Are you always busy and away for work? If so, you should get the best dog camera for home use. With this device, you can monitor and communicate with your dog remotely. It’s equipped with special features like bark detection, a two-way microphone, and even a treat dispenser so you can play with your pooch.
I know that it’s hard to leave a fur baby alone at home. But if your commitments force you to do so, the following pet cameras will be your eye at home so you can check on your dog:
| DOG CAMERA | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Furbo Dog Camera with Treat Tosser | | Check Price |
| Petcube Bites 2 Pet Camera | | Check Price |
| Ring Stick Up Camera with Night Vision | | Check Price |
| Motorola Connect 40 Video Monitor | | Check Price |
| Amazon Cloud Indoor Camera | | Check Price |
| Zmodo Mini Wi-Fi Wireless Indoor Camera | | Check Price |
| WOPET Smart Dog Camera | | Check Price |
| Iseebiz Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser | | Check Price |
Benefits of a dog camera
Dog cameras are not just for vanity. It serves an important purpose at home for dog owners. If the pooch doesn’t have anyone for company, the dog camera will be a two-way benefit. Here are the perks you will enjoy if you get a dog camera.
- Check on your dog. Are you going on a business trip? If so, a pet camera will let you check your dog even if you’re away. This camera will reduce your longing for your pooch.
- Check your dog’s health. Another important purpose of dog cameras is checking your dog’s habits while you’re away. Is your dog pacing, panting, or doing weird things? Such behavior will give you an idea if there’s something wrong with the dog’s health.
- Distract your dog’s negative behavior. Pet cameras have two-way cameras that let you talk to your dog. This will let you stop barking or aggressive chewing.
- Play with your dog. Many dog cameras like Furbo also double as a treat dispenser. You can easily control this feature through a smartphone app. This lets you play and reward your dog even if you’re not physically present at home.
- Help dogs with anxiety. Some dog breeds are at risk of developing separation anxiety when left alone for long. With a pet camera, you can talk to your dog anytime, so the pooch will not feel so alone for long periods.
- Keep your bond strong. We can be so busy at work that we forget that our dogs also need enough attention. A pet camera will let you engage your dog in playtime to keep the bond between the two of you stronger.
If you’re looking for the best dog cameras, the following are eight of my best picks from the market.
Best Dog Camera for Home – Top 8 Picks!
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Furbo Dog Camera with Treat Tosser
Product Name: Furbo Dog Camera with Treat Tosser
Product Description: If you're looking for the best dog camera for home use, you'll never go wrong with the Furbo. This is tried and tested by thousands of pet owners all over the world. Aside from being a pet camera, Furbo also has a treat dispenser. It's one of the first pet cameras in the market to be equipped with a treat dispenser. The Furbo has a 1080p full HD camera complete with night vision. It provides a real-time video live stream so you can monitor your pet anytime you wish. It also has a 160-degree view angle, so a single Furbo offers an excellent view of your home. Moreover, this has two-way audio equipped with a barking alert. Furbo will send a notification to the mobile app once it detected your dog's incessant barking. This way, you can calm your dog down and prevent your neighbors from getting annoyed by the noise.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Summary
In addition, this Furbo has a Dog Selfie Alert, which notifies you if your dog is facing the camera and misses you. There’s also a person alert, which lets you know if the dog walker has arrived or if someone is intruding on your home.
Furbo has a Doggie Diary that gives you a 60-second highlight of your dog’s day. You can save and download these clips as you wish.
As for the treats, this cam has a large container and fits most standard treat sizes in the market. I also like how it ejects the treat in a way that catches the dog’s attention.
Pros
1080p full HD camera
160-degree view angle
Doggie Selfie Alert
Cons
The Alexa integration needs improvements
RUNNERS-UP
Petcube Bites 2 Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser
Another pet camera with a treat dispenser I like is the Petcube Bites 2. Like the Furbo, this one has a 1080p camera with a 160-degree view angle. And to ensure that you will see your dog, this pet camera has a night vision function.
The Petcube Bites 2 also has a two-way microphone that lets you talk to your dog and hear its bark. The camera also lets you use a 4x zoom to see what your dog is up to from afar.
Aside from that, Petcube Bites 2 has a 1.5-lb. treat hopper that will toss a treat from a distance. You can also tweak the distance of the treat tossing to suit your home setup.
Moreover, Petcube Bites 2 has Smart sound and motion alerts. It provides real notification on your phone to let you know if your dog is active, barking, or staring at the camera. This way, you can check your dog right when you need it the most.
The Petcube Bites 2 also has a built-in Alexa assistant, so you can ask the device hands-free to dispense a treat when you’re at home.
In addition, the Petcube Bites 2 is protected by a 12-month warranty against material defects. It also comes with a free downloadable smartphone application.
I also like how pet-proof this is since the treat container is enclosed. You can also mount this on the wall if you have a destructive pooch.
Ring Stick Up Camera with Night Vision
If you’re not looking for a treat dispenser, you can opt for the Ring Stick Up Camera with Night Vision. You can hear, see, and talk to your dog using this small camera. It has a Live View that allows you to check your home and dog in real-time.
This should be mounted on the wall to make the most out of its view angle. It uses a Power over Ethernet connection for an uninterrupted connection to your home.
Overall, this camera has a 150-degree view angle and an 85-degree vertical angle. Installation time will only take 15 minutes, and you won’t need a professional technician to start using the camera.
Aside from that, this camera allows you to set up privacy zones so that it will focus on more important areas. You can also enable and disable motion recording, audio, and alert if you want some peace and quiet.
This Ring Stick Up camera works well with Alexa for hands-free use when you’re home with your dog. When you’re not home, you can use the two-way talk, night vision, motion notifications, and advanced motion detection to check your dog.
While it doesn’t have a bark alert, this camera is suitable for disciplined dogs. It also doubles as a chic security camera for your home.
Overall, I like how stable this camera is. The video and audio quality are also stellar, so I don’t have major complaints whatsoever. The mounting hardware is also more durable than the others I’ve seen in the market.
Motorola Connect 40 Video Monitor
The Motorola Connect 40 is a family monitor that also works well as a pet camera. It has multiple viewing options, and it also comes with a 5-inch display that you can bring to work. You can also download the Hubble app on your phone if you don’t want to carry around another device.
Moreover, this has two-way communication through its intercom monitor and app. You can talk to your dog using its high-sensitivity microphone.
This camera also offers around-the-clock monitoring for a non-stop video feed of your dog. Its camera is also equipped with infrared technology for brighter images and videos.
For mobile viewing, you can record and store the feed from the camera. You can also use recordings to soothe your dog experiencing separation anxiety. It’s also an excellent option if you also have an infant at home.
Aside from its excellent connectivity, this camera also has a room temperature monitoring feature. This comes in handy during summer and when your dog is susceptible to overheating.
The camera of the Motorola Connect 40 also pans and tilts. You will also enjoy a digital zoom to check on your dog even if it’s at a distance. You can also mount this on the wall if you have a destructive dog.
While this camera is designed for parents, the features are actually useful for furmoms and furdads alike.
Amazon Cloud Indoor Camera
Another compact dog camera you can get is the Amazon Cloud Indoor Cam. This works with Amazon Key so you can secure your home and watch over your dog at the same time. It also performs visual verification for your orders.
As for its quality, the Amazon Cloud Indoor Cam has a 1080p resolution so you can see your dog in full HD. You can also download and watch footage from the last 24 hours for free.
This camera has a 120-degree field of view angle and up to 30 fps. You will also receive a 10-feet cord in the package to plug the camera and start using it.
Moreover, this camera has activity alerts, which lets you know if someone is present in your home. And if you’re going to be away at night, the night vision function will let you monitor your dog just the same. It also has two-way audio that lets you call your dog’s attention if it’s being destructive or barking incessantly.
This camera comes with a 30-day free trial of the Cloud Cam. This will let you receive intelligent alerts, set up zones, and see video history for up to 30 days. You’re free to renew the subscription after its expiry date.
However, the only gripe I have over this camera is that only one account holder can see the footage at a given time. If your entire family wants to check the dog, they would have to take turns.
Zmodo Mini Wi-Fi Wireless Indoor Camera
If you’re not looking for a lot of features, the Zmodo Mini Wi-Fi Indoor Cam might be the right choice for you and your pet. It has a 720p HD camera that gives a crisp video feed straight from your home. It allows remote access, too, so you can check the video feed through the meShare mobile app.
Moreover, the Zmodo camera sends push notifications on mobile whenever it detects motion. You can also schedule the sound and motion notification for a specific period, so you will have peace and quiet when you’re at home.
In addition, this camera has a two-way microphone with a 115-degree wide-angle view. It also boasts AES-256-bit encryption with Transport Layer Security to ensure that all your footages and images are safe.
The Zmodo camera also works with the Echo products. You will also receive a power adapter, quick start guide, and installation hardware in the package. Overall, it will only take about 20 minutes to install and set up this camera in your home.
I also like how small this camera is because intruders will not know that there’s a security cam around. It’s also more affordable than other pet cameras I’ve tried before. If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy a decent dog cam, you should definitely try the Zmodo camera.
WOPET Smart Dog Camera with Treat Dispenser
For dog owners looking for an affordable pet camera with a treat dispenser, I highly recommend the one from WOPET. This is a smart dog camera with 1080p video quality. It also tosses treats to your dog using the WOPET app that you can use for free.
Aside from that, this camera has night vision so you can monitor your dog, even if you’re away for days. It also has a wide-angle field of view, so you only need to use one camera for a large part of your house.
For the WOPET Smart Dog Camera, you will also enjoy an intelligent system that provides high-quality throughout the day. You can use the two-way microphone to communicate with your dog. It’s helpful in stopping destructive behavior and excessive barking.
Moreover, you can record your voice so you can interact with your dog even if you can’t check the pooch personally. The camera of this device has an infrared LED light for crisp images, even in low light conditions.
As a treat dispenser, you should place this device on a stable surface. It’s also corded, so there should be a socket where you can plug it in.
The only thing I think can be improved here is the time it takes to dispense the treat. It takes five seconds to release the treat, which is quite long. Other than that, I really like this dog cam.
Iseebiz Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser
For dog owners on a budget, I highly recommend the Iseebiz Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser. This has a 720p resolution with a 165-degree wide-angle view. You can also stalk your dog at night, thanks to its infrared night vision function.
Moreover, this dog camera has a two-way microphone so you can speak to your dog and hear its bark. You only have to download the Iseebiz app to connect the camera and start using its features. You can review video feeds in the app, monitor your dog in real-time, toss treats, and take photos.
Another feature that I like about Iseebiz is multiple access. You and your family can check on your dog at the same time.
The bottom of this device has suction cups that keep the unit in place. This prevents your dog from toppling the camera or the dispensing function from moving the device. You can also mount this on the wall if you wish.
Take note that this pet camera only supports 2.4 GHz. Nonetheless, it works seamlessly, and the app can log up to eight user accounts simultaneously.
Overall, this dog camera works as advertised, and I couldn’t be happier for this price range. I just wish that the audio quality would be more realistic, so other dogs won’t be spooked when their owners try to talk to them.
How to choose a dog camera
Finding the best dog camera for home use can be challenging since there are a ton of options in the market. To help you out, I listed some important aspects to check before you put your money on any pet camera. Take note that pet cams can have a steep price tag, so it’s a must to ensure that the one you chose is well worth the splurge.
?Video quality
The very first thing you should check is how clear the video feed will be. This is dictated by the camera resolution, which can be 720p or 1080p on most dog cameras. A pet cam with 720p resolution is cheaper and useful enough for those on a budget.
On the other hand, 1080p cameras offer crisp and clear video feeds. Pet cameras with zoom feature use this resolution to ensure that you can identify the details of your house even from a distance.
?Night vision
Night vision is a very important feature of pet cameras. This lets you spy on your dog even if the lights are off during nighttime. It also allows you to use the dog camera as a security cam against intruders.
Most pet cameras in the market use infrared technology for clear black and white footage in low light conditions. This way, your pet cam remains functional, no matter what time of the day it is.
?View angle
The view angle of the camera refers to how much space the lens captures. It’s usually measured by degrees and can range from 100 to 165 degrees for most dog cameras in the market. A large installation room begs for a wide viewing angle to ensure that your home is fully covered. It also allows you to see your dog even if it’s not directly in front of the camera.
Some pet cams have the ability to pan and tilt, which compensates for the narrower view angle.
?Motion and bark detection
Pet cameras are often equipped with motion detectors to let you know if your dog is near or facing the camera. It will also alert you of a potential intruder in your home.
Another important feature you should look for is a bark detector. The pet cam will pick up repetitive bark sounds and send push notifications on the app on your phone. This will let you distract your dog by calling its name. This feature is also helpful in preventing destructive behavior or spotting an intruder.
?Audio quality and communication
Aside from the video quality, the pet camera should also have a decent audio quality. This will allow your dog to recognize your voice when you call it. As much as possible, the camera should deliver realistic voice quality to prevent scaring the dog away.
Since dog cams have two-way microphones, the incoming sound should also be clear on your end. This will help you observe your dog’s behavior and how it reacts.
?Connectivity and alerts
A dog camera is usually connected to a smartphone application where you can control its features. Take note that some pet cams require a specific subscription for you to enjoy an uninterrupted live feed and video storage. This varies, depending on the brand.
Moreover, the pet camera should send alerts to your mobile phone. This includes bark alerts, detected motion, Doggie Selfie alert, prolonged activity, and so on. Any sudden changes on any of this might be a sign for you to check your dog.
?Extra features
The extra features of the pet camera give more value to your purchase. One of the most common and preferred ‘extra’ is a treat dispenser. It allows you to toss a treat to your dog by using the app functionality.
Pet cameras that double as treat dispensers have a hopper inside that you can fill with your dog’s favorite snacks. Just make sure that the size of each piece fits on the dispenser hole. You should also mind the number of treats you give your dog, as this can lead to excess weight.
Another extra that you can consider is a toy. Some pet cameras have built-in laser toys that let you engage your dog in a short playtime. However, it may not work for dogs that are not naturally active and playful.
?Power
Dog cameras are widely electrically powered. Devices like this don’t do well on battery power sources since it requires a continuous and stable source of power. Otherwise, your monitoring for your dog may get cut-off when the unit runs out of juice.
You have to consider here the length of the cord and where you’re going to install the camera.
?Mounting options
Dog cameras can either be placed on a flat surface or mounted on the wall. Wall-mountable units must be bundled with mounting hardware, so you no longer have to purchase it separately.
Make sure that such a mounting option is stable and not going to cause the camera to fall off. This is a very important consideration, especially for cameras with treat tossers since those are heavier.
?Price and warranty
Last but not the least, consider how much you’re going to spend on a dog camera. This device is available in a wide range of prices and features. I suggest assessing your monitoring needs to ensure that the device will be functional.
For more expensive units, look for a decent warranty that will protect your purchase. I suggest investing your hard-earned money on a dog camera that will last for years. The eight options I reviewed above are just some of the top options you can consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are dog cameras safe?
A: In terms of cloud safety, pet cameras are a notorious hacker magnet. Many are still programmed with intensive encryption to prevent hackers from getting their hands on your video feed. You should also avoid sharing your account details so unauthorized persons won’t peek into your home. As for your dog, pet cameras are safe as long as it’s mounted on a safe spot.
Q: Do you need Wi-Fi for a pet camera?
A: Yes, most pet cameras nowadays use a Wi-Fi connection for the live video feed. A Wi-Fi connection will also let you enjoy the full set of features on the camera. This includes but is not limited to live video feed, dispensing treats, checking for intruders, and more. These features are only possible if you have a stable internet connection at home and on your mobile phone.
Q: Why is my dog scared of my pet camera?
A: Your dog is possibly new to the concept of someone talking even if no one is around. At first, your doggo may get spooked over this. But with proper training and rewards, your dog will associate the pet camera with something positive. You should also get a pet camera with high-quality audio, so your pooch will recognize your voice when you try to talk to it.
Q: How do I get my dog to look at the pet camera?
A: Dogs will soon learn that you can talk to them on the pet camera. Paired with some dispensed treats, your pooch will be staring at the camera in no time. Some dog cameras like Furbo even have a Doggie Selfie function that notifies you whenever your dog is staring at or very close to the camera. This may take a while and several training sessions.
Q: Do pet cameras help with separation anxiety?
A: A dog camera is probably one of the perfect tools in calming an anxious dog. It has a two-way microphone that allows you to talk to your dog. It will also let you hear if your dog is barking or crying. You can also get one with a treat dispenser to distract your dog from its anxious thoughts.
Final words
The best dog camera for home use will let you monitor your pet even if you’re at work. It’s a very useful device for busy dog owners who still want to keep tabs on their fur babies. Just make sure that it has the right features to match the price and your needs.
