Sending virtual boops: we explore pet camera apps

Heading back to the office? These pet camera apps have got the paw of approval.

Fact: no-one wants to hear the word lockdown ever again... well except maybe for your four-legged friend. Extra-long walks, all-day on-demand pats, and being the star attendee of important Zoom calls... what’s not to love?

After weeks of uninterrupted canine quality time, it’s no surprise our reclaimed freedom could spell stress for your dog. If you were part of the pandemic-induced pet adoption boom, heading back to work could be the first time you’ve had to leave your new fur-kid alone for longer than your weekly grocery run. So, how can you keep an eye on your pet when you’ve been summoned back to the office for 8+ hours a day?

Set up a puppy cam

With some great canine enrichment activities and a long 6AM sniffari, there’s every chance your dog will adapt easily to the humans leaving the house. But the last thing you want to come home to is a chewed up sofa, wee on the rug and a barking complaint from your shift-working neighbour. Setting up a puppy camera is a simple way to monitor and communicate with your little mate remotely (and maintain good neighbourly relations).

There’s no need to empty your wallet on the latest indoor surveillance system or robotic pet sitter either. Chances are you’ve already got the hardware collecting dust in a drawer. With a pet camera app you can set up two devices – one as a monitor and one as a receiver – and live stream your pet from anywhere with Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Already sent your old smartphones off to Mobile Muster? There’s pet camera apps that work with tablets, smart TVs, laptops and smart watches too.

Find the right device to suit your fur-mily life >>>

Alfred Camera

Although Alfred Camera was developed as a home security all-rounder, it comes highly recommended by mischievous puppy owners. Its features include two-way talk, low light filter, motion detection notifications and even a siren to scare away intruders. But why stop there, you can also use it to soothe your sleeping baby, catch snack thieves, resolve he-said/she-said debates, cheat at polka — you name it.

Barkio

With the Barkio app, all you need is any two smartphones, laptops or tablets to begin training your pup to be the goodest boy while you’re at work. The whole family can log in and lend a paw with the synchronized account, and for long days behind the desk you can use Barkio’s battery-saving mode. 

Dog Monitor App

Dog Monitor App is a highly rated multi-platform pet camera app compatible with a bunch of Android and iOS devices. As well as HD live video with full audio, you can log your pet’s “activities”, interact in real-time, pre-record commands and never miss a bark and whine with noise notifications sent to your phone.

PetCam App

PetCam App is your interactive dog and puppy sitter with similar features to Barkio and Dog Monitor. You can stream your pet and talk to them 24/7 and receive noise alerts to your paired devices. PetCam recently introduced Live Webview so your pooch can ignore your commands from desktop too. The full version’s available on a 7 day free trial.

Pet Playlists on Spotify

If your trusty pet cam has revealed signs of separation stress, don’t run for the pet anxiety meds just yet. Pawrents often turn to the familiar chatter of radio or a comforting playlist to help keep their fretful fur-babe at ease. In fact, a Spotify survey found over 70% of pet owners play music to their pets to relieve stress and keep them company. So, what’s your pet’s favourite genre to mellow out to? Classical and soft rock, apparently! Whip up your own eclectic mix of Debussy and Fleetwood Mac, or browse Spotify’s pet-approved playlists.

Need to keep an eye on your pooch outside? Check out all-weather cameras and solar chargers at Smart Home.