The Best Cameras For Dogs
Until dogs develop a society of their own, we humans have to accept the unfortunate reality of our pets' lives, which is that many of them have to spend a large portion of their days alone at home. Thankfully, though, modern technology offers us a way to keep tabs on our furry friends. Whether you're at work, out and about running errands, or just lounging in the other room, installing a dog camera in your house will let you see what Buddy is up to all day long. Some models allow you to dispense treats remotely or talk to your pooch through the camera's speakers, too. We've included a few of our favorite models here, ranging from no-frills budget-tier picks to premium, feature-packed options.
What To Look For
We know there are a lot of dog camera options out there, so we’ve rounded up our favorites to help you decide. Based on our research, we found that the best dog cameras have two-way audio, a high-quality camera, and a wide lens angle. Our top pick is the dog camera from Furbo. The high-definition camera gives you a clear image of your furry friend and the two-way audio means you can talk to your dog while you’re away from home. It even has a treat dispenser to make their day more special. We also love the dog camera from Petcube because it can capture 1080 video in whatever room it’s placed. Keep reading to discover a dog camera that will bring happiness to you and your pup.
Furbo Dog Camera
Dispense treats remotely
Designed just for dogs, the Furbo Dog Camera can provide you with an unprecedented level of remote interaction. This camera includes a variety of features, such as 1080p full HD video streaming, two-way audio, night vision, and a treat-tossing function that can be programmed by Alexa to dispense treats at regular intervals. It also has a smart-alert system, which the company even claims has “saved over 100 dogs’ lives from fires, gas leaks, and intruders.” Other movement-triggered alerts might help alert you when your pup is making mischief, like jumping on the couch or chewing up the pillow.
Pros:
- Fewer connectivity issues than in other models
- No-fuss installation
Cons:
- Premium features require a paid subscription
- The app is slow to load
Netvue Indoor Camera
Caught in the act
Once you install this dog camera from Netvue and experience all of its features, you’ll never look back. Using artificial intelligence, this modern camera can tell the difference between you and your dog by simply scanning your faces. The high-definition camera provides clear video all day and night, so you never have to worry about the state of your home. In addition to rotating 360 degrees left to right, the camera itself can also tilt 105 degrees up and down for optimal views.
Pros:
- You can mount this dog camera on the wall or ceiling to keep it out of the way
- Images can be saved directly to a memory card or the cloud
- Provides footage in real time
Cons:
- The camera doesn’t give a clear view of the floor when placed on a ledge or shelf
Petcube Cam 1080p
Cubey dooby doo
If you’ve got little to no interest in nabbing yourself a camera that dispenses treats or anything like that and you’d rather buy a more streamlined product, this one from Petcube fits the bill. Supremely lightweight, tiny in design, and excellent in terms of video quality, this one strikes the perfect balance of having all the right features without being gimmicky. Furthermore, thanks to this feat of restraint, the unit ends up costing less to produce, and therefore, is less expensive. In fact, it’s so affordable that if you want to set up multiple cameras in different parts of the house, no problem. You can snag two, maybe even three of these cameras for the price of some of the higher-end, snootier models. And with night vision, two-way audio, and the ability to mount the camera with a magnet, this one certainly isn’t a barebones unit. Not bad, huh?
Pros:
- Very simple installation, even if you’re not tech-savvy
- Night vision works pretty well, especially considering the price
Cons:
- If you want to access archived video footage, you’ll need to pay for a subscription
Wyze Cam 1080p
Affordable security
If your sole intention in buying a dog camera is to have a reliable visual of Fido throughout the day, there’s no need to splurge when Wyze Labs’ 1080p cam will suffice. Aside from watching the live stream via the proprietary app, you can also set this one to record continuously to a MicroSD card, or allow it to send you push notifications when it detects motion. You can grant video-viewing privileges to your partner or family members, too.
Many dogs tend to have a favorite room where they retreat to pass the hours while their owners are out, but others are more restless. If yours sounds like the latter, and you want don’t want to lose track of her whereabouts as she jaunts from room to room, you have the option of buying multiple cameras and setting them up throughout the house. Thanks to the Wyze Cam’s affordability, this is a realistic option.
Pros:
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Night-vision capability
- Two-way audio
- Installs easily without any screws
Cons:
- The motion sensor is very sensitive
- Known to suffer from connectivity issues
WOpet Smart Pet Camera
Can't take my eyes off of you
Not only is the WOpet Smart Pet a high-quality Full HD Camera with Night Vision, but it’s also a treat-dispensing delight for your dog. The two-way audio allows you to talk and listen to your pet. Reward Fido with treats when he’s lonely, or simply turn on the audio to hear as well as see your pet when you miss them. If that wasn’t enough, this featured-packed option isn’t only for your pet: It accepts voice commands to scare off potential intruders, and it can be used to communicate with family or house guests while you’re away. The camera is compatible with most iOS and Android devices.
While we realize that a product of this caliber is unnecessary for many folks, those with dogs that suffer from separation anxiety may want to consider this one. And in case you’re wondering: the installation is pretty simple.
Pros:
- Treat-tossing feature
- Two-way audio
Cons:
- Not all features necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I place my dog camera?
If possible, you should put the camera in an elevated corner of the room in which you’ll be installing it. Placing it on a high shelf is a good option. If you have the option to mount it to the wall, that’s even better. By situating it in an elevated corner, you’ll maximize the camera’s field of view.
As for determining which room the camera should go in, that comes down to trial and error. If you already know that your dog likes to sit on the window-side couch and gaze out into the distance while he waits for your return, then it won’t be hard to figure out which room to put it in. However, if you don’t know what he gets up to in his alone time, you’ll have to use the process of elimination by placing it in various rooms until you find out where his favorite spots are.
Will speaking to my dogs through these devices confuse them?
Sure, it’s possible. You’ll have to consider whether or not the ability to remotely communicate with your dog is something you actually want. Your furry friends may very well find themselves perplexed by your spectral voice, and it may be more anxiety-inducing than comforting. However, usually, they’ll recognize the tone of your voice, and even if they can’t see you, they’ll probably find this soothing.
Is it okay to leave my dogs alone for longer if I can monitor them remotely?
We believe a pet should be treated with the same love you’d extend to a family member — after all, pets are family. Ultimately, only you know how well your pet handles being left alone. Some breeds are more independent and require less human companionship than others. But at the end of the day, your dog still misses you. As a wise man once said, “More than machinery, we need humanity.” Don’t let technology make you okay with devoting less time to your lonely pooch.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.