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5 Best Pet Cameras Backed by Pet Experts for Monitoring Your Pets

The Pet Institute Review Team
Written By The Pet Institute Review Team
Last updated: Jan 27, 2025, 04:19 AM
Affiliate Disclosure ↓

A pet camera lets you peek into your pets’ day-to-day lives, whether they’re lounging on the couch or, like mine, plotting their next toilet paper heist.

Three mischievous golden retrievers have torn through rolls of toilet paper, leaving a messy trail across a living room lounge, all caught on the pet camera while their owner is at work.

As pet owners, we all get that little pang of guilt when we leave the house, wondering if our pets are bored, anxious, or just getting into mischief

It’s a Monday morning. And you’re sitting in a meeting. Suddenly, you realize you forgot to fill your dog’s water bowl. With a pet camera, you can quickly check in to see if it’s still full. Most importantly, a camera gives you peace of mind, knowing that if something is wrong—like an unexpected mess or even a health concern—you’ll catch it early.

With the Furbo Pet Camera, you can have eyes on your pets from anywhere, right from your phone. With two-way audio, you can even talk to your pets and calm them down if they’re getting a bit too rowdy. We voted the Furbo best overall out of five best-selling pet cameras.

View all Contents
  • Choosing the Best Pet Camera: A User's Guide
      • 8 Tips for Leaving Your Pets Home Alone
    • My Top Picks
      • 1. Furbo Pet Camera
      • 2. Petcube Pet Camera
      • 8 Things You Need to Consider When Choosing a Pet Camera
    • Picking the Right Pet Camera Depends on Your Dog’s Needs (And Your Own)
  • Pet Camera FAQs
  • Your Pet’s Best Interest, Always
  • Contributors
  • Related Reads

Our Top Picks

  • Furbo Pet Camera: Best Overall (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this pet camera ↓
  • Petcube Pet Camera: Runner-Up (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this pet camera ↓
  • Blurams Pet Camera: Highest Quality (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this pet camera ↓
  • Netvue Pet Camera: Value for Money (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this pet camera ↓
  • Nooie Pet Camera: Most Stylish (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this pet camera ↓

5 Best Pet Cameras of 2025

Furbo Pet Camera

Best Overall
image
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If you’re looking for the ultimate pet camera designed specifically for dogs, the Furbo Pet Camera offers way more than just a way to watch your pet. With 75% of customers giving it five stars, it’s easy to see why it’s still the best pet camera on the market. Footage-wise, it has 1080p HD video and color night vision, so you’ll get a crystal-clear view of your dog, day or night. But it doesn’t just let you watch your pup from afar—it lets you interact with them, too. You can calm them with your voice through the two-way audio or toss them treats via the app. Here’s a closer look at the dog camera:

Subscribe & SAVE on Your Furbo + Furbo Dog Nanny!| Furbo Pet Camera

The reason we voted it best overall? What sets this camera apart is its Barking Sensor, which sends push notifications to your phone whenever your dog is barking. That way, you can check in and make sure everything’s okay. Another cool touch? The brand’s optional Dog Nanny subscription gives you even more insights, like video recordings, smart alerts, and a daily doggie diary that compiles your dog’s cutest moments. In wrapping up our best overall’s specs, I’ll leave you with one last thought… the Furbo camera has saved OVER 38,000 dog lives by alerting owners to emergencies in real-time. Now that’s something to think about!

What Pet Parents Love Most
  • 75% of customers give it a 5-star rating
  • Toss treats to your dog when you’re stuck at work
  • Talk to your pup anytime and help ease their anxiety
  • Crystal-clear video, even when it’s dark, so you don’t miss a thing
  • Get notified if your dog’s barking too much while you’re out
  • See the whole room with the wide-angle camera
What to Note
  • You can choose between the non-rotating camera and the 360° camera

Petcube Pet Camera

Runner-Up
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Our runner-up stands out for one main reason: its price. If you’re looking for budget-friendly monitoring, the Petcube Pet Camera is an excellent choice. At just $31.99 (as of this writing), it offers some great features, making it ideal for pet parents who just want to keep an eye on their fur babies without breaking the bank. Let’s take a closer look at the camera:

Introducing Petcube Cam - All-new Affordable Pet Camera With a Built-in Vet Chat

While it doesn’t toss treats like the best overall, the runner-up still delivers 1080p HD video quality and night vision, so you can see what your pets are up to at any time, day or night. You also get two-way audio to chat with your pet and calm them down when needed, plus the AI-powered motion and sound alerts give you peace of mind by sending notifications straight to your phone when your pet or a human is detected. If you upgrade to their subscription service, you’ll unlock video history and more advanced features like 90-day video storage. For the price, you’re getting a quality pet camera that covers all the basics and then some. The setup is super quick too—just download the app, plug in the camera, and you’re good to go in minutes.

What Pet Parents Love Most
  • 4.3-star rating—500+ sold this month
  • Affordable for basic pet monitoring needs
  • Two-way audio lets you talk to your pets
  • Motion and sound alerts sent straight to your phone
  • Works with Alexa for hands-free control
  • Offers optional video history with subscription service
What to Note
  • No treat-tossing feature

Blurams Pet Camera

Highest Quality
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What really makes our third camera stand out? The Blurams Pet Camera offers 360-degree motion tracking. Unlike the best overall and the runner-up, it follows your pet around the room, even if your dog is running laps while you’re at work. Another win? You get 2K video quality that’s crisp, even in low light with its infrared night vision. Like the first two cameras, this one sends you instant alerts if it picks up any motion or weird sounds. So, if your dog is making a racket, you’ll know right away.

Moreover, the camera works with Alexa and Google Assistant, meaning you can just ask your smart device to show you what’s happening. There’s also two-way audio, so you can talk to your dog (or scold them if they’ve tipped over the trash again). While it doesn’t have a treat-tossing feature like Furbo, it still lets you stay connected. At under $30, it’s a steal. You even get 24 hours of free cloud storage—no subscription needed—and the option to use a memory card for local storage. 

What Pet Parents Love Most
  • 3,000 sold this month
  • Tracks your pet with 360-degree motion detection
  • Crystal clear 2K video, even at night
  • Instant alerts for motion or strange sounds
  • View up to 4 cameras at once on the app
  • 24 hours of free cloud storage, no subscription needed
What to Note
  • Cloud storage beyond 24 hours requires a subscription

Netvue Pet Camera

Value for Money
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Yes, you can talk to your dog, get alerts from Alexa, and check on them at night with the NETVUE Pet Camera. It’s got all the essentials—1080p live stream, two-way audio, night vision, and motion detection. But what sets this camera apart is its customizable motion detection zones and 360° panoramic view. The AI technology can distinguish human movement from other motion, so you don’t get notified every time your pet moves. Plus, it offers both local and cloud storage options, with up to 30 days of cloud storage available via AWS.

If you’re after a panoramic view, this camera’s pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) function gives you full control of the view from your phone. Audio-wise, with an advanced microphone and anti-noise filter, your interactions with your pet will sound crystal clear.

What Pet Parents Love Most
  • 65% of customers give it a 5-star rating
  • Customize motion zones, no more unnecessary notifications
  • 360° panoramic view gives a full look at home
  • Two-way audio is clear and easy to use
  • Recognizes human movement, not just your pet’s
What to Note
  • Night vision isn’t the sharpest, but it works for basic monitoring

Nooie Pet Camera

Most Stylish
image
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Rounding out our list is the Nooie Pet Camera, but don’t let its position fool you—it packs a punch with its impressive 360° motion tracking and real-time motion and sound alerts. If you’re looking for a pet camera that tracks every move and sends instant notifications, this one is definitely worth considering. Over 1,000 have been sold this month alone, so it’s clear pet parents trust it!

Like most pet cams, you can talk to your pet, monitor through the app, and see them clearly with 1080p HD video—even in the dark, thanks to 32 feet of night vision. What sets Nooie apart is its stylish design and motion tracking that automatically follows your pet’s movements, making sure you never miss a thing. Plus, with secure data storage options and easy multi-sharing, it’s a solid pick for pet parents who want reliable monitoring.

What Pet Parents Love Most
  • 1,000 sold this month
  • 360° motion tracking follows pets around the room
  • Real-time alerts for both motion and sound
  • Stylish design that blends with home decor
  • Night vision up to 32 feet for clear views in the dark
  • Multiple users can monitor with the app’s sharing feature
What to Note
  • Doubles as a baby monitor

Choosing the Best Pet Camera: A User's Guide

8 Tips for Leaving Your Pets Home Alone

  1. Turn on the Tunes. Set up a playlist of calming music or even dog-friendly podcasts. Yep, that’s a thing!
  2. Treat Treasure Hunt. Before you leave, hide a few of their favorite treats or tasty chews around the house. It’ll turn their day into a mini adventure, and they’ll love sniffing them out!
  3. Interactive Toys Are a Must. Give your pet toys that keep them busy, like puzzle feeders or squeaky toys.
  4. Give Them a Window View. Set up a comfy spot by a window where they can lounge and watch the world go by. Think of it like their own reality TV show, starring squirrels and delivery trucks.
  5. Leave Them a Piece of You. If your pet gets a little clingy, leave an old t-shirt that smells like you. It’s like having a comforting “you” nearby while you’re out.
  6. Use a Pet Camera. With the Furbo or Petcube, you can check in on your furball anytime. Bonus: Toss a treat or chat with them mid-day to say, “Hey, I didn’t forget about you!”
  7. Create a Cozy Den. Set up a safe, comfy area with their favorite blanket, bed, or crate. It’s their little fortress of solitude where they can nap and feel secure.
  8. Make Goodbye Short and Sweet. Don’t make a huge deal about leaving. Keep your goodbye calm and casual—save the dramatic farewell scene for when you come back!

My Top Picks

1. Furbo Pet Camera

Best Overall Pet Camera for Peace of Mind and Interactive Play

Image courtesy of Furbo

Why Choose It?

  • Specifically designed to help manage dog separation anxiety
  • Toss treats remotely to keep your dog entertained
  • Barking alerts notify you when your dog needs attention
  • Daily highlight reel shows your dog’s cutest moments
  • Clear night vision for monitoring even in the dark
  • Quick and easy setup, perfect for non-tech-savvy pet parents
  • Trusted by vets and trainers for your dog’s well-being

2. Petcube Pet Camera

Best Pet Camera for Budget-Friendly Home Monitoring

Image courtesy of Petcube

Why Choose It?

  • Affordable option for pet monitoring and home security
  • 1080p HD video and night vision for clear viewing
  • Two-way audio to chat with pets or family
  • Smart alerts for sound and motion detection
  • Wide-angle view covers a lot of space
  • Great value for the price

8 Things You Need to Consider When Choosing a Pet Camera

If you’re anything like me, leaving your dog alone at home can feel a bit like leaving a toddler in charge of the house. Will they be okay? Will they behave? Or are they about to chew your couch?

But before you pick just any camera, there are a few things you need to consider.

1. Treat Tossing Capability

Who doesn’t love a gadget that can toss treats to their dog while they’re out? The Furbo Pet Camera, our best overall, has this covered. Not only can you watch your dog, but you can also toss a treat at them right from your phone. It’s a fun game for both of you, and it can even help alleviate separation anxiety by rewarding them for good behavior. If your dog’s anything like mine, they’ll quickly figure out that when the camera makes a sound, treats follow. Genius.

2. Two-Way Audio

With two-way audio, you can talk to your dog, and they can “talk” back—well, bark back. This feature is perfect if your pup tends to bark when left alone or just needs to hear your voice to settle down.

Fun Fact: Did you know that dogs can recognize their owners’ voices through devices like cameras and phones? Studies show that they can differentiate between your voice and a stranger’s voice, so having that two-way audio is like bringing a piece of you home, even when you’re miles away.

3. Video Quality

Wouldn’t you want to catch your pet in crystal-clear action? Whether they’re napping like an angel or chewing a toilet roll, having 1080p HD video like the Furbo Pet Camera offers means you’ll see everything in high resolution.

4. Night Vision

Dogs tend to get into mischief when the lights go out—mine sure does! So, having night vision is important. Both the Furbo Pet Camera and the Petcube Pet Camera offer this feature.

Fun Fact: Dogs actually see better in the dark than we do, thanks to their superior night vision. But let’s face it, we don’t share that ability, so night vision on your pet cam is important.

5. Smart Alerts & Bark Detection

Is your dog the neighborhood’s self-appointed watchdog? If your dog barks at everything that moves, or worse, nothing at all, having a pet camera with bark detection can save your sanity. The Furbo Pet Camera sends you an alert whenever it hears barking, so you can check in to see what’s going on. If it’s just your dog barking at the wind again, you can talk to them and calm them down without leaving work.

6. App Compatibility and Ease of Use

You want a pet camera that’s easy to set up and control through your phone. The Furbo Pet Camera wins points here for its simplicity and ease of use. Even if you’re juggling work calls and errands, you’ll still be able to quickly check in on your pet and talk to them.

7. Subscription Services

Some cameras offer additional features if you subscribe to their service. This includes things like cloud storage for video clips, smart alerts, and even a “Doggie Diary” that sums up your dog’s day in a 60-second highlight reel.

8. Pet Safety

Finally, safety is everything when choosing a pet camera. You want to make sure it’s built well and can’t be easily knocked over by an excited dog. The Furbo is designed to sit sturdily on a surface out of reach, while the Petcube Pet Camera can be mounted if you’re worried about your dog accidentally knocking it over during a zoomie session.

Fun Fact: According to studies, many dogs spend the majority of the day alone napping, but having a camera to watch them gives us, the pet parents, much-needed peace of mind. That’s worth it in itself!

Picking the Right Pet Camera Depends on Your Dog’s Needs (And Your Own)

If you want all the features—treat tossing, barking alerts, and premium video—the Furbo Pet Camera is unbeatable. But if you’re looking for an affordable option with all the basics, the Petcube Pet Camera is a solid contender that’ll still give you that much-needed connection to your pet while you’re away.

Either way, with a good pet camera, you’ll finally have proof that your dog really does sleep 90% of the time you’re gone… or that they’ve been secretly raiding your fridge while you’re at work.

Pet Camera FAQs

Do pet cameras record all the time or only when there's movement?

Most pet cameras, like the Furbo and Petcube, are motion-activated. This means they only record when they detect movement or sound, so you won't have hours of empty footage. Some models also offer continuous recording options, depending on your needs.

How do pet cameras help with separation anxiety?

Pet cameras with two-way audio, like the Furbo, allow you to talk to your pet when you’re away. This helps calm them down, easing separation anxiety. Interactive features like treat-tossing add an extra layer of fun and connection, even when you’re not home.

Can I use a pet camera without Wi-Fi?

Most pet cameras need Wi-Fi for live streaming and notifications. However, some might allow local recording via SD card. Wi-Fi is crucial for real-time monitoring and alerts, so make sure your camera is in a strong signal area.

Do pet cameras work with Alexa or other smart devices?

Yes! Cameras like the Furbo are Alexa-compatible. You can ask Alexa to show you the camera feed or toss a treat to your dog, making it even easier to interact with your pet remotely.

How does the Petcube Pet Camera stack up against the Furbo?

The Petcube is more budget-friendly but lacks the treat-tossing feature that Furbo offers. Both cameras provide two-way audio and night vision, but Furbo has a wider angle and barking alerts, which are great for dogs specifically. Petcube's AI-powered alerts are great for detecting both pets and humans, adding some extra home security.

Which pet camera is the most budget-friendly?

The Petcube cam is the most budget-friendly, priced at around $30. Despite the lower price, it offers 1080p HD video, two-way audio, and night vision, making it a solid choice for pet owners on a budget. However, it doesn’t have the treat-tossing feature like the Furbo Pet Camera.

Your Pet’s Best Interest, Always

At Pet Institute, we take pet care seriously. We're dedicated to transparency, impartiality, and the well-being of your pets in every article, review, and recommendation we provide. Our unwavering commitment to these principles ensures that you, our valued reader, always receive reliable and unbiased information. Let us be your trusted guide in the world of pet care and companionship.

Contributors

The Pet Institute Review Team
The Pet Institute Review Team
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