Have you ever wondered what your cat or dog gets up to when you leave them home alone all day? Being away from our furry companions can cause guilt and worry. But technology now allows us to check in remotely with innovative pet cameras.
Pet monitoring cameras have exploded in popularity, with a projected market value of $465 million by 2027 according to Grand View Research. Pet owners want peace of mind knowing their animals are happy and safe. Let‘s explore what to consider when choosing a pet cam to meet your needs and budget.
An Overview of Pet Camera Functions
Pet cameras allow you to watch, communicate with, play with and even toss treats to your pet from a smartphone app. Key features include:
- Live video streaming with varying video resolution from 720p to 4K
- Night vision using infrared to see pets in the dark
- Wide angle lenses ranging from 100° to 360° views
- Two-way audio for hearing and talking to pets
- Treat launching, lasers and other interactive toys
- Motion and sound detection triggers with custom alerts
- Cloud storage and live viewing from anywhere
- Integration with smart speakers for voice controls
Advanced functions some pet cameras offer involve:
- Automatic subject tracking the pets‘ movements
- Smart home connectivity linking events with other devices
- Health and wellness monitoring via specialized sensors
- Pet-to-pet and people communication features
Key Factors to Consider For Your Pet Camera
Here‘s an overview of what aspects to evaluate so you can determine the best pet camera for your needs:
Video Quality and Features
| Camera Type | Video Resolution | Field of View | Night Vision Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 720p | 100°-140° | Infrared LED |
| Mid-Range | 1080p | 140°-180° | Infrared LED |
| Premium | 1080p or 4K | 180°-360° | Color or IR |
Connectivity and Storage
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| WiFi | Connects camera to home wireless internet network |
| LTE | Cellular connectivity if no WiFi available |
| Ethernet | Alternative stable wired connection |
| Local Storage | Save video clips to SD card in the device |
| Cloud Storage | Video saved to remote servers, often for a monthly fee |
Smart Alerts and Controls
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Custom Notifications | Receive mobile alerts based on triggers like sound or movement |
| Auto Tracking | Camera automatically follows motion of people and pets |
| Alexa/Google Assistant | Control the live stream, camera, treats or toys with voice commands |
| Automations | Program camera events to trigger actions on other smart devices |
Power and Mounting
| Power Source | Positioning |
|---|---|
| Wired electricity | Walls, ceilings, shelves |
| Battery | Freestanding on flat surfaces |
| Solar | Outdoor spot with ample sunlight |
Top 10 Pet Cameras for Every Budget
With so many options on the market, here is a hand-picked list of 10 top-rated pet cameras covering every price point and feature set.
Best Pet Cameras Under $50
Good budget picks with decent video quality and basic features.
| Camera | Key Features | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| YI Dome Camera | 1080p video, 112° view, motion alerts | $39.99 | 4.1 / 5 |
| [eufy Pet Camera](https://www.amazon.com/eufy-Security-2K– indoor-cameras /dp/B08R59YH7W?&linkCode=ogi&tag=marketingscoop-20&ascsubtag=best-pet-cameras-eufy1) | 2K video, 160° view, no monthly fees | $49.99 | 4.5 / 5 |
Good Mid-Range Pet Cameras
Solid performance with very good video and interactive features.
| Camera | Key Features | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furbo Dog Camera | 1080p video, 160° view, treat tossing | $118.99 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Petcube Cam | 1080p video, 138° view, pet communication | $39.00 | 4.6 / 5 |
Feature-Packed Premium Pet Cameras
Cutting edge capabilities supporting high definition video with smart tracking and home integration.
| Camera | Key Features | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo Pet Camera | 1080p video, 180° view, auto tracking | $249.99 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Petcube Play 2 | 1080p video, 160° view, smart alerts | $35.99-$47.99/mo optional | 4.6 / 5 |
Making the Most of Your Pet Camera
Once you choose the ideal pet cam for your needs and budget, a few setup and usage tips will ensure you get the most out of the experience:
- Select a high vantage point for the best view of the room and your pet‘s favorite spots.
- Check compatibility with your existing internet router and bandwidth limits if live streaming.
- For initial configuration, place the camera close to the router, then mount permanently elsewhere.
- Consider an outdoor housing if placing the cam outside with battery power.
- Adjust alert sensitivity to avoid unnecessary notifications.
- Talk, play and toss treats to positively interact with your pet often.
- Set schedules around times when your pet is most active or lonely.
- Share access securely with family members and pet sitters when away.
Some pet owners prefer to build their own monitoring solution. With a bit of DIY tech skill, you can:
- Repurpose an old phone, tablet or computer into a pet cam with web streaming software.
- Connect an indoor or outdoor security camera to view pets.
- Leverage smart speakers and plugs to trigger events when sounds occur.
However, specialized devices tend to offer better camera image quality, dedicated pet interaction features, and turnkey mobile apps.
While convenient, discuss your pet cam placement and notification settings respectfully with any family members, roommates or guests who will also be on camera or creating triggers.
Review each pet tech company‘s privacy policy before purchasing a camera or service. Responsible providers offer secure data streaming with options like local-only storage. But many backup footage to the cloud for advanced features, which is aggregated across users.
Final Thoughts
Pet cameras allow us peace when away through convenient remote pet monitoring. Choose a camera with the connectivity, power options, video quality, field of view, smart controls and notifications needed to watch your furry friend comfortably. Position the cam in their favorite room and interact positively often.
For the best experience catered to you and your pet‘s needs, I recommend the Arlo Pet Camera. It captures high quality 1080p video across a wide 180° view to monitor large areas. The auto tracking keeps your pet reliably in frame as they play and move. Professional monitoring services and IFTTT integration provide next-level home security. Yet video clips can still be stored locally without monthly fees if you prefer. Sound good?
Let me know if you have any other questions as you pick the purr-fect pet camera! I‘m also happy to suggest accessories like smart feeders, additional cameras, chew toys and more.
