In today’s digital age, technology and pets are increasingly intertwined, offering innovative solutions designed to enhance the lives of our furry companions and ease the responsibilities of pet ownership. While handing a pet the latest smartphone as a chew toy might be ill-advised, a wide range of high-tech products—from cameras and smart collars to feeders and cleaning devices—have emerged to help pets stay safe, healthy, and entertained, while also giving owners peace of mind. A team of pet owners at CNET tested and reviewed many of these gadgets to determine which truly make a difference. Below is a comprehensive overview of their findings, highlighting the features, benefits, and considerations for each product category.
### Pet Cameras: Watching Over Your Pets from Afar
One of the most popular categories for pet technology is pet cameras, which allow owners to monitor their pets remotely. The Petcube 360-degree camera stands out as a compact, affordable option that offers 1080p video quality, 8x digital zoom, and 30-foot night vision. Its standout feature is the ability to pan in any direction, ensuring you can always find your pet no matter where they are resting or misbehaving. Two-way audio lets owners talk to their pets, and a physical shutter can ensure privacy when needed. For $4 a month, the Petcube Care subscription adds AI-powered alerts for barking, movement, and even human detection, along with cloud storage for recorded clips. This combination of features sets it apart from standard home security cameras.
For those seeking a camera with even more interactive features, Furbo’s 360-degree pet camera offers treat-tossing capabilities and advanced activity and object detection that sends descriptive alerts of your pet’s behavior. The Furbo system requires a subscription starting at $7 per month, which unlocks its smart features but also means ongoing costs. While it may misidentify objects occasionally (such as confusing a robot vacuum for a pet), it provides useful insights into pet activity and behavior. Both cameras are ideal for pet owners who want to keep an eye on their pets when away, but those who prefer to avoid subscription fees or already own security cameras may want to look elsewhere.
### Smart Collars: Tracking Health and Location
Smart collars have evolved beyond simple GPS trackers to become multifunctional health monitors. The Petcube smart collar attachment designed for cats offers location tracking, LED lights that glow in the dark (a boon for finding elusive night-time wanderers), and a battery life of up to 30 days. The waterproof design fits most average-sized collars and integrates with an app offering geofencing and activity tracking, including step counts to help manage weight. However, full GPS tracking requires a $5 monthly subscription. Veterinarians note these collars can monitor heart rate, temperature, sleep, and activity changes, helping detect early signs of illness or anxiety—especially useful during disruptions like travel or visitors.
For larger dogs prone to escaping, the Tractive GPS collar is a reliable option. It attaches to the collar or harness and offers real-time location tracking, virtual fences, and alerts if your dog leaves a safe zone. It also features a light and jingle to help locate pets at night. The device tracks health and activity, offers breed-specific exercise suggestions, and connects owners for pet playdates. The Tractive collar costs $69 upfront with a $9 monthly fee for network access. However, its larger size makes it unsuitable for dogs under 15 pounds.
An alternative for smaller dogs is the Fi Series 3+ collar, which combines GPS, LTE cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for location tracking and health monitoring. The Fi collar’s battery life is exceptional—up to three months on a single charge—and it comes in multiple sizes, including a mini version suitable for pets as small as cats or small dog breeds. The collar is robust enough to withstand considerable resistance and tracks behaviors such as eating, drinking, barking, scratching, and licking. The full package, including a subscription, costs between $189 and $339 depending on the plan length. Owners of small dogs who want premium tracking and health data may find this investment worthwhile, but those wary of steep subscription fees might prefer other options.
### Smart Water Fountains: Encouraging Hydration
Proper hydration is critical for pet health, and many pets prefer fresh, flowing water to stagnant bowls. Wireless pet fountains like Petcube’s 1.7-liter model offer motion-activated water flow to conserve battery life and feature app controls for remote