Best Pet Camera: For Treats, Surveillance, Indoor, Outdoor, WiFi, Pawbo vs Furbo, & More
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| Home Security Crossover |
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| Large Dogs |
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One of the hardest parts of being a pet owner is being away from them. As much as you love your pets, you have times when you have to leave them at home alone. Thanks to modern-day technology, you can keep an eye on them even when you’re not home. Security cameras for pets are a great choice to keep you connected with your furry friends.
Article Overview
- Three Reasons To Get A Pet Security Camera
- Features To Consider
- Pet Security Camera Reviews
- Are There Pet-Friendly Security Systems?
3 Reasons To Get A Pet Security Camera
Maybe you just want a chance to watch what they’re doing while you’re away or to ensure their safety, you’re not alone! 56% of pet owners want to keep tabs on their pets when they’re away from home, according to a study by ABC News 10. But there is more to it than that. There are three great reasons to get a pet security camera:
- Keep you from worrying about your pet.
- Increase the interaction you have with your pet and aid you in training them.
- Reduce separation anxiety for both of you.
Features To Consider
Not all pet cameras are the same. If you take the time to familiarize yourself with these features, we’re confident you’ll find a camera that meets your needs.
- Camera specifications: camera resolution, night vision and viewing area capabilities.
- Additional home security features: It’s possible to use a camera that’s part of a home security system as a pet camera. These security systems can monitor your home inside and out in addition to allowing you to keep up with your furry friend while you’re away.
- Communication features: Features like two-way audio allow you to talk to your pet remotely and verbally correct undesirable behaviors.
- Interactive capabilities: Some pet cameras offer interactive features for your pet, including games you can play with your pet and treat-tossing capabilities.
- Picture and video sharing: Share photos and videos of your pets directly to social media.
- Price: Prices range from a one-time cost to recurring monthly payments for monitoring.
Best Pet Security Cameras
We chose our winners based on all the factors listed above. But first and foremost, we considered what pet owners want and need to get the best pet monitoring system. Here’s a list of the best security cameras for pets in these four categories:
Bet Pet Camera For Remote Interaction: Pawbo WiFi Interactive Camera + Treat Dispenser Review
The Pawbo WiFi Interactive Camera might be just what you’re looking for if you need an interactive pet camera that is less expensive than the integrated home security cameras we review below. Plus did we mention it comes with a treat dispenser? This camera will keep you connected to your pet, dispense treats and play with your pet when you’re not there with them.
The user-friendly app allows you to watch your pet remotely, but there is much more to it than that. Your pet will hear a special ringtone when you log into the app and turn on the camera. With the two-way audio, you can talk to your pet and even correct undesirable behavior. The treat dispenser helps with training as well by allowing you to dispense a treat as a reward for good behavior.
The light pointer feature is a really neat bonus that lets you have an interactive game with your pet without being in the room. You can control it from your phone or set it up to run automatically. This helps encourage physical activity and curbs boredom.
Pawbo offers some additional accessories like a cat teaser, activity tracker for dogs and a smart pet water fountain if you want to add those products to the mix. It also allows up to 8 users to interact with your pet at once. That’s a whole lot of love for your furry friend. All users can zoom up to four times the original image, take still photos, record video and share instantly on social media.
Keep in mind, the camera resolution is only 720p HD, the viewing angle is only 130° and there is no night vision. You’ll also want to consider that this is not a part of a home security system, and it only supports a 2.4 GHz wireless network.
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- Retail $199; Visit Chewy for discounts
Best WiFi Pet Camera: Furbo Review
If you’re looking for a great pet security camera with some fun interactive features, the Furbo dog camera is one to consider. In addition to being our choice for the best WiFi pet camera, Furbo puts itself in the running for the best dog camera because it’s specifically designed with dogs in mind. It has excellent camera specifications and works with easy-to-use mobile apps.
This camera has two-way audio and a treat dispenser to help you train your dog and comfort them while you’re away. It also has some unique features. The barking alert gives you real-time updates when it detects barking. And you can customize it so you’re not alerted for every little sound your dog makes.
The clicker training feature provides a click sound before dispensing treats that mimics positive reinforcement training. There’s also an indicator light that turns from yellow to blue (both colors your dog can see) when it goes from sleep mode to active so your dog knows when you’re available on the app. This allows your pet another opportunity for interaction and reduces separation anxiety. You can also record photos and videos to your mobile device to share with family and friends and through social media.
Even though Furbo does offer additional monitoring services, it’s not part of a home security system. Also, it doesn’t have any interactive games for your dog. And, since it was made specifically with dogs in mind, it might not be the best choice for cats.
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Monitoring
This product comes with a 90-day free trial of the Furbo Dog Nanny. This monitoring option includes 24-hour, event-based cloud recording, three smart alerts (a dog activity alert, a dog selfie alert and a person alert), a doggie diary and a new home emergency alert for carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. After the free trial expires you can extend it for $0.99 for 3 months, and then it’s $6.99/month or $69.00/year.
Best Crossover Home Security/Pet Camera: Frontpoint Review
Visit Frontpoint’s Website | 833-654-0225
If you’re looking for a home security system with cameras that you can use to monitor your pets while you’re away, Frontpoint is an excellent choice. This top-rated security system is a great option for monitoring your pets and keeping your entire home safe when you’re not there.
Frontpoint’s indoor and outdoor cameras provide total home security, are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and allow you to keep an eye on your furry friend and communicate with them via two-way audio. As a home security system, Frontpoint has an extensive selection of cameras and sensors that connect to the company’s two central monitoring stations.
Monitoring stations receive vital information about your home’s security when alarms trigger. Having two monitoring stations is important because if one station goes down for any reason, there’s backup assistance to keep your home safe.
A variety of equipment kit options are available to get you started, or you can build your own. Additional sensors and home automation options are also available for an extra fee. With easy-to-set-up DIY installation and excellent customer service, we think you’ll be pleased.
There are some things with Frontpoint that you’ll want to consider. The motion sensors will trigger for pets over 40 pounds so this might not be the right choice if you have larger pets. Its system also doesn’t offer a treat-dispensing option or interactive games.
Check out our Frontpoint camera reviews for more information on their indoor, outdoor and video doorbell cameras.
Personal Experience
Our team member Alex has experience using the Frontpoint cameras as pet cameras:
You can pretty much turn any camera into a pet cam, including night vision cameras. In my case I took a simple Frontpoint indoor camera and mounted it across from our dogs’ crates. The realtime video feed, which we could access easily in the app, gave us peace of mind when we weren’t home and wanted to check in on our fur babies.
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Below are the packages Frontpoint offers. You can also purchase additional sensors for an extra fee, which you’ll see listed next to the device. There is also a build-your-own option.
| Package Name | Safe Home Starter | Safe Home Everyday | Safe Home Select | Safe Home Preferred |
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| Price | $99.00 | $295.94 | $383.92 | $479.90 |
| Control Panel Hub ($249.98) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Keypad ($54.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Door/Window Sensor ($19.99) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Motion Sensor ($29.99) | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Glass Break Sensor ($44.99) | 1 | 1 | ||
| Smoke & Heat Sensor ($44.99) | 1 | 1 | ||
| Indoor Camera ($99.99) | 1 | |||
| Yard Sign ($3.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Window Decals 3-Pack ($3.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Door Stickers ($3.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Monitoring Plans
A monitoring plan is required through Frontpoint, and you must have the Ultimate plan if you have cameras.
| Interactive | Ultimate | |
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| Price Per Month | $44.99 | $49.99 |
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| Live Video Streaming | |
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| Video & Image History | |
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| Motion Triggered Alerts | |
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| Night Vision Enabled | |
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| Light Control | |
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| Smart Lock Control | |
Read Our Full Review Of Frontpoint
Best Pet Security Camera For Large Dogs: Vivint Review
If you’re a pet owner with a large dog and you want a whole-home security system, you’ll want to consider Vivint. What sets Vivint apart is that its motion sensors are adjustable for pets up to 80 pounds, which will keep your large dog from setting them off constantly.
With the viewing capabilities and two-way audio, you’ll be able to enjoy watching your pets and communicating with them too. Since Vivint is a home security system, it offers some extras you don’t get with just a dog camera for home monitoring.
Indoor and outdoor cameras provide you with a wide range of viewing options. Like Frontpoint, Vivint has two monitoring stations, so if one goes down, there is a backup. They also have a variety of home automation and sensor options.
Vivint requires professional installation, which can cost $49 to $199, and there is a 3-1/2 to 5-year contract. You can save on costs and have better contract options if you pay for the equipment upfront as opposed to paying for it monthly.
You’ll also need to consider that there’s no option for dispensing treats or interactive games. Another downside is that they don’t have a good customer service reputation.
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| SkyControl Starter Kit | Home Security System | Smart Home Control | Video Security | Smart Complete | |
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| Price Per Month (Total) | $10.00 ($599.99) | $11.83 ($709.98) | $17.50 ($1,049.95) | $23.00 ($1,379.95) | $29.83 ($1,789.92) |
| SkyControl Panel $399.99 each |
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| Door/Window Sensors $34.99 each |
4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Motion Detector $69.99 each |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Smoke Detector $69.99 each |
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| Garage Door Controller/Sensor $99.99 each |
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| Smart Door Lock $159.99 each |
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| Element Thermostat $169.99 each |
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| Doorbell Camera $249.99 each |
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| Ping Camera $199.99 each |
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| Outdoor Camera $299.99 each |
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| Recessed Door Sensor $34.99 each |
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| Tilt Sensor $34.99 each |
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| Glass Break Sensor $69.99 each |
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| CO Detector $69.99 each |
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| Temperature/Flood Sensor $69.99 each |
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| Key Fob $34.99 each |
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| Panic Pendant $34.99 each |
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| Smart Drive $249.99 each |
Monitoring
A monitoring plan is required through Vivint, and you must have the Smart Home Video plan if you have cameras. If you have more than 2 security cameras, you’ll have to pay an additional $5 per month for the camera monitoring (3 cameras = +$5/month, 4 cameras = +$10/month, etc.).
| Smart Security | Smart Home | Smart Home Video | |
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| Price Per Month | $29.99 | $39.99 | $44.99 |
| $49-$199 Installation Fee | |
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| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | |
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| Smart Home Integration | |
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| Live Video Feed | |
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| 14 Days Storage Of 30-Second Clips For Up To 2 Cameras | |
Read Our Full Review Of Vivint
Are There Pet-Friendly Home Security Systems?
With so many options for your home security pet camera, you have a lot to consider. Take the time to think about your specific needs and weigh all of your options to find the best fit for you.
If you’re leaning toward a home security system that has cameras to monitor your pet, read up on our picks for the best home security systems for pet owners. Our article includes everything you should consider in a security system if you have pets, including monitored smoke and CO detectors, home automation equipment, pet-friendly motion sensors and more.
