What Is a Smart Pet Monitor?
Similar to baby monitors that keep an eye on your little one while they’re sleeping, many people are now investing in pet monitors — cameras that allow you to see what your furry companions are doing in real time. These smart cameras connect to your smartphone, allowing you to view a live video steam as well as talk to your pets, throw them treats and more. Plus, check out these 10 really cool pet products you can buy on Amazon.
Best All-Around
The Furbo Dog Camera is jam-packed with features, including a high-definition camera with night vision, two-way audio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a barking sensor and a treat tosser. Through the Furbo app you can talk to your pets, give them treats and even capture photos and videos when they do something particularly cute. Plus, the real-time barking alerts will let you know if your dog is ever being noisy; you can then access the live video feed to see what’s happening. These are the best smart pet feeders.
This smart pet monitor costs $200. There’s an optional premium subscription that gives you access to even more features, such as cloud video storage, smart alerts and more.
Best Budget
If you’re willing to forego some of the fancier features, you can save money on a Wyze Cam to monitor your pets. This $40 smart security camera delivers a high-definition video feed to your phone, and its built-in infrared LED lights allow it to see up to 30 feet at night. Using its app, you can rotate the camera 360 degrees in under three seconds, as well as 93 degrees vertically — so no matter where your pets are, you’ll be able to spot them quickly! Learn which 11 items are the most hazardous for your pets.
Best for Treats
Your pets will love the Petcube Bites 2, a smart monitor that lets you fling treats to them even when you’re not home. Besides its high-definition video and two-way audio, this gadget lets you toss treats short, medium or long distances. You can even set up an automatic treat dispensing schedule. The Petcube Bites 2, which costs $200, sends sound and motion alerts. It has Amazon Alexa built in so you can give it voice commands, too. Plus: Here are 40 amazing pet projects to show your best friend some love.
Petcube Bites 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser & Alexa Built-in, for Dogs and Cats. 1080p HD Video, 160° Full-Room View, 2-Way Audio, Sound/Motion Alerts, Night Vision, Pet Monitor” product_price=”” product_category=”Pet Products” product_retailer=”” content_rating=”” /] Petcube Bites 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser & Alexa Built-in, for Dogs and Cats. 1080p HD Video, 160° Full-Room View, 2-Way Audio, Sound/Motion Alerts, Night Vision, Pet Monitor” product_price=”” product_category=”Pet Products” product_retailer=”” content_rating=”” /]
Best for Cats
There are several pet monitors designed primarily for dogs, but cats can get in on the fun with the Petcube Play 2, a smart monitor that costs around $180. It offers high-definition video, night vision, two-way audio and sound and motion alerts, but the main selling point is its built-in pet-safe laser toy. You can control the laser right from your phone, leading your cat on a frantic chase to capture the red dot, or there’s an auto-play feature to keep your kitty occupied while you’re away from home. Plus: Check out our best tips for pet care and pet safety at home.
Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Laser Toy & Alexa Built-In, for Cats & Dogs. 1080P HD Video, 160° Full-Room View, 2-Way Audio, Sound/Motion Alerts, Night Vision, Pet Monitoring App” product_price=”179″ product_category=”Pet Products” product_retailer=”Petcube, Inc.” content_rating=”” /] Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Laser Toy & Alexa Built-In, for Cats & Dogs. 1080P HD Video, 160° Full-Room View, 2-Way Audio, Sound/Motion Alerts, Night Vision, Pet Monitoring App” product_price=”179″ product_category=”Pet Products” product_retailer=”Petcube, Inc.” content_rating=”” /]
Best Camera
Want to video chat with your dog or cat? The Petchatz HDX is a unique pet monitor offering wide-angle high-definition video streaming that works two ways — you can see your pet, and they can see you! This camera is pricey at $330, but it can also dispense treats and soothing aromatherapy scents. You can even purchase a separate button that lets your pet “call” you! Every dog owner will make a mistake, just make sure you don’t make one of these 53 mistakes with your dog.
USA Made Luxury 2-Way Audio & Video Pet Treat Camera, HD 1080p, Motion/Sound Detection Smart Video Recording, Streams DOGTV, Calming Aromatherapy, Designed for Dogs and Cats” product_price=”” product_category=”Camera” product_retailer=”” content_rating=”” /] USA Made Luxury 2-Way Audio & Video Pet Treat Camera, HD 1080p, Motion/Sound Detection Smart Video Recording, Streams DOGTV, Calming Aromatherapy, Designed for Dogs and Cats” product_price=”” product_category=”Camera” product_retailer=”” content_rating=”” /] USA Made Luxury 2-Way Audio & Video Pet Treat Camera, HD 1080p, Motion/Sound Detection Smart Video Recording, Streams DOGTV, Calming Aromatherapy, Designed for Dogs and Cats” product_price=”” product_category=”Camera” product_retailer=”” content_rating=”” /]
Best Interactive
Unlike stationary cameras, the SKYMEE Owl Robot is a remote-controlled toy that you can drive around your home. The interactive monitor costs $170 and has a high-definition camera, speaker and microphone. It can even dispense treats as your pets chase it around. You operate the robot right from your phone, and it comes with a fun feather attachment to entice cats to play with the interactive cat toy. Plus: 15 clever pet products you can DIY.
Best Feeder
The WOPET Smart Feeder is an automatic pet feeder with a built-in pet monitor. This $170 gadget allows you to remotely feed your pet from your phone, or you can create an automatic feeding schedule for them. It also has a built-in camera and two-way audio, allowing you to see and talk to your pets throughout the day. Also be aware of how to minimize the risk of infections spread by dogs.