It can be hard to go to work in the morning when you’ve got a pair of adorable puppy eyes begging you not to leave. It’s even tougher when a pet (or its owner) has separation anxiety. Luckily, there are lots of pet cameras available these days which can help both you and your pet put some of those anxieties to rest.
Pet cams have come a long way in the last few years. Some cameras can dispense treats to your pet and there’s even a model that lets your dog call you. While this may interfere with your work productivity, you’ll enjoy being connected to your best friend all day long. So how to pick from the many pet cameras available? We’ve done the research and narrowed down the field for you. Here are our favorite pet camera options.
What to consider when purchasing a pet camera
When looking for your perfect pet cam, think about which features are most important to you. Here are some important options to consider before spending your money.
- 2-way communication: It’s obviously important for you to be able to see your pet while you’re away. But will your dog or cat benefit from seeing or hearing you? Is it important for you to be able to hear your dog bark? Make sure to pick the feature that best works for you and your pet.
- Video and photo saving options: Do you just want to see your dog or cat in real time, or do you want to be able to save the photos and share the images?
- Virtual playtime: Is your pup the kind who likes to sleep all day? Or does Spike need a little stimulation while you’re away? There are models you can choose that have features that will help entertain a bored or anxious dog.
- Compatibility: Consider how you will be viewing the camera images of your pet. Make sure the pet cam you pick is compatible with your phone or computer before purchasing.
Our Favorite Pet Cam Picks
| Petzi Treat Cam | PetChatz HD | Pawbo Life | Furbo | Tooge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $83.50 | $319.99 | $149 | $199 | $39.99 |
| Resolution | 720p | 720p Full HD | 720p HD | 1080p HD | 720p HD |
| 2-Way Communication | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | yes | Yes |
| Where to buy | Amazon, Chewy, BestBuy | Amazon, Chewy, PetChatz | Amazon, Pawbo, Chewy | Amazon, BestBuy | Amazon, WalMart |
The Furbo Pet Cam
This is our favorite pet cam of 2020 because of its mix of high-quality features and budget-friendly price. The sharp camera with night vision, along with a 2-way communication feature, makes this pet cam a cut above the rest. The Furbo will toss treats to your dog and will even send you a mobile alert when it detects barking. Were you a little too busy to check on your pet while at work? That’s okay because The Furbo can send you a 60-second highlight reel of your pet’s day.
And if you choose, you will also get notified of any dog-related activity, like your pup moving around the house. The camera will even take a dog selfie when your pup approaches the camera. But perhaps the most impressive part about this pet cam is the A.I.-powered dog recognition technology. What this means is that the pet camera can alert you if a person comes into view, because it has the ability to tell the difference between a human and animal. This can be a major plus for people looking to use this pet monitor as a security camera as well.
Pricing and Tech Specs
- Price: $199
- Resolution: 1080p
- Size: 5.91 x 4.72 x 8.86 inches
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
- Wi-Fi connection required: 2.4 GHz
- Requirements: Broadband internet, iOS 8 or newer, Android 4.3 or newer
Nerd Pros
- A.I.-powered dog recognition technology
- Treat dispenser
- 2-way communication
- Night vision
Nerd Cons
- Treat dispenser only holds small treats
- Price
The PetChatz HD Pet Cam
This model was almost our first choice, thanks to some seriously innovative features that set it apart from the rest of the pack. The price is much higher than its competitors, which could be a turn-off for some consumers. But, if you’re willing to pay for some extra bells and whistles, this is a good pet cam for you. This pet monitor does more than just dispense treats. It has interactive “brain” games and DOGTV (content curated especially for your pup. Yes, that’s right.)
If your pet suffers from separation anxiety, this model allows your dog to actually see your face via video chat. Activate the calming aromatherapy feature to soothe your pet even more. And if your pup is trainable, he can learn how to press a button to call you if he wants to “talk.” Sound and motion triggered PetWatch video recording will also keep you abreast of your pet’s activities while you’re away.
Pricing and Tech Specs
- Price: $319.99
- Resolution: 720p
- Size: 14.6 x 5.8 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 4.6 lbs
- Wi-Fi connection required: 2.4 GHz
- Requirements: Broadband internet, iOS 8.1.1 or newer, Android 1.1 or later
Nerd Pros
- Entertainment options
- 2-way video communication
- Video recording option
Nerd Cons:
- Price
- Lack of night vision
No products found.
The Tooge Pet Cam
If you’re big on features, but even more into value, this is a phenomenal pet camera pick. For under $40, you get a pet monitor with night vision and 2-way communication. It even provides a pan, tilt, and zoom function if you need to find Fido.
Motion detection is another great feature for pet owners. If your pet moves, you can choose to get an alert. While this model may not have some of the bells and whistles of others (you can’t give your buddy a treat while you’re away), it’s a good solid choice for a really reasonable price.
Pricing and Tech Specs
- Price: $39.99
- Resolution: 720p
- Size: 10 x 10 x 13 cm
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
- Wi-Fi Connection: 2.4 GHz (incompatible with 5GHz)
- Requirements: IPhone, Android, or PC
Nerd Pros
- Price
- 2-way communication
- Motion detection
Nerd Cons
- No treat dispenser or entertainment
- Some customers have reported connectivity issues (incompatible with 5GHz Wi-Fi)
- Not compatible with Mac computers
No products found.
The Pawbo Life Pet Cam
Cat lovers, rejoice, because this particular pet camera has a built-in laser game. This is a solid choice for any pet owner, with 2-way communication and a treat dispenser. It’s also compatible with Pawbo’s Theme Park accessories which you can add on for even more fun.
If your furry friend has its own Instagram page, this could be the pet cam for you. Snap photos right from the camera and instantly share them on social media platforms. You can also have 8 users connected to the camera at once, for big families who like to check in throughout the day.
Pricing and Tech Specs
- Price: $149
- Resolution: 720p
- Size: 4.4 x 4.4 x 7.9 in
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
- Wi-Fi Connection: 2.4 GHz
- Requirements: iOS 8 or newer, Android 4.0.3 or newer
Nerd Pros
- Multiple entertainment options
- Social media sharing capabilities
- 2-way communication
Nerd Cons
- Lack of night vision
- No option to use computer (app based only)
The Petzi Treat Cam
If you aren’t so worried about 2-way communication with your pet, then this camera is a great option. Some pet owners simply need to see their animal and speak to them, and don’t need to be able to hear what’s going on in the house. Petzi’s Treat Launcher will also make sure your pup has a midday snack.
Pet owners can capture pictures with this model, and enjoy a wide-angle camera with night vision. And if you’re a bit forgetful, Petzi has a built-in Amazon Dash Replenishment that will track treat levels and to make sure your pup never goes without.
Pricing and Tech Specs
- Price: $83.50
- Resolution: 720p
- Size: 13 x 7.3 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
- Wi-Fi Connection: 2.4GHz
- Requirements: Android or Apple device
Nerd Pros:
- Treat launcher
- Automatic treat replenishment
- Night vision
Nerd Cons:
- Lack of 2-way communication
- No motion or audio alerts
How to make the right pet cam choice
If you’ve made the choice to get a pet monitor, any of these options are fantastic choices and will allow you to stay connected to your pet while you’re away. But before you make the purchase, consider your animal’s personality. Do you think your cat will benefit from 2-way communication? Does your dog really need extra treats while you’re away? Would your pet even enjoy games? Choose the pet cam that would benefit you and your furry friend most.
The truth is, you know your animal best. Whether you are looking for a camera with lots of innovative features, or a minimal model that simply gets the job done, these are stellar pet cam choices for any animal lover.
This article has been reviewed and approved by Officer Banta.
Officer Banta is the official SecurityNerd home security and safety expert. A member of the Biloxi Police Department for over 24 years, Officer Banta reviews all articles before lending his stamp of approval. Click here for more information on Officer Banta and the rest of our team.
