The best pet camera can improve your relationship with your dog. Keeping an eye on your dog while you’re away can help you identify troubling behaviors. Many indoor pet cameras have speakers that allow you to talk to your dog. They can also have a built-in tossing feature or a smart toy. These can help you reward positive behaviors with toys, snacks, or praise.
Pet cameras are available at every price point. Mary Beth Quirk, Shopping Editor at Consumer Reports, such as setting up a recording schedule. Pet cameras in the home can also be a data dump and an easy target for hackers. Mary Beth also notes that you can get nervous looking at your dogs when you’re away, so make sure you’re comfortable seeing them without touching them.
Tips for finding the best pet camera
Here are some things you need to think about when buying a pet camera:
- Choose a high-definition (720P) pet surveillance camera so you can clearly see your dog while recording.
- Do you want wired or wireless? Wired pet surveillance cameras must be next to a power outlet.
- Look for indoor pet cameras with night vision capabilities so you never have to turn on extra lights.
- Got a sly dog? Get a pet cam that doesn’t make a sound when turned on.
- Tight budget? Outdoor security cameras can double as pet surveillance cameras. They are ideal for damp, dark homes.
Cost of indoor pet camera
Most pet camera companies do not charge a monthly subscription fee. Some offer plans that offer extended video history, smart video filters, and multi-camera support. Mary Beth says most will let you cancel at any time.
Here are the camera features you can expect based on your budget:
Cheap pet camera: Inexpensive pet cameras don’t have as many bells and whistles as treat dispensers, but they do have high definition video quality (720P) and range in price from $30 to $100.
Mid-Range Pet Cameras: Mid-priced pet cameras range in price from $100 to $250. They typically have motion sensors, night vision, two-way communication, and toss treatment.
Premium pet camera: The most expensive pet cameras have full HD (1080P) screens and smartphone-friendly apps. With built-in toys, barking alerts, loop recording, and family sharing, these premium pet cameras can cost up to $380.
How much data do pet surveillance cameras use?
Low-cost and mid-range cameras use 8 GB of data per day. But high end pet cameras can consume 12 GB per day. Mary Beth says some pet monitors only record when they detect motion. While most pet cameras need an indoor WiFi connection to work, you can watch videos on public WiFi networks for free.
Indoor pet camera privacy
Most pet camera companies collect any content you create, upload, save, or share. They also store your social media profiles and track your pet surveillance cameras using cell phone towers, GPS or WiFi. Mary Beth says you can choose not to share data to a certain extent.
Indoor pet cameras are also magnets for hackers because they allow them to see inside your home. When hackers break into your pet cam, they can gain access to your personal computer and internet router. Hackers can even download a copy of the pet cam’s manual to learn the manufacturer’s password. Change the factory default password and regularly check for software updates.
Let’s take a look at some interesting pet camera examples:
- Furbo Dog Camera; furbo.com – Allows you to see and talk to your dog, plus has a treat dispenser. There is a higher end model that can rotate, called Furbo 360° Dog camera.
- Petcube Cam; petcube.com – Allows you to see and hear your dog, plus night vision. There is also a higher-end model that dispenses treats called Petcube Bites 2 Lite and Petcube Bites 2, which also play music.
- Pet rings; ring.com – Cameras are made for family protection and to keep an eye on your pets. There is Ring Indoor Cam and Stick Up Cam Plug-in with Pan-Tilt. Pan – Tilt gives you 360° along with a 90° tilt for better dog viewing.
- eufy Pet Dog Camera D605; us.eufy.com – Allows you to see and hear your dog, plus it also identifies and tracks your dog. Keep recordings and distribute dishes.
