Our Top Picks for the Best Pet Scales

Written by Abby Parks
Updated: November 24, 2022
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If you need to monitor your pet’s weight to ensure they remain healthy, finding the right pet scale is essential. Tracking a cat or dog’s weight may be necessary to ensure kittens or puppies are gaining weight properly or to keep a senior or sick cat or dog from losing too much weight. There are many different types of pet scales on the market including digital, analog, stainless steel, portable, products for small breeds or large breeds, and even high-end models with extra bells and whistles.

This number of options can make it difficult to decide which model to choose for your cat, dog, hamster, or other pets. We’ve tried to help make your decision a bit easier and have reviewed the pet scales that we think are the best on the market and are worth your consideration. Continue reading to learn more about our top picks and discover which product is best for your pet.

  1. MINDPET-MED Digital Pet Scale
    • Easy-to-clean tray
    • Ideal for weighing cats and smaller dogs
    • Features precise sensors
    • Easy to read backlit LED display
    Check Amazon
  2. Digital Portable Pet Dog Cat Scale
    • Portable scale
    • Compact size
    • A capacity of up to 44 pounds
    • Use to monitor your pet or baby animal's progress
    Check Amazon
  3. Redmon Precision Digital Scale
    • Measures in pounds or kilograms; delta weight calculation, graduation, previous weight memory, and low battery indicator
    • Operates on two AAA alkaline batteries
    • Maximum weight up to 225-pounds, minimum weight 1-1/5-pounds
    • Dimensions 28"L x 16"W x 1.75"H
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. New Born Puppy and Kitten Scale with Tray
    • Pet scale suitable for small animals 3 grams (.1oz) - 33lbs
    • For weighing newborn kittens, puppies, rats, rabbits, hamsters and some small reptile pets such as lizards.
    • Tray included to aid in weighing pet animals
    • Operates on 2 AAA batteries
    Check Amazon

The Top Picks for the Best Pet Scale: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: MINDPET-MED Digital Pet Scale

The MINDPET-MED Digital Pet Scale is our selection as the best overall pet scale.

This scale is ideal for weighing cats and smaller dogs. The maximum capacity is 220 pounds, but based on the size of the tray, you probably will find this is a bit too small for large breed dogs. This scale features precise sensors that keep it accurate within +/- 0.02 pounds (10 grams).

Some other features of this model include the easy-to-read backlit LED display, hold function that prevents the displayed weight from fluctuating, and the one-year warranty offered by the manufacturer. The tray on this model is also designed to be easy to clean.

However, there are some complaints about difficulty snapping the tray back on, it snapping off when step on it in the wrong spot. There were a few accounts of inaccurate weight readings, though most were favorable.

Pros and Cons of the MINDPET-MED Digital Pet Scale

ProsCons
This scale features precise sensors that keep it accurate within +/- 0.02 pounds.The tray size means that it is unsuitable for larger breeds.
It is ideal for weighing cats and smaller dogs.The tray can be difficult to put back on.
It features an easy-to-read backlit LED display.It can occasionally give an inaccurate reading.
It has a one year manufacturers warranty.
Overall Best
MINDPET-MED Digital Pet Scale
  • Easy-to-clean tray
  • Ideal for weighing cats and smaller dogs
  • Features precise sensors
  • Easy to read backlit LED display
Check Amazon

2. Best Portable Pet Scale: Digital Portable Pet Scale

If you need an easily portable choice then we recommend the Digital Portable Pet Scale.

This product is designed to keep pets supported while they are being weighed. It features a very smooth design and doesn’t have a separate tray that could tip while you’re weighing your cat or dog. It has a compact size of 13 inches by 21.7 inches by 1.5 inches which makes it easier to store or transport than some bulkier models, although this does also mean it is unsuitable for larger pets.

With a capacity of up to 44 pounds, you can use this model with small to medium dogs, cats, and other small animals. It is also accurate within .22 pounds.

This scale weighs in pounds and kilograms, but does not weigh in grams, which would otherwise make it ideal for checking the weight of tiny kittens and puppies. It’s also very important to make sure the scale is on a flat, hard surface with no objects underneath to weigh properly.

Pros and Cons of the Digital Portable Pet Scale

ProsCons
This scale is accurate to within .22 pounds.This scale is not suitable to use with larger pets.
It has a compact size which makes it easy to store and transport.It does not weigh in grams which would otherwise make it more accurate for weighing very small pets.
It is suitable for pets weighing up to 44 pounds.
Best for Portability
Digital Portable Pet Dog Cat Scale
  • Portable scale
  • Compact size
  • A capacity of up to 44 pounds
  • Use to monitor your pet or baby animal's progress
Check Amazon

3. Best Large Breed: Redmon Precision Digital Scale

Whether you work for a vet or grooming company or just own a large dog, you may want to consider the Redmon Precision Digital Scale.

This scale weighs in both pounds or kilograms so you can set your preference. It also has a maximum weight capacity of 222 pounds which means it’s great for those larger breeds. However, this scale can also be used with smaller pets as well as its minimum capacity is just 1.2 pounds.

All you’ll need to operate this model is two AAA batteries, while some of the features of this product include the low battery indicator, memory function to save the previous weight, and the slim profile.

Although this scale delivers consistent and accurate weights it doesn’t freeze on the exact weight, so you may need to hold your animal still for the most accurate reading. Some customers have reported that it is a challenge to get a very large dog to fit on the scale surface but works fine most medium to large breeds.

Pros and Cons of the Redmon Precision Digital Scale

ProsCons
This scale is suitable for most dogs as it has a weight capacity of 1.2 to 222 pounds.It doesn’t freeze on the exact weight, so you may need to hold your animal still for the most accurate reading.
It can be set to weigh in either pounds or kilograms.It can be difficult to fit a very large dog on the surface of the scale.
This scale features a memory function to record previous weights.
It runs on two AAA batteries and features a low battery indicator.
Best for Large Dogs
Redmon Precision Digital Scale
  • Measures in pounds or kilograms; delta weight calculation, graduation, previous weight memory, and low battery indicator
  • Operates on two AAA alkaline batteries
  • Maximum weight up to 225-pounds, minimum weight 1-1/5-pounds
  • Dimensions 28"L x 16"W x 1.75"H
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Small Breed: Newborn Puppy and Kitten Pet Scale with Tray

Some pet scales fit smaller pets better, and the Newborn Puppy and Kitten Pet Scale certainly fits the bill in this case.

This scale is suitable for all small pets and it not only does a great job of tracking the growth of puppies and kittens, but also other exotic smaller pets like rabbits, ferrets, snakes and even hamsters. The weight range it covers is from three ounces up to 33 pounds. To set up, simply insert the scale into the bottom of the accompanying tray.

There’s a nifty feature with this scale called a TARE button, which allows you to put extra items on the tray to ease your pet on, such as a snack. Once you put the item on the scale first, you press the button and it zeros the weight at that point, only recording the additional weight your pet adds once placed on the scale. There’s also a UNIT button to weigh in ounces, pounds, and kilograms.

It also works well for smaller dog breeds like miniatures, and some customers found that it was fine for average sized cats. The scale is also quite sturdy, and the edges of the tray are higher than than one would expect, maybe 3/4 of an inch, guarding small pets from easily falling off. It also comes with a five year warranty for peace of mind.

Unfortunately, some customers found that the tray was smaller than expected and it did give the occasional inaccurate readings.

Pros and Cons of the Newborn Puppy and Kitten Pet Scale with Tray

ProsCons
This scale has a weight range from three ounces to 33 pounds.Customers found the tray to be smaller than expected.
It can measure weight in ounces, pounds, or kilos as needed.It can occasionally give an inaccurate reading.
It is suitable for all small pets.
This scale features a TARE button to allow you to use treats to keep your pet on the scale.
It has a five year warranty.
Best for Small Dogs
New Born Puppy and Kitten Scale with Tray
  • Pet scale suitable for small animals 3 grams (.1oz) - 33lbs
  • For weighing newborn kittens, puppies, rats, rabbits, hamsters and some small reptile pets such as lizards.
  • Tray included to aid in weighing pet animals
  • Operates on 2 AAA batteries
Check Amazon

What to Look For when Buying Pet Scales

With so many different options on the market, it is important to know exactly what you’re looking for before you start shopping for a new pet scale. Use the brief buying guide below to help you zero in on the product that will best meet your needs.

Pet Breed and Size

The first thing you’ll want to think about is the type of pet you have. Obviously, the right scale for a large breed dog will be different from that of a small kitten. Knowing your pet’s current weight (or approximate weight) and their projected weight when fully grown (if they’re a puppy or kitten) can help you choose a scale that will continue to work for the coming years.

Purpose and Accuracy

Next, consider the reason you are looking for a scale. Do you own a vet or grooming business where you need to be able to take accurate weights of lots of different pets, or are you simply looking for a model for personal use for just one or two pets at home? If you own a grooming business or veterinary clinic, you’ll need a much more versatile scale than if you’ll only be using it with a few animals at your home.

Also, look for information about how accurate each scale is. For best results, try to choose a model that is accurate up to at least 0.02 pounds.

Scale Type

Next, consider the type of scale you’re interested in purchasing. Do you prefer a digital scale? Or would you like an analog model? Do you need the product you choose to be portable so you can put it away? Or will you be leaving it out? Also, consider any preferences you have towards the scale’s material. Many models are made from durable plastic, while others may be constructed from stainless steel.

Budget

Finally, don’t forget to also keep your budget in mind. Do you just need a basic scale, or are you looking for a high-end model with a backlit digital LCD screen and other enhanced features?

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About the Author

Abby Parks has authored a fiction novel, theatrical plays, short stories, poems, and song lyrics. She's recorded two albums of her original songs, and is a multi-instrumentalist. She has managed a website for folk music and written articles on singer-songwriters, folk bands, and other things music-oriented. She's also a radio DJ for a folk music show. As well as having been a pet parent to rabbits, birds, dogs, and cats, Abby loves seeking sightings of animals in the wild and has witnessed some more exotic ones such as Puffins in the Farne Islands, Southern Pudu on the island of Chiloe (Chile), Penguins in the wild, and countless wild animals in the Rocky Mountains (Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Moose, Elk, Marmots, Beavers).

Our Top Picks for the Best Pet Scales FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Can you weigh a dog or cat on a human scale?

Generally speaking, using a human scale to weigh a dog or cat won’t give you a completely accurate weight. If you try to get a dog or cat to stand on a digital scale, they’ll likely move around too much for the scale to accurately record their weight.

If your cat or dog is small enough to hold, you may be able to weigh yourself while holding the pet, weigh yourself alone, and subtract your weight from the combined weight. However, the number you get doing this likely won’t be completely accurate, and may not be exact enough for monitoring health or weight issues.

The best bet is to purchase a scale that is specifically designed to weigh pets. These products respond better to the movement of a cat or dog and will be able to display a more accurate weight.

What is a good scale to weigh a puppy?

Smaller scales that offer precise measurements are typically best for weighing puppies. One of our favorites is the MINDPET-MED Digital Pet Scale. This scale is accurate up to 0.02 pounds and features an easy-to-read display.

How much does a pet scale cost?

The cost of a pet scale can vary from around $20 to over $400. The size, accuracy, and overall quality of the scale will impact its price. There are plenty of budget-friendly models, but you’ll also find high-end or stainless steel scales that may be more expensive. Additionally, if you’re looking for a scale for a large breed dog, you should expend the overall cost to be more than that of a scale for a small breed dog.

Are vet pet scales accurate?

Yes, vet pet scales are typically very accurate. They allow for a more even distribution of a pet’s weight since they have a larger surface area than most at-home scales.

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