Sometimes when we're out of the house I'll stop and wonder, "What are the dogs up to?" If you're like me and want to keep a close eye on your furry friends while you're not home, continue reading! With so many pet cameras available, we have done the heavy lifting for you. So let's answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the top pet cameras available in the UK for 2024.
Why do I need a Pet Camera?
The answer is that you don't "need" a pet camera, but they are a fantastic device for when you've left your pup at home. A pet camera is useful for us as dog owners to ensure our pup's well-being while away. Whether at work or running errands, having a camera allows you to monitor your dog's behaviour and keep them engaged, if necessary, reducing their feelings of loneliness and boredom.
Benefits of Using a Pet Camera
Monitor for Separation Anxiety
Sometimes your dog may not show obvious signs of stress but they can still be experiencing separation anxiety. Some common symptoms such as indoor toileting or destructive behaviour are often mistaken for bad behaviour or a lack of training, when in reality, they may be signs of anxiety. Setting up a pet camera can help you identify and address these issues easier and earlier.
Reduce Stress for Both Pet and Owner
We get it - leaving our pups can actually make us as owners stressed! Luckily, investing in a pet camera and knowing you can check on your dog at any time can actually alleviate your worries. This peace of mind translates to less stress for both you and your pup.
Two-Way Communication
I'm not ashamed to admit that this is probably my favourite thing about owning a pet camera. Many of the modern styles of cameras include features like two-way audio, which allows you to talk to your dog. Some also utilise a manually operated treat dispenser, so you can play with and interact with your pup utilising a high-value treat. Another benefit is that a two-way audio feature can help you correct unwanted behaviours, like if your dog starts chewing on furniture or destroying something.
Automatic Activity Alerts
One of the other fantastic features of pet cameras is that you can receive notifications when your dog moves or barks. This feature ensures that you're aware of any unusual activity, allowing you to respond if necessary.
Where Should You Place a Pet Camera in Your Home?
Finding the perfect spot for your pet camera is key. It's best to place the camera at or above your dog's eye level so that they can clearly see the camera, and so you can clearly see them. We've placed our pet camera in the lounge and experimented for a few days on the best spot. So, we recommend that you experiment with different locations to see what works best or opt for a camera with tilt, pan, and zoom features for optimal monitoring.
Cameras with laser pointers work better closer to the ground. You should also ensure that any windows or doors do not obstruct the camera's view, particularly where the sun may create a glare on the camera's lens. If your camera has a treat dispenser, consider how high or low it fires treats to avoid wasting food or startling your dog.
Are Some Pet Cameras Better Suited for Cats or Dogs? Is There a Difference?
Yep! The features of pet cameras vary depending on whether they are purpose-designed for dogs or cats. Cameras tailored for our feline friends will often include laser games and laser pointers that cater to feline interests (although, one of our dogs actually enjoys laser games, too). On the other hand, cameras that are equipped with bark sensors and treat dispensers are typically marketed towards dog owners.
Ultimately, you must consider your pet's unique needs and preferences when selecting a pet camera.
What Are the Key Features to Look for in a Pet Camera?
While this is now a standard feature in most pet cameras, at a minimum, you should ensure that the pet camera you're purchasing has two-way audio communication and at least a 1080p resolution. As dog owners, we also recommend getting a camera that notifies you through mobile alerts when your pup does specific things, like moving to a particular area of the house or barking.
While general home security cameras or baby monitors can serve some of the same purposes as a pet camera, pet-specific cameras offer useful features like treat dispensing, alerts, and efficient app integrations that make them ideal for pet monitoring.
Training Your Dog to Get Familiar With a Pet Camera
Some dogs can be skittish around unknown devices. To get your pup used to a pet camera, we recommend a similar technique as if you're training them to adjust to a new head collar or harness.
Place the pet camera unplugged on the ground and allow your pup to approach it in their own time. Any time they acknowledge the camera, like sniffing it, nosing it, or looking at it, give them a verbal cue such as "Yes!" and feed them a treat. Do this for about 5-10 minutes until they're familiarised with the device's physical presence.
Once your pup is comfortable around the pet camera, plug it in and set it up as you would for monitoring. If your camera has a treat dispensing feature, experiment with it in the same room as your pup. Do the same if the camera features different ringtones or notification noises. After another 5-10 minutes, move yourself into a different room of the house leaving your pup with the camera. Continue using the treat dispenser to help build a positive association with the camera.
Our Recommendations: The Best Pet Cameras for Dog Owners
Furbo 360° Dog Camera
Honestly, this may be the pet gadget you never knew you needed. The Furbo 360° Dog Camera is a nifty piece of kit that offers a full 360° view, ensuring that you can keep an eye on your furry friend from basically every angle, no matter where you've placed the camera.
Setting up the Furbo is fairly straightforward and the device comes with a "Quick Set Up" guide. You simply place the camera in your desired location, plug it in, connect to your WiFi and then download the app.
The video quality is great, boasting 1080p full HD with coloured night vision and a 4x digital zoom. This means that even in the dead of night, you likely won't miss a thing. There is also a pet-tracking feature, which means that the camera "follows" your dog when they're wandering around the room. In addition to the video, the two-way audio features a built-in speaker and a high-quality microphone.
One of the stand-out features of the Furbo is the treat-tossing function. When we were office-based, it was so nice to give our pups a treat with just a tap on the phone. It's brilliant for keeping your dog entertained and feeling loved, even when you're not home. The treat capacity of the device is 100 pieces, with a recommended size of a 1cm diameter.
The Furbo also has a bark alert, which sends notifications directly to your mobile if your dog begins to make a racket. This is a great feature if you live in an apartment or flat. Plus, with the two-way audio, you can calm your pup down or give them a bit of reassurance without needing to rush home if something appears alarming.
In terms of design, the Furbo is pretty sleek and tends to blend into most home décor. At only 760 grams of weight and 223 x 125 x 125 mm in size, it's not bulky at all, so it won't be an eyesore in your lounge.
The current price of the Furbo 360° is £140 on Amazon or £59 + £69 on the Furbo Website. The price on Furbo's website includes a subscription to the Furbo Dog Nanny, which is an optional subscription service that provides you with additional video and alert features. You do not have to purchase the subscription, but you do get a free 30-day trial after purchasing the Furbo 360° Dog Camera.
Tapo C210 (2K 3MP) Wifi Camera
You know, we initially didn't have particularly high hopes for this camera due to its price point, but we were pleasantly surprised with the job it does at such a reasonable cost. The Tapo C210 Wifi Camera is not necessarily an interactive pet camera, but it's a fantastic option for those who need some extra security on a smaller budget.
While it does not throw treats like the Furbo, the Tapo does feature a similar 360° rotational view and up to 30 feet of night vision. Just as the Furbo does, the Tapo provides movement alerts directly to your mobile through their app.
The video quality on the Tapo C210 is fantastic and just like the other cameras we're featuring here, you can always make sure your fur babies aren’t getting into trouble with crisp two-way audio to communicate.
To set up the device, you simply need to download the Tapo app and then follow the easy-to-follow set-up instructions. As the Tapo doesn't feature treat tossing, the device itself is a bit smaller than the Furbo, coming in at only 460 grams and measurements of 19 x 16 x 11 centimetres.
While the Furbo is still at the top of our list, we think this is a great option for those on a budget or for those who have pups that aren't necessarily treat-motivated.
Petcube Pet Monitoring Camera
The Petcube Pet Monitoring Camera has over 10,000 5-star reviews on Amazon and rightly so! At a mid-level price point of about £50 (currently on special for £32.50 on the Petcube website), this is a serious contender as one of the best pet cameras on the market.
While the Petcube doesn't have the 360° rotation of the other pet cameras mentioned, it does have a whopping 110° wide-angle view, high-quality 8x zoom, and great night vision. Similar to the others on this list, the Petcube features clear two-way audio and a real-time alert system that recognises both motion and sounds.
The Petcube's night visibility extends up to 30 feet, so you can see things sharp and clear in both low-light and no-light conditions. You can either place this camera on a flat surface or use double-sided tape to adhere it to a wall or your ceiling.
The Petcube can be used out of the box and does not require a subscription. However, without Petcube Care (the Petcube subscription), you will not be able to store videos and get smart alerts.
Eufy Indoor Cam E220 (P24) 2K
The Eufy Indoor Cam E220 is another marketed security camera that doubles as the perfect camera solution for our pups. The camera's on-device artificial intelligence determines whether a pet (or even a person) is present and only records when an event of interest occurs.
When motion is detected the camera automatically tracks and follows the moving thing. The lens can pan 360° horizontally or tilt at 96° vertically to get a clear view of the entire room.
Eufy is a subsidiary of Anker, which produces some of the highest-quality charging cables and power banks, so you know you're in good hands when purchasing one of these indoor cameras.
Alongside the 2k clarity (1080P while using Apple HomeKit), you can connect this camera to either Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa for complete control over your in-home surveillance. Again, while this camera isn't marketed specifically for pets, it's a great option.
Petcube Bites 2 Lite Treat Dispenser & Camera
The Petcube Bites 2 Lite allows you to watch your pet live with a sharp 1080 HD video, comprehensive night vision, and full room coverage with a 160° wide-angle view.
Our favourite thing about the Petcube Bites 2 Lite is that it has a built-in treat dispenser so that you can interact with your pup remotely. With the Bites 2 Lite, you can actually control the amount of treats and the distance they are thrown, alongside having the option to use an autoplay mode to keep your pup occupied when you're busy - it's incredible!
The detachable treat container is dishwasher safe on lower temperatures and delicate cleaning settings, or you can wash it by hand.
Similar to the other options mentioned, the Bites 2 Lite has crisp two-way audio so that you can verbally interact with your pets while you're not at home. The device also provides notifications to your mobile using the Petcube App about potentially dangerous events, with audio recognition of barking (or meowing for our feline friends), and the ability to tell the difference between pets and people.
You can purchase the Bites 2 Lite on Amazon or the Petcube website.
Our Final Words on Pet Cameras for Dog Owners
Honestly, investing in a pet camera can significantly improve the quality of life for both you and your dog. Knowing our two pups are safely being monitored when we're not at home gives us so much peace of mind.
Owning a pet camera was actually a huge help when our Shiba Inu had an immune flare-up with an upset stomach and needed to go out in the middle of the night. I had turned on my phone's notifications to be notified whenever he would get restless and it helped us avoid any messy accidents.
If you have any additional questions about pet cameras or would like further advice about which model to go for, feel free to contact us! We love hearing from you all.
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