Are pet cameras worth it?
By Samuel Adebayo
Pet cameras are webcams designed to allow you to check on your pets when you're not home. These cameras usually connect to your phone and sometimes have a microphone so you can give commands and interact with your pet.
Being a pet owner is a big deal because you literally control an animal's life. And it's perfectly normal to always want to know what happens in your pet's life. So, from playtime to naptime, pet cameras allow users to see what's happening in their pet's life when they are not home. This can be a dog camera, a cat camera, or even a bird camera, but they're all the same. It's best to stay on top of your pet's well-being.
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Benefits of pet cameras
There are several benefits to having an indoor pet camera to monitor your pets.
Peace of mind for pet owners
This is the biggest benefit of a pet monitor. With pets, anything can happen, especially when you're not at home. So, you always want to be on top of things even when you're not around. At any time of the day, you can check to know what your pet is up to. So, if there's any emergency, you can immediately help.
Monitoring pet behaviour
One of the biggest concerns for pet owners is that their pets can mistakenly harm themselves or even destroy property. With these home pet monitoring systems, you can always stay on top of things. You don't have to do much; just schedule check-ins on the camera to see how things are going. Sure, the pet camera itself doesn't prevent your pets from misbehaving, but at least now you can react quicker.
Training opportunities for pets
Some pet cameras come with a treat dispensing feature. This can be used to train your pets when you're not around by regulating their feeding at certain times and distracting them from certain harmful behaviours.
Communicating with your pet
Your pets definitely miss you when you're not around, just as you miss them, and this is the case mostly with dogs. So, a pet camera can really help with separation anxiety both for you and your pet. Additionally, some pet cameras come with microphone options that can be used to send commands to your pet.
Learn new facts about your pets
There's a lot you don't know about your pets, especially when you're not home. So, watching them when they don't know you are watching can be intriguing because you learn new stuff your pet likes doing. This can better help you understand them, thus, making a change in how you relate to them.
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Types of pet cameras
There are different pet cams available to all of us. But here are the three main ones.
Traditional pet cameras
These are the conventional pet cameras that don't have any special features, just used to monitor your pets. You can't communicate with the pet, and there's no treat dispensing option.
Treat dispensing pet cameras
These pet cameras have a special treat dispenser to give your furry companion much-needed nutrition when you're not around. These pet cameras can be specialized to dispense treats at specific times.
Interactive pet camera
These cameras come with a two-way audio system where you, as an owner, can talk to your pet. This way, you can give commands and make your pet feel like you're home with them and even train them when you're not around.
What to look for when buying a pet camera
Here are some features you should look at when buying a home pet camera.
- Motion detection: With this feature, you can easily tell where your pet is because the camera will follow your pet's movements. If your camera has a two-way audio feature, you can call them out.
- Remote viewing: With remote viewing on your mobile device, you are in control of the camera from anywhere in the world and can view your pets with no issue.
- Video quality: The video quality has to be good to be able to see your pet clearly. Ideally, go for a pet video camera with 1080p HDR video quality.
- Pan tilt zoom: No pet just sits in one place. So, find a camera that you can move to keep up with the pet. However, it's always better to find a camera that can do this automatically.
- Built-in storage: Always good to have a camera that doesn't always need to store data in the cloud but can store in the camera itself. This way, data recovery is easier.
- Wireless camera: This gives more mobility and freedom to your camera. So, you can move the camera as need be from room to room.
- Two-way audio: Always best to be able to communicate with your pet through the camera. So, you can talk to your pet so they can behave and so they can know you're still with them.
Are pet cameras worth it?
Owning a pet camera is not quite a necessity, but it's important, so you always know what's going on with your pet. However, at the end of the day, it boils down to your lifestyle and what type of pet you have. If you need to be aware of your dog’s behaviour at all times, pet cameras are important.
The drawbacks of owning a pet camera are the cost and the constant notification that may come from the remote viewing app. Also, some pets may just be too mobile for the camera to even be useful. So, when buying a camera, always consider all of this.
Conclusion
Pet cameras are just normal webcams specialized in following your pet around and monitoring the pet's behaviour. Additionally, having a pet camera can give you peace of mind because it allows you to communicate with your pet and learn new things about it.
There are several types of pet cameras available, but the traditional treat dispenser, and interactive pet cameras are the main types because of their significant features. Look out for features such as remote viewing, two-way audio, and wireless capabilities when buying a pet camera. The idea here is to find the features that fit your lifestyle needs.
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FAQS
Here are some frequently asked questions about pet cameras.
Should I get a pet camera or a security camera?
Technically speaking, both a pet camera and a security camera perform similar functions. The only difference is that a pet camera is specialized for your pets. So, if your reason is to protect your home, go for a security camera, but if your reason is for your pet, go for a pet camera.
Is a pet camera a good idea?
Yes, a pet camera is a good idea, especially when you want to ensure your pet is well taken care of at all times.
Is a pet camera necessary?
No, a pet camera isn't necessary, but it has many benefits for you and your furry companion. It gives you peace of mind.
Do pet cameras help with separation anxiety?
Yes, pet cameras help with separation anxiety. Some pet monitors come with a two-way audio system that you can use to talk to your pet. This gives them the feeling that you are nearby.
Are pet cameras always recording?
Yes, pet cameras are always recording, so far, it is on, and you made sure everything in the pet camera system is working.
Is a pet cam worth it?
At the end of the day, it depends on you and your pets, but there are many benefits to these cameras, such as allowing you to watch your pet from anywhere in the world or even talk to your pet remotely!