Ever wonder what your furry friend is up to while you’re away? Do you picture them napping peacefully, or perhaps orchestrating a daring sock heist? That little voice of worry can creep in when you leave your beloved pet home alone. It’s tough leaving them, and you want to know they’re safe and happy.
Choosing the perfect pet monitor can feel like another chore. There are so many features: night vision, two-way audio, treat dispensers! It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder which one truly fits your needs and your pet’s personality. You want peace of mind without breaking the bank.
This post is here to clear up the confusion. We will break down the must-have features and compare different types of pet monitors. You’ll learn exactly what to look for so you can confidently choose the best gadget to keep an eye on your best friend.
Top Pet Monitor Recommendations
No. 1
TP-Link Tapo 1080P Indoor Security Camera for Baby Monitor, Dog Camera w/Motion Detection, 2-Way Audio Siren, Night Vision, Cloud & SD Card Storage, Works w/Alexa & Google Home (Tapo C100)
- 【Motion Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you'll know if its your pet playing around or if someone is actually there. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
- 【2-Way Audio w/ Built In Siren】Never truly leave home with the built-in 2-way audio. Use as a pet camera with phone app to comfort your pet from anywhere in the world. Keep your family safe with cameras for home security indoor by warding off intruders.
- 【Night Vision up to 30 Ft.】Never miss a thing that goes on, even at night thanks to the integrated IR system on this indoor camera which provides 30 feet of night vision.
- 【1080P FHD】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 1080P high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
- 【Works w/ Alexa & Google Home】Fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, use your simple voice command to view Tapo indoor security camera live stream on Echo Show or Google Chrome Cast with a screen. Easily get your home security footage up on a larger TV display.
No. 2
Kasa 1080p Indoor Pan/Tilt Wired Security Camera - Works as a Baby & Pet Monitor, Motion Detection & Tracking, 2-Way Audio, Night Vision, Subscription-Free Local Storage or Optional Cloud, EC70
- Live Stream from Anywhere with Pan/Tilt: Sharp and clear 1080p Full HD provides high quality video right in the palm of your hand. Camera is operated with the Tapo or Kasa App. 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi required.
- Real-Time Motion/Sound Detection: Get alerts on your smart phone whenever motion or sound is detected even at night (30ft). Enable patrol mode on your home security camera system, to make most use of cameras for home security as pet camera or nanny cam
- No Subscription Storage Option: EC70 mini camera continuously records and stores footage or video clips on a local MicroSD card up to 256 GB (sold separately), with no monthly fees. Or subscribe to Kasa Care Plan where you can view up to 30 days of video history and enjoy more advanced features.
- Smart Actions: As one of the most user-friendly security cameras, EC70 provides you a way to set your lights to turn on when your camera detects motion with Smart Actions, which allow you to create interactions between your camera and other Kasa devices
- For best performance: keep firmware updated by checking the Tapo or Kasa App.
No. 3
TP-Link Tapo Pan/Tilt Security Camera for Baby Monitor, Pet Camera w/Motion Detection, 1080P, 2-Way Audio, Night Vision, Cloud & SD Card Storage, Works with Alexa & Google Home (Tapo C200)
- Pan/Tilt - The 360° horizontal range and 114° vertical range allow you to keep an eye on a wider field of view.
- High-Definition Video - The C200 captures every detail in crystal-clear 1080p. See what’s happening 24/7 and make sure your kids and house are safe. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
- Advanced Night Vision - Sleep with peace of mind knowing that Tapo is keeping watch over your home and your little ones even at night. Advanced infrared night vision lets Tapo see in low light conditions up to 30 ft. away.
- Motion Detection and Notifications - Protect your family and home by stationing a camera near the entrance of your home, garage, or basement. Get notifications on your phone when your camera detects motion and trigger light and sound alarms to scare away unwanted visistors.
- Local Storage - Your recordings are stored locally on a Micro SD card to cut down on expenses like monthly fees for cloud storage. C200 supports up to 512 GB Micro SD cards. (Micro SD card not included)
No. 4
Tapo 2K Pan/Tilt Security Camera for Baby Monitor, Dog Camera w/Motion Detection, 2-Way Audio Siren, Night Vision, Cloud&SD Card Storage, Works w/Alexa & Google Assistant, 2-Pack (Tapo C210P2)
- 【2K High Definition】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 2K high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with.Controller Type:Amazon Alexa;Android;Google Assistant.Connectivity protocol:Wi-Fi.Power source type:Corded Electric, Power Adapter: 100–240 V. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you'll know if its your pet playing around or if someone is actually there.
- 【Works w/ Alexa & Google Assistant】Fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, use your simple voice command to view Tapo indoor security camera live stream on Echo Show or Google Chrome Cast with a screen. Streaming via Google limited to display on Chromecast & Nest devices only.
- 【2-Way Audio w/ Built In Siren】Never truly leave home with the built-in 2-way audio. Use as a pet camera with phone app to comfort your pet from anywhere in the world. Keep your family safe with cameras for home security indoor by warding off intruders.
No. 5
ARENTI 5G Indoor Security Camera, 4MP Pet Camera with Speaker for Dog/Cat, Baby Monitor with Phone App, Dual-Band WiFi, Auto Tracking, Super Night Vision, 2-Way Talk, Cloud & SD Card Storage(P2Q)
- 1 - 4MP Resolution & Dual WiFi Bands - Arenti pet camera provides 2.5K 4MP ultra clear live stream which allows you to monitor pets, babies or elderly. This WiFi camera works on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to provide stronger signal and faster WiFi connection.
- 2 - AI Human Motion/Sound Detection & Auto Tracking - By artificial intelligence algorithm, the security camera can distinguish between human and other objects and send you real-time motion/sound-triggered notifications. Featured motion sensor, Arenti dog camera will automatically rotate to capture the activities of your pets/babies.
- 3 - Enhanced Infrared Night Vision & Two-way Talk - With high-sensitivity CMOS image sensor, F2.0 large aperture and 8pcs 840nm infrared lights, Arenti home camera displays a sharper image in the night up to 32ft. Built-in microphone and speaker, you are able to talk to your family anywhere anytime through the indoor camera.
- 4 - Privacy Mode & Flexible Storage - Privacy Mode enabled, the live streaming and recording will be temporarily disabled. Insert a Micro SD card(up to 256G, not included) to the baby camera monitor and enable 24/7 continuous recording . Or use cloud storage to store photos and videos. Support NVR and Onvif, bank-level encryption technology and the highest protection of data to ensure the security of privacy.
- 5 - Web Browser Access & Multi-Viewing & Sharing - Arenti indoor security camera supports web browser access and adding multiple cameras on the app, displaying 4 live videos to keep up with everything in your home. Sharing the camera with your family up to 5 devices simultaneously and enjoy the convenience that this cat camera brings to you.
No. 6
eufy Security Indoor Camera E30, Latest Generation, 4K UHD Security Camera, Pet/Dog/Baby Camera with Phone app, Color Night Vision, Human/Pet Auto Tracking, 360° Coverage, Works with Homekit, White
- Next-Gen Smart Security (2024): Enjoy enhanced performance by upgrading your app to the latest version (Android 4.9.3_4359, iOS 4.9.35_1651) for a seamless user experience.
- 4K Ultra-Clear, 24/7 Recording: Capture every detail, day or night, with crystal-clear 4K recording. Stay connected with family and pets using the built-in two-way audio for real-time communication.
- 360° Panoramic View: Easily navigate your home’s view with new app features like Quick Focus Tap and Panoramic View, allowing you to instantly switch focus by tapping the desired area on your screen.
- AI-Powered Detection & Smart Auto Tracking: Harness the power of advanced on-device AI to distinguish humans, pets, audio cues, and crying sounds. The camera automatically tracks movement when a person or pet is detected, providing a complete view of their activity.
- Color Night Vision with Built-In Spotlight: The integrated spotlight allows seamless switching between color night vision and infrared night vision for crystal-clear nighttime surveillance. The spotlight also doubles as a deterrent.
No. 7
VTech VM819 Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio, 2.8” Screen Portable Baby Camera, Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Temperature Sensor and Lullabies, Secure Transmission No WiFi, Ideal for Baby/Elderly/Pet
- Best-in-class Battery Life and Range - With up to 19 hours of video streaming on a single charge, this system lets you monitor your baby throughout the night easily. During the day, this monitor system's dependable long operation range up to 1,000 feet, lets you go about your day and stays connected with your baby from another room or even from the yard.
- Privacy Guaranteed. No Wi-Fi or App Pairing - Trusted by US families for more than 3 decades, each VTech monitor is transmitted via secured internal 2.4GHz channel with FHSS technology, so you can rest assured that you're the only one who can hear and see your baby.
- 2.8" Display Seeing Your Baby in Full Sight Day and Night - The 2.8" display shows your adorable baby's body in full view - no movement is over-sighted. Need more detail? The camera zooms up to 2 times.
- Soothing Lullabies and 2-Way Talk - Gently lull your baby to sleep with 2 calming melodies and 2 sets of ambient sound. Besides, this system supports 2-way talk back, lets your baby to hear the sound of your voice no matter where you are.
- Auto-on Screen and Sound Indications - Understand that your rest is as important as your baby's, the monitor's screen can be turn off and the sound be muted to let you the silence needed and to save power. Be rest assured that while it is off, it is still monitoring the baby in the background. When it picks up any sound over your VOX settings, the screen will automatically turn back on. The 3-level sound indicator on the parent unit can let you visually alerted when baby is crying.
No. 8
Cinnado Security Camera Indoor-2K 360° WiFi Cameras for Home Security，Pet/Dog/Baby Camera with Phone app, 2-Way Audio, Night Vision, 24/7 SD Card Storage, Works with Alexa & Google Home (2.4Ghz)-D1
- Crystal 2K Resolution & 360° Monitoring: Cinnado indoor security camera provides super clear 2K FHD live stream which allows you to monitor your pets or babies in clear details. With pan and tilt functions, 360° Coverage on your phone to remotely control the indoor camera and monitor every corner of your home in real time. The pet camera is equipped with 4 940nm IR lights, you can clearly see your baby and pets every move even at night. *Wired indoor camera, not cordless/battery camera
- Smart Motion Detection & Push Notifications: This home security camera is equipped with Siren and motion sensor, whether you are at home or not, you can receive an instant alert message on your phone when motion is detected and scare off the uninvited guest by the alarm Siren. The indoor camera will automatically record 10s video clips and save on app when the motion is detected, so you will not miss any essential movements
- Smooth 2-Way Audio & Multiple Users: Cinnado cameras for home security indoor have a built-in microphone and speaker that allows you to talk to your family and pets through the App. Even if you are not at home, you can easily communicate with your children or pets through the camera. Camera for home also supports create multiple family accounts and share the camera with family and friends, with 2K clear image, enjoy the convenience that baby camera brings you
- Optional Cloud & 24/7 continuous Recording: This indoor security camera supports SD card storage and cloud storage. Continuous recording can be realized by installing an SD card(Up to 128GB of storage and SD card not included). You can also choose cloud storage to record important moments for you, which depending on your choices. All videos uploaded to the cloud are encrypted for your peace of mind. And the cameras for home security indoor offer you a 30-day trial of cloud storage
- Work with Alexa & Easy to Set Up: The indoor camera is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Pair the Cinnado wifi camera with Alexa or Google Assistant, then use a simple voice command to ask Alexa or Google Assistant to view your live camera feed. The security camera is also easy to set up, just follow the detailed instructions on the app. Make sure the pet camera is connected to Wifi within a 3 feet range. Please note that the 2K indoor camera only supports 2.4Ghz WiFi, not 5Ghz WiFi
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Pet Monitor
Bringing a pet monitor into your home is like getting a window into your furry friend’s world when you are away. These gadgets help you check in, keep them safe, and even play with them remotely. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one? This guide breaks down what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
The best pet monitors offer more than just a simple video feed. Think about what you need most.
Video Quality and Night Vision
- Resolution: Look for at least 1080p HD video. This means you see clear pictures of your pet, not blurry shapes.
- Night Vision: If you leave early or come home late, good infrared night vision is a must. It lets you see your pet even in total darkness.
Audio Capabilities
- Two-Way Audio: This is very important. It lets you talk to your pet and hear them bark or meow back. Hearing your pet can be very comforting.
- Sound Alerts: Some monitors alert your phone if they hear loud barking or unusual noises.
Interactive Features
- Treat Dispenser: Many modern monitors let you toss a treat remotely. This is a fun way to reward good behavior or distract a bored pet.
- Laser Pointers: Some models include a remote-controlled laser pointer to give active pets some exercise while you are gone.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long the monitor lasts and how safe it is for your pet.
Durability and Safety
- Sturdy Casing: Pets, especially curious cats or playful dogs, might bump the camera. Choose models made from strong, durable plastic.
- Cord Management: Wires are a danger. Look for designs that allow you to hide or secure the power cord well. Chewed cords pose a serious risk to your pet and the device.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few technical details greatly affect your daily experience.
Connection Strength
- Wi-Fi Reliability: A monitor is useless if the connection drops often. Check user reviews for comments on Wi-Fi stability. Strong connection means clear video.
- Field of View (FOV): This is how wide the camera sees. A wider angle (like 130 degrees or more) lets you monitor a larger area of the room.
Ease of Use
- App Interface: The companion app should be simple to navigate. You should be able to switch between live view, talk mode, and treat dispensing quickly. Poorly designed apps reduce the quality of the user experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you need the monitor. This helps narrow down your search.
Common Scenarios
- Anxiety Relief: If you worry about separation anxiety, two-way audio and treat tossing are your best friends. You can soothe your pet instantly.
- Security: If you have a mischievous pet, a wide FOV and motion alerts help you catch them *before* they knock over the trash can.
- Elderly or Sick Pets: For pets needing extra care, constant video monitoring ensures you notice immediately if they look uncomfortable or need help getting up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pet Monitors
Q: How do pet monitors connect to my home?
A: Most modern pet monitors connect using your home’s Wi-Fi network. You set them up using a smartphone app, and they stream video to your phone over the internet.
Q: Do I need a subscription to use a pet monitor?
A: Some basic features, like live viewing, are usually free. However, many brands charge a monthly fee for cloud storage of recorded clips or advanced features like detailed activity reports.
Q: Can I use a pet monitor if I am traveling far away?
A: Yes, as long as both your phone and the pet monitor have an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data), you can check in from anywhere in the world.
Q: Are pet monitors safe for my pet to be around?
A: Yes, they are generally safe. The main concern is the power cord. Always make sure the cord is secured tightly away from where your pet can chew it.
Q: What is the difference between a pet monitor and a regular baby monitor?
A: Pet monitors often have extra features important for animals, like treat dispensers or laser toys. Baby monitors focus more on environmental sensors like room temperature.
Q: How wide should the camera’s view be?
A: A wider field of view (FOV) is better. Try to find one with at least 120 degrees so you can see more of the room without having to physically move the camera.
Q: What if my Wi-Fi signal is weak?
A: If your Wi-Fi is weak in the area where you place the camera, the video quality will suffer, or the connection might cut out. Try moving the monitor closer to your router or using a Wi-Fi extender.
Q: Can I share access with my pet sitter?
A: Most apps allow you to share access with family members or trusted sitters. You invite them through the app, giving them permission to view the feed or use the features.
Q: Do I need two monitors if I have two pets in different rooms?
A: Yes, typically you need one dedicated monitor unit per room you wish to watch. Some advanced systems allow you to link multiple cameras to one app, though.
Q: How important is the app’s rating in the app store?
A: It is very important. A low-rated app usually means users struggle with bugs, connection issues, or confusing controls. Good ratings suggest a smooth user experience.