is a more budget-friendly option that rotates horizontally and vertically, giving pet parents 360-degree coverage," she explains. "It also detects and tracks motion within its view, while providing real-time alerts."
Shop Now: Wyze Cam Pan, $37.72, amazon.com.
Vet-Accessible Camera
The only thing better than an HD pet camera is one that can connect you with a veterinarian. Along with two-way communication features and night vision capabilities, the Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring Camera boasts a built-in vet chat that allows you to consult a professional vet about suspicious pet behavior.
Shop Now: Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring Camera, $39.99, amazon.com.
Feline-Friendly Camera
If you're looking for a reliable pet camera that will also keep your cat entertained, look no further than the VSTARCAM Cat Camera with Laser. Designed with a motion-tracking system and a built-in microphone, this wide-angle camera also features a built-in laser toy to tease and exercise your fuzzy friends.
Shop Now: VSTARCAM Cat Camera with Laser, $57.99, amazon.com.
Robot Camera
If you have an overly active dog or cat, consider a robot-style pet camera that truly follows your pet's every move. The Smart iPet robot allows you to see and interact with your pet from your smartphone, and its tilted head records both photos and videos.
Shop Now: Dogness Smart iPet Red Robot, $279, petco.com.
Design-Savvy Pet Camera
For a state-of-the-art pet camera that doubles as a stylish décor object, check out the Petkit Smart Dual Communication Infrared HD WiFi Video Pet And Baby Monitor. Designed with a sleek wood patterned finish, this wireless pet video monitor features built-in speakers and a microphone for dual way communication, as well as an interactive laser, that can all be controlled from your smartphone.
Shop Now: Petkit Smart Dual Communication Infrared Hd Wifi Video Pet And Baby Monitor, $179.99, brookstone.com.
Feeder Camera
Why buy a basic pet camera when you can have one that feeds your dog or cat dinner? In addition to a built-in treat dispenser and ultraviolet laser, this clever HD video camera features an automatic feeder that distributes kibble for your pet from your smartphone.
Shop Now: HONGSA Smart Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser, $129.99, amazon.com.
Outdoor Camera
If you have a pet that spends a lot of time outside, consider a weatherproof wire-free pet camera system that's safe to use outdoors. The Wyze Cam V3 with Color Night Vision records HD-quality night time video in full color and can be mounted to the outside of your home or in your backyard trees.
Shop Now: Wyze Cam V3 with Color Night Vision, $29.98, amazon.com.
Smart Camera
When all else fails, you can always count on the Google Nest to keep a watchful eye on your furry family members when you're not at home. "They have a very wide angle and excellent sound quality," says Nicole Goudey-Rigger, founder of Pets a Go Go. "They also have one easy to download app which allows integration through Google Home, and set up takes less than five minutes per camera."
Shop Now: Google Nest Cam Indoor, $129.99, store.google.com.
