A pet camera is an internet-connected camera and microphone inside your home. That's exactly what makes it useful for checking on your dog, and also why it's worth spending a few minutes on privacy and security. Most steps are simple, free and take less time than unboxing.
This checklist applies to any brand. Follow your camera maker's own instructions for specific settings. For published specs and features of specific models, see our pet cameras comparison.
1. Secure the account first
Your camera is only as secure as the account that controls it.
- Use a unique, strong password you don't use anywhere else. A password manager makes this easy.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) if the app offers it, so a stolen password alone isn't enough.
- Use the official app from your phone's app store, not a link from an email or ad.
- Watch for phishing. Be cautious of emails or texts asking you to "verify" your camera account through a link. Open the app directly instead.
2. Keep firmware and apps updated
Camera makers release firmware updates to fix bugs and security issues. Install updates when the app offers them, and turn on automatic updates if available. Keep the app on your phone up to date too.
If a camera model stops receiving updates from its manufacturer, consider whether to keep using it on your home network.
3. Lock down your home Wi-Fi
- Change your router's default admin password if you haven't already.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your Wi-Fi network.
- Keep your router's firmware updated.
- Consider a separate network for smart-home devices if your router supports a guest or IoT network. This can limit what a compromised device could reach.
4. Decide what gets recorded and stored
Many pet cameras offer cloud recording, often through an optional subscription. Before turning it on, check:
- What's recorded: continuous video, motion-triggered clips, or only snapshots.
- Where it's stored and for how long.
- Who can access recordings, and whether the brand uses footage for other purposes. The privacy policy should explain this.
- How to delete recordings and your account if you stop using the camera.
If you only need live view, you may not need recordings at all.
5. Use privacy modes and schedules
Many cameras let you turn off the camera or microphone on a schedule, when your phone is home, or with a physical privacy shutter or button. Using these when you're home reduces how much of your daily life is captured.
6. Point the camera thoughtfully
- Aim at your dog's space, such as their bed or play area, rather than an entire room.
- Avoid bedrooms and bathrooms where possible.
- Be mindful of windows that look onto neighbors or the street.
- Tell guests there's a camera, especially house sitters, dog walkers, cleaners and visitors. Recording laws vary by state, particularly for audio, so check what applies where you live.
8. Mind app permissions
Pet camera apps may ask for access to your location, microphone, photos or notifications. Grant only what features need. Location access, for example, may be used for automatic home/away modes; if you don't use that feature, you may not need to allow it.
9. Read the privacy policy once
It's not exciting reading, but skimming the brand's privacy policy tells you what data is collected, how long it's kept, whether it's shared with partners and how to request deletion. Look specifically for video, audio and location data.
10. Before you sell, gift or recycle the camera
- Remove the camera from your account in the app.
- Factory reset the device following the brand's instructions.
- Delete stored recordings if you no longer need them.
- Close the account if you're done with the brand entirely.
Signs something may be wrong
Most people never have a problem, but it's worth knowing what to look for:
- You get login alerts or 2FA codes you didn't request.
- Settings change without you changing them, such as new shared users or a different Wi-Fi network.
- The camera moves, speaks or switches on unexpectedly when no one in the household is using it.
- The app shows sessions or devices you don't recognize.
If you notice any of these, change your account password, sign out other sessions if the app allows it, remove unknown shared users, update firmware, and contact the brand's support team. If you think your home network itself is compromised, change your Wi-Fi and router admin passwords too.
Weighing features against privacy
More features usually mean more data. Continuous cloud recording, AI-based alerts, sound detection and location-based modes can all be useful, but each one collects or processes more information. A sensible approach is to start with live view and a few targeted alerts, then add features only if you find you need them. You can always switch something on later; it's harder to un-collect data.
A quick security checklist
- Unique password and 2FA on the account
- Firmware and app updated
- Router secured, ideally with a separate device network
- Recordings and retention set deliberately
- Privacy mode or schedule enabled for when you're home
- Camera aimed at your dog's area only
- Shared access through individual logins
- App permissions reviewed
- Device reset before passing it on
Common questions
Can pet cameras be hacked?
Any internet-connected device can be at risk, especially with weak or reused passwords and outdated firmware. The steps above significantly reduce common risks.
Do I need a subscription for privacy features?
Basic privacy settings like schedules and sharing are usually free. Cloud recording is often part of a paid plan. Check the brand's current plans.
Should I unplug the camera when I'm home?
You can, or use the privacy mode if your camera has one. Either approach works; choose what's convenient. For general setup tips, see how to set up a pet camera.
About this guide
Our guides explain how to read labels, plans and specs so you can make your own choice with your vet. We don’t make health claims, we haven’t hands-on tested products, and we don’t publish invented statistics or ratings. Product facts come from official brand pages. How we work.
Product images are illustrative stock photos, not the exact products listed. Photo credits