Thinking Of Buying A Pet Cam?

A pet cam is a great way to keep tabs on your dog or cat when you’re away from home. Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying a pet cam. 

If you’re like most dog and cat parents, you don’t like leaving your animal companion home alone when you have to go out. What does your canine or feline friend get up to while you’re away? Is she safe and well? Pet cams are an increasingly popular way to keep an eye on our dogs and cats when we can’t be at home with them. This article takes a look at what to consider when buying a pet cam.

What is a pet cam?

A pet cam (camera) is a webcam that lets you monitor and interact with your dog or cat remotely when you’re not home. If you have a security camera in place, you already have a basic pet cam you can use to observe and speak to your cat or dog through a microphone and speaker. However, pet cams offer an array of animal-focused interactive features that are fun for both you and your companion, and give both of you peace of mind.

Tip: The keyword when it comes to pet cams is “interactive.”

Pet cams — fundamental to flagship features

Pet cams are available with a wide variety of animal-specific features, from fundamental to flagship. They can be round, square, or animal-shaped. Prices also range widely, from $40 to well over $400, along with the monthly subscription fees necessary to activate some features. So when considering a pet cam, start by weighing your wants, needs and budget. You can always jump in at entry level and upgrade when online or big box retailers throw down a sale.

Video features to consider

• High resolution lets you see images more clearly. Some pet cams have 720p or 1080p resolution, while others bump up to 2k quality.
• Night vision allows you to see in low light conditions. Some pet cams have fuzzy black and white night vision, while others offer good quality or super-sharp color night vision.
• Viewing angle allows you to see a larger area of a room. Most pet cams allow you to see part of a room, but an ideal model has a complete 360° view of the entire room.

Tip: Other important viewing features include the ability to swivel right and left, tilt up and down, and zoom in to peek in every nook and cranny. Is Bebe on the étagère? Yes, he is!

Fun features to factor in 

• Two-way audio with integrated speakers means you and your BFF (best furry friend!) can chitchat together. Some pet cams are also compatible with your smart speaker assistant.
• Treat dispenser — yes, please! Some pet cams give you the ability to dispense treats to your dog or cat via a button on your phone. This is usually pretty easy, but can be less reliable on some models. Some dog versions bark just before dispensing the treat, while the cat version chirps. Treat bins do need to be regularly washed. One caveat is that chowhound animals may try to eat the unit.
• Toys! Integrated cat toys such as feathers or lasers are features on some cat cams. Simply operate them from your phone and the feline fitness class begins. Some cameras even double as toys that your dog or cat can play with, although this may not the best idea for skittish or anxious animals.

Tip: Other fun and functional features include sound and motion alerts, extra video storage, and vet communication services. Some require monthly subscriptions.

Caveats and considerations when buying a pet cam

1. The first consideration is how your dog or cat will respond to the camera. Some animals may be anxious, while others might view it as a threat and attack it.
2. Think about where to situate the pet cam. Optimum camera placement is on the floor or a low shelf in the room where your dog or cat spends most of his time. For safety, especially if your animal is a chewer, you may opt for a wireless model instead of one with cables. Some cameras can be fixed in place, while others don’t have that option.
3. Because pet cams connect to your Wi-Fi to enable remote viewing and control through the company’s app, it’s important to place it cam near your W-Fi router for a strong signal.Tip: Before investing in a pet cam, practice with your dog or cat by having “video chats” with him on your phone, or gauge his reaction around a robot vacuum, if you have one.
4. Since pet cams are tech devices, security is always a concern. Some companies are more secure than others, but that doesn’t mean foolproof. To safeguard your personal data, look for companies that have built-in privacy encryption and use strong passwords for your pet cam account.

Buying a pet cam allows you and your dog or cat additional interactive time together, provides him with more physical activity (depending on the model you buy) – and best of all, gives you peace of mind when you have to leave him home alone.

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