The Best Pet Cameras: Ranked and Reviewed

No matter what your reason is, more and more people are opting for pet cameras as part of their daily lives. Some find great comfort in checking in on their dog or cat during the workday, while others use a pet camera to make sure their new puppy isn’t misbehaving. 

Whether you’re planning a long trip or just can’t get enough of your furry friend, we understand the need for a pet camera. Just like anything else you buy these days, there are countless options available. 

It can feel overwhelming when buying a piece of tech equipment you’re not familiar with. That’s why we’re here! Our team has found the best pet cameras that will help you keep an eye on Fido and Garfield.

Because technology is so advanced, there are even options that allow you to give your dog a treat, even if you’re a thousand miles away! With plenty of useful features, there is a camera listed that will meet your needs. Let’s start out with our favorite from Eufy! 

1. Overall Best: Eufy Security Indoor Pan & Tilt Pet Camera 

After plenty of research, we’ve found that the Eufy Security 2K Indoor Pan & Tilt Pet Camera is our top choice. It’s primarily created to keep an eye on your pets while you’re gone. It works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, among other home automation platforms. 

The cameras provide simple surveillance and easily connect with apps to help you watch your pet on your time. It comes with a pair of cameras that records a resolution of 2K, which is far higher than the majority of cameras on the market. Each lens can also tilt 96 degrees vertically and pan 360 degrees horizontally. 

This camera also features two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with your pet throughout the day. You’ll also be able to hear if they’re getting into anything they shouldn’t! The on-device AI detects if a person or a pet is nearby and only captures when something interesting happens.

When unusual movements are identified, there are quick notifications that alert you in seconds. Finally, you may save your data and videos locally or save them in the cloud with an additional SD card (not included).

Reviews for this product were overwhelmingly positive, but some buyers had concerns about a variety of technical issues such as the AI identifying a golf bag as “human.” Some reviewers were worried about potential security flaws.

Pros and Cons of the Eufy Security Indoor Pan & Tilt Pet Camera

Overall Best

Eufy Security 2K Indoor Pan & Tilt Pet Camera

• Easily connect with apps like Apple HomeKit
• Provide simple surveillance
• Comes with a pair of cameras
• Features a two-way audio

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2. Best Camera for Treats: DOGNESS Wi-Fi Camera Pet Treat Dispenser 

One of our favorite features for pet cameras this year is the treat dispensing feature some of them have. The DOGNESS Wi-Fi Camera Pet Treat Dispenser is our top choice in this category. As you can tell by the name, it’s advertised to dog owners, but can be cats will enjoy this treat-dispensing camera as well. 

With a 165-degree wide-angle lens, you’ll be able to see plenty of whichever room you set it in. One of our favorite features is the two-way audio. There is a speaker and a microphone built-in that allow you to easily talk to your furry friend. 

Because this camera comes with unique features that other cameras don’t, it does come with a higher price tag. You’re essentially paying more to have the treat dispensing feature. It’s important to note that treats need to be smaller in order for them to fit through the feeder. 

Pet owners appreciate that you can capture videos and pictures of your pet, no matter where you are in the world. This is not a battery-powered camera and requires a nearby outlet to work. 

Some reviewers said that this camera “needs a better app.”

Pros and Cons of the DOGNESS Wi-Fi Camera Pet Treat Dispenser 

Best Camera for Treats

DOGNESS Wi-Fi Smart Camera Pet Treat Dispenser

• Comes with a treat-dispensing feature
• 165-degree wide-angle lens
• Can capture videos and pictures
• Built-in speaker and microphone

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3. Best for Traveling Pet Parents: Arf Pets Smart Auto Wi-Fi Pet Feeder With HD Camera

If you have to work late and have a furry friend that needs to be fed, the Arf Pets Smart Auto Wi-Fi Pet Feeder With HD Camera will quickly become your new best friend. 

Depending on your needs, the Arf Pets Smart Automatic Wi-Fi-Enabled Pet Feeder with HD Camera may be perfect for you. The fact that it can dispense your pet’s food is the key selling feature. You could schedule feedings or have it dole out chow on the spot. 

It also keeps a feeding record so you can keep a count of how much and when your pet eats. This is certainly one of your better alternatives if you want to feed your pet while you’re away from home. 

It works in conjunction with an app to allow you to distribute meals as needed. It’s compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. The entire system is simple to clean and holds a lot of food. Naturally, it only works with kibble and not with wet food. Your pet won’t be able to get to their meal early since the lid is meant to be break-proof. It also has a backup power source in case the electricity in your home goes out.

The HD/SD camera features night vision and two-way audio so you can communicate with your pet.

A couple of reviewers reported that this camera was incompatible with their Wi-Fi.

Pros and Cons of the Arf Pets Smart Auto Wi-Fi Pet Feeder With HD Camera

Best for Traveling Pet Parents

Arf Pets Smart Automatic Wi-Fi Enabled Pet Feeder with HD Camera

• Comes with an automatic feeder
• Compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones
• Comes with a backup power source
• Can manage remote feeding tasks with the app

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Knowing what to look for when purchasing a pet camera might be difficult. Think about how much time you spend away from the house and how you intend to use the pet camera. 

If you only travel a few times a year, advanced functions like dispensing food via an app may be less significant than simply keeping a watch on your pet while you’re at work. When looking for a pet camera, keep the following considerations in mind.

Treat-Dispensing

Pet cameras that dispense treats are quickly becoming more and more popular. When looking for a treat-dispensing camera, make sure your pet’s favorite rewards will fit. Treats have to be relatively small in order to avoid clogging the system. This can be an issue with picky pets or animals that are overweight. 

Ease of Use

Who wants to get a complicated gadget when they don’t need to? Some cameras are much more straightforward to use than others. You’ll want to look for one that has an easy setup. Once it’s working and in place, you won’t really want to deal with it again unless it’s to refill a dispenser. 

Price

Just like other pet items on the market, the prices for cameras can range quite a bit. Some cameras will cost around $30, while others start at the $200 mark. If you need a basic camera that is just a way to check in on your pet, opt for a more budget-friendly option

The more expensive cameras have more features. If you’re someone who travels a lot or works long shifts, you (and your animal) could benefit from investing in a high-quality camera. 

Compatibility

Practically every pet camera on the market will require you to download an app. You’ll need to have a smartphone that’s compatible with the camera and application it uses. The majority of camera apps work on popular phones such as Androids and iPhones. 

Two-Way Communication

This feature allows pet owners to communicate with their animals via two-way voice and two-way live footage. This allows you to communicate with your dogs from anywhere so that they can notice you, engage with you, or simply relax when they hear your voice. 

Rotation

A rotating camera is one of the most popular features. This is due to the fact that it allows you to monitor your dog throughout the room even when you are not present. Even if he’s just napping in the corner of the living room, you’ll be able to keep a better watch on him. A camera with rotational capabilities will also provide you with more alternatives for positioning your camera.

Camera Quality

One of the more prominent characteristics is the camera lens quality. 1080p HD is the preferred resolution. This renders outdated, blurry, and pixelated footage obsolete. If you’re not at home, you want to be able to view your pet as clearly as possible, and having a high-quality camera is the best way to do it! 

Audio Capabilities 

Finally, audio capabilities are beneficial to both pets and humans. If you don’t notice your dog when you glance at the camera, you could speak their name to gain their attention. Separation anxiety pets might benefit from hearing your voice since it lifts their spirits and gives them a sense of security. 

The Different Types of Pet Cameras: Pros and Cons Compared

On the market, there are a few different types of pet cams to choose from. There will be pros and downsides to each camera, regardless of which one you choose. Here are some of the most important advantages and disadvantages of pet cameras.

• Rotating: If you’re wanting to see your pet anywhere in a room, a rotating camera will be beneficial. These have the ability to pan in all directions but do tend to be a bit more expensive. 
• Stationary: Stationary cameras are often the most affordable. You can point it in one direction and the lens cannot be moved unless you physically change the location of the camera. 
• Treat-Dispensing: Cameras that dispense treats are a great way to reward your dog from anywhere in the world. The main downfall of this option is that they only fit small treats. 

Summary

The most basic pet cameras offer pet parents a way to monitor their pets’ behavior remotely. Some pet cameras feature two-way communication so you and your pet can interact in real-time. One of the most popular and, arguably, most useful, features is treat-dispensing, which can allow you to give your pet a treat or even a meal. Some devices allow you to schedule meals while others give you the freedom to feed your dog remotely via an app on your Android or iOS smartphone.