This Pet Camera Lets You Throw Your Pup a Treat When You're Away

We updated this article in November 2022 to replace the Pawbo Live Pet Cam which is currently out of stock. We added the Wyze Cam 3 as our pick for the Best Value Pet Camera.

If you have a fluffy little friend at home and you plan to ever leave them home alone, a pet camera may ease some of your anxiety. Whether you're going into the office and want to check up on your puppy that is used to having you at home or have an older cat that you want to just keep an eye on, pet cameras can help you watch what your pets are up to no matter the time.

Sure, you could use your wireless home security camera or a baby monitor if you've got them on hand, and most will do a lot of the same things that a designated pet camera can. But, a pet camera may also have additional features designed specifically around pet functionality like the ability to interact with your pet. Pet cameras can give you peace of mind knowing that nothing is going on in your house that you aren't aware of. Plus, you can keep an eye out on your pet's playtime habits, food intake, sleep routine and more.

The Good Housekeeping Institute tests everything from cooling dog beds to cat litter to bring you the best products for pets of all kinds, including pet cameras. When evaluating pet cameras, our team tested a dozen in the past few years in both our Lab and at home with our own pets to evaluate them in real-world conditions. This round-up is based on our hands-on reviews as well as evaluations of other cameras we have yet to get our hands on. We evaluate each camera based on picture quality, extra features, price, ease of set-up and more.

Our top picks:

After our picks, keep reading for more information on how we test, what to consider when shopping for a pet camera and advice on whether or not your household needs one. Looking for something to keep your pets busy while you're away? Check out our best dog toys, indestructible dog toys or cat toys to keep your furry friends entertained all day long, but keep in mind that not all toys are best for solo at-home play.