Pet Cameras
Pet cameras are a useful tool to help you keep an eye on your dog or cat while you are away. In addition to monitoring your pet, most of these cameras allow for two-way communication so that you can talk to your pet and listen to their responses. Many of the cameras also allow you to dispense treats and some come with an app controlled laser pointer.
The three most popular pet cameras on the market are the Furbo, Petcube and Petzi. The cam with the most features is Petchatz. These devices were all designed specifically for monitoring pets.
The Scout 66 from Motorola and the China-based Tenvis are both standard home camera systems that are marketed to pet owners. While lacking many of the features of the cameras designed specifically for dogs and cats (no laser pointers or treat dispensers), they are substantially cheaper than the true pet cams.
| Name | 2 way communication | treat dispenser | laser pointer | other features |
| Petcube | yes | yes for Bites model; no for Play model | yes | can send motion alerts |
| Petzi | yes | yes | no | |
| Furbo | yes | yes | no | sends an alert when your dog is barking |
| Petchatz | yes | yes | no | -can emit a comforting scent -optional pet call/game play |
| Pawbo | yes | yes | yes | plus version comes with app controlled cat toy |
| Scout 66 | yes | no | no | |
| Tenvis | yes | no | no | not designed specifically for pets |
| Mate | yes | no | yes | currently only shipping in New Zealand |
| Petkix | yes | yes | yes | shipping soon |
| VAVA mobile pet cam | yes | yes | no | successfully funded on Indiegogo, currently in production stage |
| Lovoom | yes | yes | no | |
| Tooge | yes | no | no | Doesn’t appear to be made specifically for pets, but it is marketed as a pet camera |
| Skymee | yes | yes | no |
Petcube
Petcube sells two pet monitors: Play and Bites. Play is a compact 3 inch by 3 inch cube that streams 1080p HD video of your pet to an app on your phone. Features include: 2 way audio to talk to and hear your pets, sound and motion alerts, zoom and night vision. Big bonus is the ability to play with your pet using a built in laser toy that you control from your phone. Price: $159.00
Bites is a slighter larger pet camera that allows you to fling treats to your pet. However, it does not have the laser toy. Price $209.00
Both Play & Bites come with a one year warranty and a 45 day money back guarantee.
Petzi
Petzi is similar to the Petcube Bite cam, in that it allows you to dispense treats to your pet. Petzi is designed to be mounted to a wall. Features include: 2 way audio to talk to and hear your pets, wide angle view with night vision, app for your phone. Price: $169 (refurbished models available for $129)
Furbo
The Furbo also allows you to dispense treats to your pet. However, unlike the Petzi, the Furbo does not need to be mounted to a wall. Features include: 2 way audio to talk to and hear your pets, alerts when your dog is barking, app for your phone. Price: $199
Petchatz
In addition to allowing you to dispense treats to your pet, Petchatz can provide a comforting scent to your pet. Petchatz also allows your pet to play games, stream DogTV, and even call you. Features also include: 2 way audio to talk to and hear your pets, alerts when your dog is barking, app for your phone. Price: $379 for basic ($299 for refurbished unit) plus additional charges for optional features
Pawbo
The Acer-owned Pawbo offers two versions of their pet cam: one with a treat dispenser and laser pointer and the second with an additional cat toy that you can control from your smart phone. Features also include: 2 way audio to talk to and hear your pets, wide angle lens, app for your phone. Price: $199 for basic, $229 for plus
Scout 66
Motorola’s pet cam appears to be a regular home monitor system re-branded for pets. While there is no treat dispenser or pet toy feature, it does include two way communication and infrared night vision. Price: $69
Tenvis
Although not designed specifically for pets, the Tenvis is a cheap smart cam that allows you to view your pet (or anything else) remotely via your smart phone. Features include night vision and 2-way audio.
Price: $39
Mate
The Mate is a sleek aluminum alloy pet cam with a laser pointer. Features include night vision, HD camera, 2-way voice and video panning. Currently only available in New Zealand. Price: $339 NZD ($229 USD)