Skip to Content

6 Best Pet Cameras, Tested & Reviewed

Spy on your pets directly from your smartphone.

By , and
best pet cameras to check in on your furry friends
Amazon

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Do you ever wonder what your pet is up to while you’re at work or out running errands? Investing in a pet camera is one of the best ways to check up on your furry friends and make sure they’re safe (and not getting into any trouble!). Though you can use a home security camera to keep tabs on your pup, pet cameras are specifically designed to track animal motion and may come with features like the ability to toss treats to your pet or alert you of any barking. Whether you’re a dog or cat owner, the below pet cameras will give you some peace of mind when you’re not at home.

The test engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test all sorts of pet essentials, from dog GPS trackers to cat carriers and dog strollers. When selecting the best pet cameras for your home, our Media & Tech Lab pros reviewed more than two dozen cameras for their ease of set-up and use, video and audio quality, motion detection alerts and more. These are the best pet cameras of 2023 according to our testing notes and positive consumer reviews.

After our top picks, continue reading to learn more about whether a pet camera is worth it for you.

1
Best Overall Pet Camera

Eufy Pet Camera Pro N140

Pet Camera Pro N140
Credit: eufy

Pros

  • Sharp resolution
  • Rotating 360° view
  • Dispenses treats
  • Easy-to-use app

Cons

  • Pricey

While not the cheapest pet camera on this list, what we love about Eufy is that you don’t have to spend extra money on a subscription to access your video history — meaning you’ll ultimately save money in the long run since videos are stored locally. This model blew our pros away with its sharp, 2k full HD resolution during both day and night, as well as smart notifications that alert you whenever your pet moves or at the sound of every woof or meow. Though the camera is larger than we’d like, we love that it has a built-in treat dispenser so you can toss your pup a treat while you’re at the office. Even better is the camera’s 360° view that allows you to capture blind spots in your home — just rotate the camera to see what your pet is doing.

For those who are hoping to save a few bucks, you can also opt for Eufy’s Pet Camera D605, which has most of the same features except slightly lower resolution at 1080p. Whichever model you go with, our tech experts find the Eufy app extremely intuitive and seamless, and video history a breeze to access.

Resolution2k (2560 x 1440p)
Field of view360°
SubscriptionNo
Treat dispensingYes
Night visionYes
eufy 2k camera
Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

Camera view from the Eufy Pet Camera Pro N140

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
Best Value Pet Camera

Wyze Cam v3

Cam v3

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Can record 24/7 with a 32GB MicroSD card
  • Works indoors and outdoors

Cons

  • Not as feature-rich as other cameras

There's a reason the Wyze Cam v3 is one of our top baby monitors, and we find it to be an equally great option for pets. Aside from its excellent value, our testers appreciate the easy-to-use Wyze app that lets you view your video feed in real-time as well as speak to your pets from afar with two-way communication. We especially like that you don’t need a subscription if you don’t want one as you can record your pets 24/7 with the purchase of a 32GB MicroSD or larger.

This small camera blends right into your home and has 1080p resolution with color night vision to ensure details are captured. Unlike other pet cameras, it’s water resistant with an IP65 rating, which means that you can place one outside to monitor your pets as they play in the backyard. Our pros do note, however, that this camera doesn't pan or tilt so the view you see is what you'll get.

Resolution1080p
Field of view130°
SubscriptionYes
Treat dispensingNo
Night visionYes
3
Best Subscription Pet Camera

Petcube Bites 2 Lite

On Sale
Bites 2 Lite

Pros

  • Dispenses treats
  • Impressive digital zoom
  • Wide field of view

Cons

  • Subscription required to access video history
  • Noisy treat dispenser

The pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute are fans of Petcube’s sleek cameras and we like this model for dog owners because of its large (and dishwasher-safe) treat dispenser that can toss your food-motivated fur baby some snacks when you’re away from home. You’ll feel like you have eyes in the back of your head with clear 1080p resolution, a wide field of view and two-way audio for easy communication. Night vision makes it possible to check in on your pet even while it’s asleep, and 8x digital zoom lets really you get up close so you can make sure they’re staying out of trouble.

Our pros appreciate that you’ll get notifications sent straight to your phone when your pet moves or barks so you don’t have to stress over missing anything. One pet parent we spoke to particularly likes how easy to use the PetCube app is, and notes that it functions extremely well. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to subscribe to Petcube’s Care Bundle for around an additional $10 per month if you want to access video history along with other premium features. If you don’t think your pet needs a camera with treat-tossing capabilities, you can also opt for the more affordable Petcube cam or the Petcube Play 2, which feature a laser pointer that you can control from your phone to keep cats entertained.

Resolution1080p
Field of view 160°
Subscription Yes
Treat dispensingYes
Night visionYes
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
petcube testing in living room
Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

Camera view from the Petcube Bites 2 Lite

4
Best 360° Pet Camera

Eufy Indoor Cam E220

On Sale
Indoor Cam E220

Pros

  • 360° coverage
  • Great value
  • Compact design
  • Easy-to-use app

Cons

  • microSD card not included

This compact Eufy camera is a great choice for tight spaces and an optimal pick for pets that like to hide in all corners of your home. It features a wide-angle lens that pans 360° horizontally and 96° vertically, so you can locate your cat even when it climbs up on a high shelf or when your dog naps in the corner. Once the camera detects motion, like your pet running around, it automatically tracks their movement to keep them in view. It also lets you chat with your furry friends through a two-way audio feature so you can comfort them while you're out.

Testers found the 2k video quality impressive both day and night, with the picture remaining clear and detailed even when zooming in. "I love how you can rotate the camera up, down and side-to-side to capture the entire room and literally find where your pet is," one tester says. We also appreciate how the camera records any motion that occurs in easy-to-view clips that you can review later in the intuitive app. Plus, there are no monthly subscription fees, though you will have to purchase a microSD card separately if you want to use local storage.

Resolution2k
Field of view360° horizontal and 96° vertical
SubscriptionNo
Night visionYes
Treat dispensingNo
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
eufy camera in living room
Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

Camera view from the Eufy Indoor Cam E220

5
Best Pet Camera for Treat Dispensing

Furbo 360° Dog Camera

360° Dog Camera

Pros

  • Flinging treat dispenser
  • Two-way audio and barking alerts
  • 360° rotation

Cons

  • Some testers reported camera has a slight lag

There are plenty of reasons so many pet parents are willing to shell out the money to get a Furbo. Stylish, interactive and jam-packed with innovative features, like two-way audio, night vision, barking alerts and a flinging treat dispenser, this dog cam is one of the best on the market. Unlike its original design, the Furbo 360 lets you view the entire room with a 360° rotating camera.

Perfect for all pets, you'll love the sleek design with a wooden lid that goes with the decor in any room. Our Lab experts appreciate Furbo's high-quality images and 1080p HD video camera that allows you to check on your pet from anywhere, though some testers reported the camera has a slight lag. Plus, the pet parents we spoke to love the alerts that let you know when your pup is barking or if anything unusual is going on at home. Cat owners can also consider the Furbo 360° Cat Camera, which features treat tossing in addition to a feather wand toy that’ll keep your feline entertained for hours.

Resolution1080p
Field of view360° or 160° (diagonal)
SubscriptionYes
Night visionYes
Treat dispensingYes
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
furbo camera in living room
Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

Camera view from the Furbo 360° Dog Camera

6
Best Multipurpose Pet Camera

Google Nest Cam

Nest Cam

Pros

  • Great video quality
  • Integrate into Google Home ecoystems
  • Can differentiate between humans and animals
  • Sleek, compact design

Cons

  • Camera cannot pan or tilt

If you already use Google to power your smart home, opting for the Nest Cam to watch your pets will not only allow you to stay within the same ecosystem, but it can also monitor your home’s security by accessing live footage and up to 3 hours of video history in the Google Home app. For full 24/7 continuous video history, you can upgrade to a Nest Aware subscription for $8 per month. Although you can't rotate or tilt the camera to see the entire room, our pros were impressed with the sharp video quality, superior night vision and wide field of view.

In fact, this sophisticated surveillance camera was designed for household security and features built-in facial recognition technology and can even differentiate between humans and animals, making it the perfect choice for all of your monitoring needs. You'll get real-time notifications and alerts when there's unusual movement in your home. We also appreciate the two-way communication so you can say hi to your pets from the office.

Resolution1080p
Field of view135°
SubscriptionYes
Night visionYes
Treat dispensing No
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
google nest in living room
Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

Camera view from the Google Nest Cam

How we test pet cameras

linebreak

The Good Housekeeping Institute product analysts review pet products of all kinds, from the best dog car seats to the best cat trees and dog toys to help you pick out which ones are right for your family. Our Media and Tech Lab engineers and tech experts tested more than two dozen pet cameras, evaluating their video and audio quality, ease of set-up and use, field of view, motion detection accuracy and more. We also considered how well each pet camera’s app functioned, the accuracy of alerts and extra features like treat dispensing. We chose our favorite pet cameras based on our Lab tests, notes from pet parents and positive consumer reviews of top-performing brands.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
pet camera testing in living room
Olivia Lipski / Good Housekeeping Institute

What to look for when shopping for the best pet camera

double line break

With so many cameras on the market today, it is important to think about what your needs and budget are. Here are a few things to consider before purchasing your new pet camera:

✔️ Resolution: Our experts recommend pet cameras with at least 720p resolution, which is sufficient to see what’s happening in the room while you’re gone. If you prefer an even better picture with sharper details, a camera with 1080p will enable you to zoom in to see your pet’s face up close and personal. For premium video quality and clarity, you can also consider upgrading to 2k or 4k resolution – just keep in mind that this will drive up the price and may not be necessary for all pet owners. Night vision is another feature to consider if you'd like to be able to see your pet clearly during nighttime.

✔️ Field of view: The wider the field of view, the more you’ll be able to see in the room your pet is in. If your camera doesn’t pan or tilt to see other areas of the room (like 360° cameras that show you the entire area), we recommend choosing one with a large field of view — anywhere from 130° to 160° should suffice, though 180° is ideal.

✔️ Two-way communication: This feature provides owners with the ability to interact with their pets through two-way audio. This allows you to talk to your pets from wherever you are so that they can hear you, interact with you or feel soothed by hearing your voice.

✔️ Wi-Fi connection: Although a standard feature in most cameras, having a Wi-Fi connection allows you to observe your pet on your smartphone or computer from wherever you are. A Wi-Fi connection also means that you don't have to worry about extra wires or the placement of the camera.

✔️ Notification alerts: Look for a pet camera that sends motion and noise alerts directly to your smartphone when activity is detected if you want to know if your dog is barking, crying or if something is out of the ordinary. Some cameras will even take short videos of your pet and send them to you for a quick visual.

✔️ Treat dispenser: Whether you want to reward your pet for their good behavior from afar or just give them extra snacks throughout the day, a pet camera that dispenses treats can be a useful feature to have, especially on days when you’re running behind for dinner. All you have to do is fill up the dispenser with tasty treats and then toss them to your pet directly from the app.

✔️ Price: Pet cameras can get a bit pricey with added features like treat tossing or higher resolution, but there are plenty of wallet-friendly options. To keep costs even lower, consider a pet camera that doesn’t require a subscription to access video recording history.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Are pet cameras worth it?

linebreak

A pet camera is worth it for any pet owner who wants to ease some anxiety about leaving their pet home alone. These are some scenarios that might make investing in a pet camera especially useful for you:

  • You are a solo pet owner. If you have a busy lifestyle, work long hours or live alone, it may be reassuring to check in on your pet via a camera to make sure they’re OK. A camera can help you understand if something is wrong (i.e., tummy issues) or if it’s time to take your pet out on a walk. For added bonuses, some cameras give you the ability to dispense treats or talk to your pet so they’re not totally alone.
  • You have a dog with separation anxiety or an injury. There is nothing harder than saying goodbye to your pet each day and hearing them cry for you as you close the door. Some pets will suffer from separation anxiety while you are away, and checking in on them during the day may help ease their stress. If they have an injury, a camera can also help you keep an eye on them to make sure they’re safe.
  • You are a frequent traveler. Whether you travel for business or leisure, being able to check in on your pet and communicate with them can be comforting for both of you.
  • You have a puppy or kitten. New pet parents may be especially wary about leaving their pup alone for the first time and might want to consider a pet camera, which can help you gain confidence in your new furball and also adjust to the best routine for both of you.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

linebreak

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a pet parent needs. This guide was initially created by writer Ali Kessler and later updated by former Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain, who reviewed products for Good Housekeeping like cooling dog beds and dog food. She consulted Rachel Rothman, the Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, to better understand the best features to include in pet cameras. Rachel has over 15 years of experience putting her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about products.

This guide was most recently updated by product analyst Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from consumer electronics to home, outdoor, fitness and more for the Good Housekeeping Institute. A fellow dog owner, she’s used a variety of pet cameras in her NYC apartment to spy on her mischievous Shiba Inu while she’s away at work. She avidly recommends one for all pet parents and especially new pet owners.

Lettermark

Ali Kessler is a native New Yorker residing in the Sunshine State with expertise in hospitality, travel, the beauty industry, and electronics. She is a writer by nature, a graphic designer by study, a chef for fun, and a digital marketer by choice. Ali earned her Bachelor of Science in Advertising and English from the University of Florida. She then earned her graduate certificate from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale in Graphic Design and a Digital Marketing Degree from Full Sail University. Ali has touched on all aspects of marketing/advertising, from logo creation to traffic, copywriting, web design, content writing, and getting social. Advertising has always been her passion ever since she watched Angela Bower on Who’s the Boss. Ali spends her free time with her four-year-old son making forts and pillow ice cream shops.

Headshot of Jamie Spain

Jamie (she/her) is the former parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has also worked a BuzzFeed and People. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.

Headshot of Olivia Lipski
Olivia Lipski
Senior Reviews Writer & Analyst

Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.


Watch Next 
preview for Good Housekeeping US Section: Life
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below