The Best Pet Cameras of 2025
Use ADT’s security equipment and features to keep an eye on your pet, have a chat with them, and guide them to safety in an emergency.
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Last Updated on Mar 31, 2025
- Google Nest cameras send custom alerts when they detect pets
- Adjust the sensitivity to ignore pets when your system is armed, cutting down on false alarms
- In an emergency, use Trusted Neighbor to remotely unlock doors so your pets can get out safely
- Low-cost professional monitoring plans keep your pet safe 24/7
- Cameras can tell the difference between people and pets
- Cellular backup means dogs and cats are protected even if the Wi-fi should go out
- Cameras recognize the sound of smoke alarms, adding an extra layer of protection for your pet
- Two-way audio lets you talk to your pets throughout the workday
- Available person detection prevents your pet from triggering alerts
Editor’s Note: We’ve also rounded up The Best Home Security Systems for Pet Owners in 2025. Some of them include 24/7 monitoring and smart lock features for pet sitters when you’re relaxing on vacation. In fact, our top-pick security cameras for pet owners come from the same company that make the best pet-friendly security systems – ADT.
Despite what their name suggests, security cameras are more than just for security. There are a lot of folks who use security cameras as makeshift baby monitors. Others use them to monitor their pets while they’re away from home. And the great thing about using security cameras for those purposes is that they can still protect your home. In this post, we’re going to discuss security cameras that can double as pet cameras.
Before we get to our top picks, we should mention that not all security cameras can function as pet cams. Some features are just not compatible with pet owners. For example, cameras that detect any type of motion will cause too many false alarms if you have pets freely roaming around the house. That’s not good for you or your furry friend. So what features should you look for, and which cameras are best for monitoring pets?
What To Look For: Pet Cameras
| Video resolution | 1080p HD |
|---|---|
| Audio | Two-way |
| Field of view | 120 degrees |
| Motion detection | Pet detection |
The Best Pet Cameras
- ADT - Best Pet Camera with Automations
- Ring Stick Up Cam Battery - Best Pet Camera for Alexa
- Wyze Cam - Most Affordable Camera
- Nest Cam IQ Outdoor - Best Pet Camera for Night Vision
- Arlo Pro 5S 2K - Best Pet Camera for Video Quality
Side-by-Side Comparison of the Best Cameras for Pets of 2025
| System |
ADT
|
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery
|
Wyze Cam
|
Nest Cam IQ Outdoor
|
Arlo Pro 5S 2K
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Cost | Starting from $99.99 | $100 | $20 | Starting from $99.99 | $179.99 |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Both | Both | Indoor | Both | Both |
| Video Quality | 1080p | 1080p HD | 1080p | 1080p | 2k HDR |
| Field of View | 135° | 110° | 110° | 135° | 160° |
| Night Vision | Infrared | Infrared | Infrared | Infrared | Color |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT | Alexa, Google Assistant, Philips Hue | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Homekit, IFTTT |
| Artificial Intelligence Features | Person, animal, and vehicle detection | None | Smart sound recognition for smoke/CO2 alarms | Person detection included, familiar face alerts with Nest Aware | Person, packages, vehicles, animal detection with Arlo Smart Home |
| Additional Features | Trusted Neighbor, sound alerts, and activity zones | Spotlight, siren, activity zones, safety buttons | Create time-lapse videos and screenshots | Nest Aware: motion detection, sound detection, dog barking alerts, person speaking alerts, familiar face alerts, activity zones, up to 30-day video cloud storage | Create privacy zones to focus on important areas, disable motion recording, alerts, and audio |
| Local Storage | No | Yes, with Ring subscription | Yes | No | Yes, can connect USB to Arlo base station but cannot be used on its own w/o cloud recording |
| Cloud Storage | Yes, with ADT professional monitoring plan | Ring Protect subscriptions | Yes, 14 days free | 30 or 60 days through Nest Aware subscription | 60 days with Arlo Secure plans |
| Battery Life | Battery models are up to 7 months. Wired options available. | 6-12 months, takes 5-10 hours to recharge | N/A | Battery models are up to 7 months. Wired options available. | 8 months |
| Read Review | ADT Review | Ring Stick Up Cam Battery Review | Wyze Cam Review | Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Review | Arlo Pro 5S 2K Review |
List of the Top Security Cameras for Pet Lovers
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1. ADT
View Packages Links to ADTProduct Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 128° Power Wired, battery Connectivity Wi-Fi, ethernet Video Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home What We Like
- DIY and professional installation available
- Wired and battery-powered camera models
- Integrates with ADT+ app
- Bark detection included in monitoring plan
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive monitoring plans
- Color night vision only available with floodlight
- No 4K cameras
- Cloud storage only
Sound Alerts
Most other cameras on this list do a great job of watching your pets when they enter their field of view. But ADT’s Google Nest cameras also listen for pet sounds and send you alerts. You can then use the camera’s two-way speaker to calm them down or check in.
>> Read More: Nest Cam 2025 Security Camera Review
The Nest Cams can also detect non-pet sounds, like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. So if you don’t have ADT’s professional monitoring, you can still get alerts with a Nest Aware subscription. However, we recommend signing up with ADT to get access to the next feature we’re going to talk about.
Our Google Nest Cam (wired) watches and listens to our pets throughout the day. Trusted Neighbor
In our ADT review, we shared that we use Trusted Neighbor to let regular visitors in by unlocking the smart lock and disarming the security system. But it can also be used to let pets out in an emergency. If the smoke or carbon monoxide detector activates an alarm, we can use the feature to let our neighbors in and rescue our pets.
FYI: Trusted Neighbor and security camera support is only available on ADT’s most expensive professional monitoring plan, which starts at $39.99 per month. The good news is that you don’t need a separate Nest Aware subscription – cloud storage and facial recognition are included in the ADT plan.
Check In Day and Night
If your pet stays indoors, the Nest Cam (wired or battery) offers 1080p resolution and night vision up to 20 feet. However, the night vision is black and white. The footage is still clear thanks to the camera’s six LED sensors.
For outdoor pets, we recommend getting the Nest Cam with Floodlight. It includes black-and-white and color night vision. We can even adjust the brightness of the lights so they don’t blind our pets or startle them. The outdoor camera also has two-way talk like the indoor models so you can chat with your pets remotely.
We could have paid for an ADT technician, but we decided to install the Nest Cams ourselves. -
2. Ring Stick Up Cam Battery - Best Pet Camera for Alexa
View on Amazon Links to Amazon.com
What We Like
- Affordable monthly subscriptions
- Indoor and outdoor capabilities
- Simple setup
- Wireless design
What We Don’t Like
- Long battery recharging duration
- Ceiling mount sold separately
- No person detection included
- No cloud and local storage included
Flexible Placement
Some security cameras look awkward if they’re not mounted, but with the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, we didn’t have to worry about ruining the aesthetic of our apartment. We placed the camera in our bedroom at the top of our bookshelf which was across from the door. We also made sure to angle the camera downward. Our bookshelf is white, so the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery didn’t stick out like a sore thumb. For outside use, we mounted the camera above the back patio door. We unscrewed the base of the camera and reattached it to the back before unscrewing the mounting bracket from the base. Finally, we screwed the bracket onto the wall and slid the camera onto it, a process as smooth as butter.
Ring Stick Up Cam Pro Budget-friendly Plans
While the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery doesn’t outshine the Wyze Cam for being the most affordable in terms of equipment, it has budget-friendly monthly plans compared to ADT. There are three self-monitoring plans available starting from $4.99 per month. For professional monitoring, you can pay an extra $10 on top of the Standard ($9.99 per month) or Premium ($19.99 per month) plans. That’s a steal in our book since we also got cellular backup and 180 days of cloud storage.
Alexa and Google Assistant Integrations
As an Amazon-owned company, Ring is, of course, compatible with Alexa. When we integrated Alexa with the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, we made sure to name the camera “Bedroom.” Every time we issued a command such as “Alexa, show Bedroom” and “Alexa, show me the last activity from the Bedroom,” the video footage popped up on our phones on the Ring— Always Home app or our Echo Show 8. Our grandparents’ Frenchie took up most of the footage space since he loves to nap on our bed. Google Assistant was also compatible with the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, but the only command we really utilized was “Hey Google, start recording for Bedroom.” We might be playing favorites here, but for good reason.
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3. Wyze Cam - Most Affordable Camera
View on Amazon Links to Amazon.comProduct Specs
Resolution Up to 1080p Field of View Up to 110° Power Wired Connectivity Wi-Fi Storage Cloud, local Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home
What We Like
- Smart platform integrations
- No monthly subscription
- Local and cloud storage included
- Inexpensive equipment
What We Don’t Like
- No 24/7 professional monitoring
- No cellular backup
- No wireless option
- Only 14 days of storage
Sound Alerts
Keeping your pets safe at home is one reason you’re probably buying a pet camera. And typically, fire and CO2 pose the biggest threats to pets left at home. That’s what smoke and gas leak detectors are for, right? Well, if you’re home and your smoke alarm sounds, you’ll hear it and you’ll be able to call for help. But if you aren’t home, your pet could be in trouble.
The Wyze Cam can function not just as your eyes but also as your ears while you’re away. It recognizes the distinct sound patterns of most smoke and CO2 alarms, so when yours sounds, Wyze can send you a notification. Better still, you can access live footage through the camera’s lens to see if there’s actually a fire. That’s what we call technology that saves lives.
Wyze Cam and Box Time Lapse
The Wyze Cam not only signifies an inexpensive price tag but also a time-lapse feature, which we haven’t seen in many other security cameras. When we tried out this feature, we decided to clean up the guest room, which had turned into an unofficial storage space, to make space for a pet crate. We moved the Wyze Cam to the guest room from the living room and set up the time duration from 10 AM to noon on the app. After we cleaned up most of the objects and furniture in the room, we whipped out our phones and checked the footage. Sure enough, the Wyze Cam had captured a clear video of us picking up items, moving furniture around, and setting up the pet crate during those two hours.
Tip: You can schedule when the Wyze Cam turns on the time-lapse feature. This can either be later in the day, next week, or even next month.
Complete Motion Capture
While there aren’t any required monthly subscriptions for the Wyze Cam, Wyze does offer a paid add-on service called Complete Motion Capture. Instead of the 12-second recording restriction, the upgrade allowed the Wyze Cam to continuously record the motion-activated event. Because we had already saved so much money with the Wyze Cam, we figured that paying $1.49 per month for one camera wasn’t a bad deal at all. We recorded clips of our grandparents’ Frenchie sneezing, snoring loudly during naps, and patrolling the apartment. We shared those clips with our grandparents who enjoyed them quite a bit. The recordings were saved to the cloud for 14 days and we accessed them via the Wyze app.
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4. Nest Cam IQ Outdoor - Best Pet Camera for Night Vision
View on Amazon Links to Amazon.com
What We Like
- 1080p HD resolution and 130-degree field of view
- Easy DIY setup
- Excellent night vision
- Alerts for people, animals, and vehicles
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive price tag
- Moderately difficult installation
- Need subscription for additional AI features
- No local storage and or free cloud storage
Supersight
If you only want security cameras for your home, you can still get Nest Cams without an ADT security system. The Nest Cam lineup includes wired and battery-powered options for indoors and outdoors. Each model has 1080p resolution and infrared night vision. That means even with the 1280p screen resolution of the Nest Hub Max we reviewed, we were able to stream our Nest Cam clearly and monitor what our pets are up to in the yard – even at night!
Some of the video captures we saved from our Nest Cam Night Vision
We were impressed with the image quality despite the black-and-white footage. Nest Cams have six infrared LED sensors to illuminate the spaces they’re watching. But for outdoor protection, we recommend upgrading to the Nest Cam with Floodlight so you get color night vision. It can help you tell the difference between your pet and critters roaming in your backyard.
Pro Tip: We recommend setting up activity zones to cover the most important areas around your property. This feature helps reduce unnecessary alerts for sidewalk traffic and vehicles passing.
Setting up activity zones to reduce unnecessary notifications Complements Nest Ecosystem
All Nest Cams, like the Nest Cam Indoor and Nest Video Doorbell, work well together. They can even communicate with other Google devices like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, Nest Hubs, and Nest thermostats. Nest Cams don’t just play nicely with Google products. We can also use Alexa voice commands for status updates and to stream footage. But like Ring, Nest Cams don’t connect to Apple HomeKit. You’ll need our next camera to unlock that integration.
Reminder: If you don’t have other Nest products to build a Nest ecosystem, don’t worry. While other security brands require a hub for the cameras to operate, Nest cameras work just fine on their own.
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5. Arlo Pro 5S 2K - Best Pet Camera for Video Quality
View on Amazon Links to Amazon.com
What We Like
- Wide range of AI detections
- Alexa, Google, Apple, and IFTTT compatible
- Indoor and outdoor durability
- 2K HDR video quality
What We Don’t Like
- No free person detection
- Limited temperature range
- No free cloud storage
- Expensive if using as an indoor camera
Easy Wireless Setup
Unlike older Arlo Pro models, the Arlo Pro 5S 2K doesn’t need the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station to operate. All we did was connect the camera to the Wi-Fi and it started working. Because we placed the camera in and outside our apartment, we had to mount the camera in two different areas. The beauty of wireless cameras is the mounting flexibility. We secured the magnetic mount over a drilled-in screw above our front door and in the corner of our living room. The mount basically sucked in the camera, so we weren’t worried about the camera falling off. In total, it took around 10 minutes to set up.
Our Arlo Pro 5S looks tiny but it packs a lot of punch Smart Animal Detection
The Arlo Pro 5S 2K is rife with AI features. An Arlo Secure subscription includes people, animals, packages, fire, audio, and vehicle detection. That means we get alerts when our dog barks at the mail carrier or has the zoomies. As for outside use, the Arlo Pro 5S 2K detects animals larger than a rodent, so stray cats and birds were fair game. If we didn’t want to receive these notifications, we simply turned animal detection off.
Note: The Arlo animal detection detects animals within 50 feet of the camera during the day and within 25 feet at night. However, if trees are obstructing your camera’s view, the camera won’t register animals’ movements.
160 Degree Field of View
Typically, security cameras’ fields of view range are between 110 to 130 degrees, with 180 degrees being the mathematical limit (in case you were sick that day in geometry). For the Arlo Pro 5S 2K, the 160 degree field of view provides a broader scope beyond our front stoop and living room; the camera not only covers these specific areas but also the areas surrounding them. For example, our kitchen is right by our living room so we knew when someone snuck into the kitchen to grab a snack for cheat day.
Our Guidelines for Choosing the Best Security Cameras for Pets
This review covers the best security cameras for pets, but a general question that probably comes to mind is, what exactly is our basis for “the best”? Technical qualities like video, audio, night vision, storage, and smart platform integrations are some starting points when we dive into testing and reviewing cameras.
Here’s a full list of what we expect from security cameras:
- Affordable equipment and subscription prices
- 1080p HD video
- Two-way audio
- Field of view of at least 120 degrees
- Optical zoom
- Infrared night vision
- DIY installation or free professional installation
- Free cloud and local storage
- Alexa and Google Assistant integrations
- User-friendly mobile apps
- Person and pet detection
- Custom motion zones
When we’re talking about pet detection, we’re also talking about AI. Person detection is more common across many security cameras, but pet detection also exists alongside package and vehicle detections. We prefer that these AI features be included with the camera, but we’ve come across a handful that requires a monthly subscription. Like we mentioned earlier, pet detection allows a camera to discern pets from humans based on weight, height, and heat signature. The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is part of the group of cameras that requires a subscription to access AI features. Once pet detection is accessible, the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor can ignore pets that weigh under 40 pounds and reduce false alerts for motion-triggered activities.
Power options and IP ratings,2 which determine a camera’s weather-resistance, are other technical elements that we look into during testing. Installation is where wired or wireless options come into play. Having options is a plus in our book, but most times we don’t have a say in the matter. For wireless cameras, battery life is essential. Long-term is always better than short-term, and the shorter the recharging duration the better. We establish a one-year minimum requirement for wireless cameras’ battery life; if it’s shorter than that, the camera is not up to par. As for wired cameras, they’re more reliable and less prone to signal interference from radio, TV, or phone connections. Renters and apartment owners will find that wireless cameras are a better match simply because of the mobility in setting them up. Unlike wired cameras, hardwiring is not necessary.
Apart from all the technicalities, professional monitoring and cellular backup weigh in on our overall impressions of a security camera. We veer on the side of extra security, partly because we’re too busy to self-monitor solely, which is why 24/7 professional monitoring is our go-to when looking at monitoring plans. That means that a team of dispatchers step in if they detect any suspicious activity and give us a call to let us know, or dispatch the appropriate authorities on our behalf. As for cellular backup, this comes in to save the day when our Wi-Fi connection is lost or when the power goes out. This way, our cameras can still monitor activity, notify us, and stream live footage to their respective mobile apps.
For an extensive look at the best smart home security of 2025, check out our best security systems and best security cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does pet detection work?
Pet detection is an artificial intelligence feature that is either included in the security camera or accessible via a monthly subscription. Activating pet detection allows your camera to pick up animals’ heat signatures and their weight, differentiating them from people and other moving objects like cars.
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Are cameras for pets worth it?
Cameras for pets are worth it if you prefer fewer notifications and would like to keep an eye on your pet when you’re away from home. Because pet detection is often bundled with other AI features such as person and vehicle detection, signing up for a subscription is beneficial.
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What is the best camera for pets?
The best cameras for pets are ADT’s Google Nest cameras. We also recommend Wyze Cam, Nest Cams, Arlo Pro 5S 2K, and the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery.
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Should I talk to my pet through the camera?
While most cameras have two-way audio (speaker and microphone), it might be best to avoid talking to your pet through the camera. This might induce your pet’s anxiety, as they might try to search for you in the house and get confused.
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What’s the difference between a camera with and without pet detection?
The difference between a camera with and without pet detection is the latter can detect or ignore pets based on certain weight thresholds and heat signatures. Rather than picking up on every movement from your pet, a camera can ignore those movements and focus on suspicious activity caused by people, vehicles, or other moving objects.
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City of New York. (2020). CompStat.
nyc.gov/assets/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_statistics/cs-en-us-pbbs.pdf -
RS Components. (2020). The Comprehensive Guide To IP Ratings.
uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=ideas-and-advice/ip-ratings
