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While the cats are away, the mice … or dogs … will play, but a dog camera lets you keep an eye on Rover when you’re at work or out shopping. Pet cams come with a wide range of features. Some can also be used as a baby monitor, while others have distinct features, like a treat dispenser, that make them a pet-only monitor. These cameras can shed light on unsolved mysteries, such as who tipped over the trash can, while also providing assurance that your pet and home are safe. We’ve rounded up a list of the best dog cameras, from the budget-friendly puppy cam to the feature-heavy pet monitor.
- Best treat-tossing camera: Furbo 360-Degree Dog Camera
- Best upgrade: Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring Camera
- Best design: Nooie Pet Camera 2K
- Best high-end: eufy Pet Dog Camera
- Best multi-camera system: YI 2pc Security Home Camera
- Best wall-mounted: Petcube Bites 2 Lite
- Best budget: Wansview Baby Monitor Camera
How we chose the best dog cameras
When selecting the best dog cameras, we compared over 50 products to select only those that offered high-quality features like night vision, 1080p camera quality, smart alerts, and other additional functions such as treat-tossing for the ever-so-slightly spoiled pup. Whether you need a no-frills option to ensure your dog isn’t shredding the new couch, or a more high-tech option to keep your pet entertained, we have a product for you. We also chose options that ranged in price, so there’s a dog camera for every kind of budget.
The best dog cameras: Reviews & Recommendations
The best dog cameras are connected devices that offer extra peace of mind when you’re away from home. Determine the most important features—whether that’s two-way audio, sound detection, or night vision—and narrow down the options to those that best fit your smart home and lifestyle.
Best treat-tossing camera: Furbo 360-Degree Dog Camera
Furbo Dog Camera
Pros
- Treat catapult handles decently sized treats
- Talk to your dog from your phone
- Useful pet updates with video
Cons
- Requires a reliable Wi-Fi connection
- Many updates require paid subscription
Why it made the cut: With a treat launcher and built-in night vision, this rotating dog camera is purpose-built for your pooch, and gives you the tools you need to keep tabs on your pets when you’re away.
Specs
- Camera: 360 HD day and night vision with dog tracking
- Audio: Two-way audio with bark alert
- Subscription: Furbo Dog Nanny paid subscription for real-time alerts, as well as highlights
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
Keep abreast of your puppy’s shenanigans with the Furbo 360-Degree Dog Camera. This encrypted robotic dog camera is part treat-trebuchet, part two-way mic, and part home security camera. Connecting to your phone via Wi-Fi, the camera keeps you engaged with your at-home friend, even when you’re at the office or abroad.
While many of Furbo’s advanced features require a moderately priced paid monthly subscription, the Furbo still works well without it. Easily jump into your living room from your smartphone app to access two-way talk and chat up your puppy while launching treats. With encrypted online security, you won’t have to worry about Furbo stealing your data, or your home stream being intercepted. All in all, the Furbo 360-Degree is a home pet camera that’s sure to be a hit with your fuzzy friends.
Best upgrade: Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring Camera
Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring Camera
Pros
- Versatile mounting system
- Two-way audio
- Vet chat available
Cons
- Rewinding records requires a subscription
Why it made the cut: With features like vet chat, zoom, magnetic-mounting, livestreaming, and two-way audio, this is a versatile tool for pet monitoring.
Specs
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Camera quality: 1080p HD
- Night vision: Yes
The Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring Camera uses Wi-Fi to offer a wide range of angles, alerts, and extra services. Its magnetic-mounting system can attach to metal objects, but it includes adhesives to attach underneath shelves and other unusual places to get the right angle. The pet cam offers 1080p HD livestreaming video with a 110-degree wide-angle view. You can also zoom in up to 8x. Two-way audio lets you give your dog commands when you’re away from home. This is also one of the very few cameras with built-in vet chat. You ask questions through the app about the behavior you’ve seen through the camera or that you’ve observed. You can also add cameras to your Petcube account, getting a full view of several rooms in your home. The downside with this camera: for full features, including fast forward and rewind of recordings, you have to have a subscription.
Best design: Nooie Pet Camera 2K
Eyes on the Pup
Pros
- Solid night-vision
- Swivels 355 degrees horizontally for full motion tracking
- Two way talk
- Secure connection
Cons
- Clunky app and sometimes difficult connectivity
Why It Made The Cut: Track your pup with motion detection, a swivel build, and night-vision, and follow along over a secure connection (or after the fact on an SD card), with this Google Home and Alexa-compatible pet camera.
Specs
- Resolution: 2K
- Zoom: 8x zoom
- Audio: Two way
- Connectivity: Google Home, Alexa
Proud pet owners know the anxiety of leaving town, with their trusty pooch left at home. However, with the Nooie Pet Camera 2K, there’s nothing stopping you from keeping up with the pup. This pet cam comes with an AI-driven motion detector that swivels the camera 355 degrees for full horizontal coverage, and 94 degrees of vertical coverage (enough to follow the cat up the refrigerator). It also sports solid night vision, and two-way talk.
The Nooie is compatible with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The Nooie app is somewhat clunky, however, most users don’t have too much trouble, and Nooie does a decent job with security. Security buffs who want to use this pet camera for after-the-fact evidence will be happy to find that it’s also compatible with SD cards. If you’re looking for a solid 2K pet camera with 2-way talk, and nighttime check-ins, then we think Nooie is a great pick.
Best high-end: eufy Pet Dog Camera
eufy Pet Dog Camera
Pros
- Auto-tracking
- 60 days of local storage
- Rotatable anti-clog treat-tossing
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- More pricey option
Why it made the cut: Keep your pooch entertained with this treat-tossing and wide-angle option.
Specs
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Camera quality: 1080p
- Night vision: Yes
The eufy Pet Dog Camera offers a 170-degree wide-angle lens and 270-degree rotatable three-distance treat-tossing—meaning that this pick can keep a close eye on your pooch and have them entertained and appeased with intermittent treats. This high-quality pick also has AI-powered movement tracking, plus four infrared sensors for low-light/night situations, so you can be sure your pup isn’t causing any chaos. The barking notifications and two-way audio also allow you to calm down your pup from far away, which is a must for active or noisy dogs. And with 60 days of local storage, there’s plenty of time to get adorable videos or collect evidence of your furry friend’s activities.
Best multi-camera system: YI 2pc Security Home Camera
YI 2pc Security Home Camera
Pros
- Alexa compatible
- Multiple cameras and angles
- Cloud storage for all footage
Cons
- App alerts can be too frequent
Why it made the cut: If you want to capture more than one room on camera to keep an eye on your pet at all times, this system from YI can nix any blind spots.
Specs
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Camera quality: 1080p
- Night vision: Yes
The YI Home Security Camera is easily accessible through the YI app and offers added features like nine live feeds, activity alerts, cloud storage, Alexa compatibility, and emergency response services. You can share your video stream with up to five people, and control the activity alerts using the app—making this product easy to tailor for your unique setup. The camera provides 1080p with enhanced night vision and a 106-degree angle view. With two cameras, you can get multiple angles in the same room or put them in separate rooms for a fuller view of what’s happening in the home.
Best wall-mounted: Petcube Bites 2 Lite
Petcube Bites 2 Lite
Pros
- Lightweight
- 160-degree wide viewing angle
- Alexa compatible
Cons
- Does not support 5GHz networks
- Rewinding records requires a subscription
Why it made the cut: This wall-mounted pet camera packs plenty of features while being out of paw’s reach
Specs
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Camera quality: 1080p
- Night vision: Yes
What good is a pet camera if your pet constantly knocks it over? The Petcube Bites 2 Lite solves that problem with an included wall-mounting kit that gets the camera out of paw’s reach. The camera lets you see—and hear—your pets loud and clear with 1080p video, a 160-degree wide-angle view, and 30-feet of night vision. The treat dispenser can toss treats a short, medium, or long distance to wherever your pet is parked. Additionally, the camera and detachable dishwasher-safe container (filled with up to 1.5 lbs of treats) work equally well on a flat surface if you don’t want to mount anything on the wall. Setup only takes a minute, and each camera includes 24/7 access to customer service and a vet with the Petcube app. Much like the Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring Camera, some features—video downloads and smart alerts, for instance—are only available with a subscription.
Best budget: Wansview Baby Monitor Camera
Wansview Baby Monitor Camera
Pros
- Smart pan, zoom, and tilt
- More budget-friendly than others
- Smart motion alerts
Cons
- Set-up is slightly more difficult
Why it made the cut: If you want to keep tabs on your pooch without spending heavily, this affordable option fits the bill.
Specs
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Camera quality: 1080p HD
- Night vision: Yes
The Wansview Baby Monitor Camera includes some of the features of higher-end cameras, but they’re a bit more difficult to access and use than more expensive models. Through the app, you can set up motion detection alerts. The camera records a 10-second clip to send with the motion alert, so you can determine if you need to take action. However, you still get access to a 1080p HD camera that pans, tilts, and zooms. It’s Alexa-compatible and provides two-way audio to calm your pet or check on kids when they get home from school. Finally, there’s also night vision to keep track of any pet wanderings.
What to consider when shopping for the best dog cameras
The focus when picking the best dog camera for you is purpose, position, and accessibility. These can help you decide on a model that will fit your goals, home, and lifestyle. Dog cameras come with a wide range of features. Some models include an app, while others require you to log in to a website to check the camera’s feed. The amount of control you want, along with what kind of activity you want to monitor, should all factor into your decision.
How many rooms do you need to monitor?
You’ll need to decide what and how much of your home you want to monitor. Dog monitoring systems typically have one camera. However, some advanced models come with two, with the option of adding more. If the goal of the pet camera is to only monitor your pet’s activities, you only need a camera in areas to which he has access. One camera will do if he’s limited to a single room. However, if he has the freedom to roam, a multi-camera system will let you keep a closer eye on activity.
You may also only need a camera in problem areas. Dogs who get separation anxiety may take out their anxiety behaviors near the front door. A single camera located there lets you know when he’s having a hard time.
Do you need advanced features?
Consider what features you really need and make sure you’re not paying for extras that you don’t. There’s a long list of potential advanced features. The most common include two-way audio, tilt control, rotational control, remote app access, sound detection, motion activation and detection, vet notification, and night vision.
Advanced features add to the price of the camera but may add functionality that makes it more valuable to you. Features like camera position control are more common and don’t significantly add to the price, while less common features, such as vet notification, are more expensive. This feature provides 24/7 access to a veterinarian if you notice any problem behavior related to the dog’s health.
Dogs with separation anxiety or barking habits that disturb neighbors may require a sound-detection feature. This feature alerts you to noises above certain levels, letting you take action before there’s a problem.
What kind of remote control do you need?
Dog cameras either include an app that provides remote control or they require you to create an account and log into the company’s website to control the camera. Either option can work well, but personal preference can determine which is easier for you. People who use their mobile devices for everything will probably find an app easier to interact with. However, make sure the app works with your device’s operating system—iOS or Android. Those who use a work PC or laptop may find a website easier to monitor throughout the day.
Do you need a treat dispenser?
This unique feature of some dog cameras adds another dimension to the camera’s functionality. It becomes a rewards center for your dog. This feature can help distract your dog when he’s misbehaving or showing the initial signs of separation anxiety. It’s not an absolute necessity, but it is a feature only found on cameras specifically designed for dogs versus those designed as a baby monitor.
Do you use a virtual assistant?
Some cameras are compatible with popular virtual assistants like Alexa. Virtual assistant-savvy owners can easily integrate camera control into the assistant’s list of commands. You can then use voice control and add the camera to the list of devices controlled through a single access point for easier digital monitoring.
What kind of video storage options do you want?
Some camera companies offer video cloud storage for a monthly subscription fee. These subscriptions also give you access to advanced video options, including the ability to fast-forward, rewind, and take snapshots. Others also include the option to use an SD card or similar device to record and review videos. Other companies may let you view video for a limited time before it’s no longer available. Without some kind of recording option, you’ll only be able to view a live stream. That’s helpful but may not provide as much monitoring ability as you need.
Will you use the camera for something other than monitoring the dog?
Do you plan to use the camera for security monitoring or monitoring children in addition to the dog? If so, video recording and monthly subscriptions might be more worth it. Features like two-way communication are also more important if you’re using the camera to alert you when kids get home from school.
FAQs
Most dog cams have sound. Many include sound notifications to let you know when your dog starts barking. That can alert you to an intruder, pet separation anxiety, or anything else out of the ordinary. Some models also include two-way audio, so you can talk to your dog as well as monitor what’s going on at home with your dog cam.
It might take some trial and error to discover if talking through the pet camera works for your dog or not. Some dogs will find your voice soothing. Others may find it confusing and anxiety-inducing. Do a trial run before you rely on the camera as a soothing method. Go into another room and talk to your dog through the camera. His response will give you a good idea if talking to him is a help or hindrance.
The majority of dog cameras are for indoor use only. Only those designated as outdoor cameras are safe for outside use. If you want to keep track of your dog while he’s outside, an outdoor security camera will do the trick.
Final thoughts on the best dog cameras
- Best treat-tossing camera: Furbo 360-Degree Dog Camera
- Best upgrade: Petcube Cam Pet Monitoring Camera
- Best design: Nooie Pet Camera 2K
- Best high-end: eufy Pet Dog Camera
- Best multi-camera system: YI 2pc Security Home Camera
- Best wall-mounted: Petcube Bites 2 Lite
- Best budget: Wansview Baby Monitor Camera
The best dog cameras offer the features you need to monitor and calm your pet when you’re not home. A puppy cam with two-way communication and a treat dispenser might be right for some homes. Other pet owners may only need to get to the bottom of the shenanigans of a mischievous pet. Even budget-friendly pet cameras offer a glimpse into the life of your dog that can help you relax (and help keep your home in one piece) when you’re away.
