Many dog parents set up pet cameras to check in with their dogs when they’re not home. For some people, this helps put their mind at ease while for others, it could do more harm than good. So, are pet cameras worth it? It all depends on your preferences and lifestyle.
What is a Pet Camera?
A pet camera refers to any camera that watches your dog while you’re away, usually allowing you to view your pet remotely. Some simply show you what your dog is up to while others let you interact with them by talking or throwing treats. Some even record what’s going on so you can look back at the footage. There’s a wide range of dog cameras out there, all of which have different features.

Having a dog camera offers peace of mind for pet parents because it allows them to confirm that their dogs are okay in the house alone. A camera can also help verify that dog sitters and dog walkers stopped by to care for the dogs.

Are Pet Cameras Safe?
While pet cameras can improve your pet’s safety, they could pose security and privacy risks just like any other internet-connected device. It isn’t common, but pet cameras can be hacked. Hackers could possibly gain access to the videos, location data, and personal information stored in the camera.

Luckily, there are some easy ways to prevent hackers from getting into your pet camera. The best way is to set a strong password. The camera might come with a simple password, so it’s important to change it to something that can’t easily be guessed. Use a mixture of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Also, make sure the Wi-Fi that the camera is connected to is secure. Your home Wi-Fi should have a strong password of its own. Enabling network encryption and disabling remote access can also make your network secure. Make sure all the software and firmware on your dog camera is up to date for further security.

Are Pet Cameras Worth it?
For anyone who worries about their dog while they’re gone, indoor pet cameras are worth it. However, for some dog parents, it might pose more risks than benefits. For example, if you end up checking the camera obsessively or if you don’t take the extra steps to protect it from hackers, having one might do more harm than good.

Consider the pros and cons of pet cameras to assess whether they’re right for you. They’re worth it for some households but not others, so it all depends on your lifestyle.

Pros of Pet Cameras
The following are some benefits of pet cameras:

It gives you peace of mind by allowing you to check on your dogs when you’re not home.
You can know when your dog sitters and dog walkers stop by.
Seeing your dog when you’re away can be uplifting.
You can reassure your dog by using voice and treat-throwing features (depending on the camera).
It helps you learn more about your dog’s behavior when they’re alone.
It doubles as a security camera.
Cons of Pet Cameras
Here are some potential downsides to pet cameras:

There’s a risk that the camera could get hacked if you aren’t careful.
Some dog parents might check the camera obsessively, causing added stress instead of peace of mind.
Hearing your voice on the camera could stress some dogs out.
Some pet cameras are pricey.
Overall, a dog camera has more benefits than downsides for most dog parents. If you want to be able to check on your dog and you can afford a pet camera, it’s worth getting one just to try it out. If it ends up not working well for your furry friend, you don’t have to use it long-term. However, if you know it would cause stress for you or your pet, it may be best not to get one at all.

How to Choose the Best Pet Cameras for Dogs
If you’re interested in getting a pet camera for your dogs, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here are some tips to help to determine which one is best for your needs.

Decide Which Type of Pet Camera You Want
First, think about the type of pet camera that will best fit your needs. Some cameras are just cameras without any special features. Other camera types are interactive, such as some popular pet cameras, allowing you to talk to your dog or throw treats to them.

If you just want to check on your dog, a basic camera is fine. Yet, if you think your furry friend could benefit from you interacting with them while you’re gone, you might want to consider a model with more features.

Consider Which Features You Need
Every camera has different details. Do you need the camera to be linked to an app so you can easily view it remotely? Do you need high video quality? What about built-in storage or the ability to zoom in? Think about how important each aspect is to you when making your purchase.

For dog lovers that don’t care about advanced features, a simple camera might be a great choice. If you need it to do something specific, that’s when you should look at the product details closely before making a purchase.

Wired or Wireless?
Wireless dog cameras are nice because you can place them anywhere in your home and easily move them. However, they may have occasional issues with signal strength and video quality. The battery could also die when you’re not home. So, if you want a more consistent option, wired pet cameras are the way to go.

Stick to Your Budget
Pet cameras come in a wide range of prices. If you have a specific budget to stick to, keep that in mind during your search. Many pet cameras are affordable, but choosing a cheaper model could sacrifice some features and quality. Look for a camera that fits all your needs while still being a reasonable price.

Setting Up Pet Cameras for Dog Walkers and Sitters
Once you get a pet camera, you need to set it up. Many people set it up specifically so they can make sure their dog sitter or walker stopped by. Consider the following when setting up your new device.

Carefully Choose the Placement
The best place for an indoor pet camera is facing where your dog spends most of their time. If they have a favorite dog bed or if they sleep on the couch, have the camera face that spot. If you need a camera specifically to see when the dog sitter or walker stops by, consider having it near the door they enter to ensure the camera picks up them entering and leaving.

Test the Camera Before Leaving Your Dog
Make sure the pet camera works before looking at it remotely. Ensure the video quality is good, and make sure the camera is pointed toward the ideal area of your home. If it has advanced features like voice chat or treat-throwing, double check those as well. That way, you can feel confident about how to operate your pet camera before relying on it to check on your dog.

Disclose the Camera to Pet Sitters
A pet camera is a way to give you peace of mind when you leave your dog, not a way to spy on pet sitters and dog walkers. While you can use it to see when people come and go from your home, the camera shouldn’t be a secret. Always let your dog walkers and sitters know about the cameras in your home. While you’re not legally obligated to in all places, it’s still the courteous thing to do for the comfort and privacy of the person.

Decide if Pet Cameras are Worth it for Your Dog
The answer to “are pet cameras worth it?” varies based on who you ask. If you feel more comfortable being able to check on your dog while you’re away, a pet camera can be a great investment. If you’re worried that you’ll check it obsessively or if you’re concerned about the safety aspects, it might not be right for you.

Hiring a pet sitter or dog walker can put your mind at ease just like a camera can. By having someone stop by to check on your furry friend, you’ll get confirmation that they’re doing alright. Some pet parents like to have a pet sitter and a camera while others prefer one or the other. It’s up to you to decide what’s best for your dogs and your lifestyle.