Many of us want to know what our pets are doing when we are not home. The best pet camera helps us stay connected, whether we are at work or running errands. These cameras let us check in with our cats, dogs, or other animals through live video on our phones.
A good pet camera does more than just show us what our pets are up to. Many models let us talk to our animals, send them treats, or even play a game with them. This can help reduce our pets’ anxiety and keep them calm when we are away.
When choosing the best pet camera, it is important to look at video quality, two-way audio, treat-dispensing features, and how easy the app is to use. Some cameras also have night vision and motion alerts to help us feel confident that our pets are safe. We spent many hours researching leading models and testing a range of features to find the best pet cameras for most people.
Best Pet Cameras
We have reviewed the top pet cameras to help you keep an eye on your pets when you are not home. Our list includes options with useful features like two-way audio and treat dispensers.
Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera, 1080p HD Dog-Camera,2.4GHz with Night Vision,Motion Detection for Baby and Pet Monitor, Cloud & SD Card Storage, Works with Alexa& Google Home (EC70), White
If we want a reliable pet camera that gives us a good view of our home and is easy to use, the Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Camera is a strong option.
Pros
- Smooth pan and tilt make it easy to follow pets around the room
- Night vision works surprisingly well for checking in after dark
- Simple setup; we were watching live video within minutes
Cons
- MicroSD card for storage is not included
- Some useful features require a paid subscription
- Camera body is slightly bulkier than we expected
Using the Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Camera, we appreciated how quickly we could set up the device and get connected to our phones. The pan and tilt function lets us move the camera view around so we never miss seeing what our dogs are doing, even if they wander out of frame. Clear 1080p footage and decent audio help us keep tabs on things, whether it’s playtime or a quick check-in while we’re away.
We found the night vision feature handy for late evenings. Even in low light, the camera allowed us to see our pets clearly up to about 30 feet away. Real-time motion alerts are accurate and helpful if there’s unusual activity, so we don’t have to watch the feed all day.
One thing to know is that the local storage option requires buying a MicroSD card separately, which is a bit inconvenient. Some extra features, like advanced cloud storage or longer video history, also come with a monthly fee. Despite these small drawbacks, we think the Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Pet Camera balances performance and usability well for most pet owners.
Blink Mini 2 (Newest Model) — Home Security & Pet Camera(s) with HD video, color night view, motion detection, two-way audio, and built-in spotlight — 1 camera (White)
Anyone searching for a reliable, no-fuss pet camera should consider the Blink Mini 2 because it’s easy to use and offers solid performance at a low price.
Pros
- Simple to set up and start using right away
- Good picture quality with wide-angle coverage
- Two-way audio feature lets us talk to our pets
Cons
- Some smart features need a paid subscription
- Not designed to run on batteries
- Power and outdoor adapter sold separately
When we installed the Blink Mini 2, the process was quick and didn’t need any extra tools. The included mount worked well, so setting it on a shelf or attaching it to a wall was easy. The camera connects smoothly to Wi-Fi, and the app guides us step-by-step.
Watching our pets is simple. The 1080p video is clear, and the night view lets us see details, even when the lights are off. We also like how wide the view is—one camera covers a whole room. If our pets make a noise or we see them up to something, we can talk to them using the microphone and speaker built in.
While the base functions are strong, storing video clips longer or getting alerts about people requires a subscription. The camera also needs to be plugged in all the time, so it’s not ideal if we want to put it away from an outlet or outside without the optional adapter. For those looking for everyday pet monitoring indoors, the Blink Mini 2 does the job well.
2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera, WiFi Indoor Camera for Home Security with AI Motion Detection, Baby/Pet Camera with Phone App, Color Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, 24/7, Siren, TF/Cloud Storage
Anyone wanting a dependable pet camera with sharp video and flexible controls should consider this model.
Pros
- Easy setup and straightforward phone controls
- Crisp 2K video quality and reliable night vision
- Motion alerts and two-way talk work well
Cons
- Requires a power outlet; not battery-powered
- Extra features cost more after free trial
- Sometimes motion alerts pick up movements we do not care about
Using this Cloarks camera, we could check in on our pets night or day without any confusion or hassle. The 2K video quality made it easy to spot if our dog was chewing the wrong thing or just relaxing on the couch. Pan and tilt functions let us cover almost the whole room with a swipe on our phones.
Setting up the camera did not take long. We connected it to Wi-Fi with the app and got instant access to live video and recorded clips. Clear night vision helped us see everything even with the lights out.
Getting alerted about movement was helpful. Sometimes it picked up things like shadows, but most of the time it told us exactly when our pets moved around. The two-way audio made it easy to talk to our pets or check in with someone at home when needed. The price is fair for what the camera delivers, but keep in mind some features require a paid subscription after the first month.
Buying Guide
When we look for the best pet camera, it’s important to focus on features that fit our needs. Not every camera is the same, so making a list of what we want can help.
Key Features to Consider:
- Video Quality: Higher resolution lets us see our pets more clearly.
- Two-Way Audio: This helps us talk to and hear our pets.
- Motion Alerts: We get notified when our pet moves.
- Night Vision: Good for checking on pets at night.
- Treat Dispenser: Some cameras offer this for extra fun.
- App Compatibility: Easy access from our phone or device.
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | Clear view of pets |
| Two-Way Audio | Talk and listen to pets |
| Motion Alerts | Stay updated on pet activity |
| Night Vision | See pets in low light |
| Treat Dispenser | Interact and reward pets |
| App Compatibility | Control camera easily |
We should also think about where we want to place the camera. Some fit better on shelves or tables, while others can be mounted on walls.
Checking how easy the camera is to set up and use is also key. A simple app and clear instructions save us time and trouble.
It’s smart to consider the storage options, too. Some cameras use cloud storage, and others have SD cards. We need to pick what works for us.
Price matters. More features often cost more, so setting a budget can help us narrow our choices.
