The Best Pet Monitoring Systems for Busy Travelers

As pet owners, one of the biggest concerns when traveling is leaving our furry friends behind. That worry disappears when you use pet monitoring systems. Smart tools like indoor pet cameras and automatic pet feeders completely change how I care for my cat while away. I can check in on her in real time, ensure she’s eating, and stay connected wherever I travel. In this post, I’ll share the pet monitoring systems I currently use and the automatic pet feeder I plan to upgrade to next.

Pet Monitoring Systems: BJR Pet Cameras Review

The cornerstone of my remote cat care setup is a pair of advanced pet cameras strategically placed around my home. Below, you’ll find my honest review of the BJR Pet Cameras, a key part of the pet monitoring system I rely on. Here’s why I love them after using them for several years, and why I think they are the best affordable pet cameras:

Enhanced Security for Pet Monitoring

Featuring 2K HD resolution, these indoor security cameras offer crystal clear footage, allowing me to keep a close eye on my cat’s activities with exceptional clarity and detail. The app offers full control, allowing for precise adjustments in direction and zoom levels. Plus, with a two-way microphone system, I can both listen in and communicate through the app, enhancing my ability to stay connected with my home and pet.

Dual-Band Wi-Fi Keeps Pet Cameras Connected

The 5G support is why I decided to buy these cameras, because the previous pet camera I used only supported 5G if it was wired. This meant I couldn’t place the camera exactly where I needed it in the condo. With support for both 5G and 2.4G networks, these cameras ensure a stable and reliable connection, providing me with uninterrupted access to the live feed wherever I am, and more importantly, can be positioned anywhere you like in your home, as long as there is a power outlet nearby.

360° Coverage & Smart Motion Detection

With the ability to rotate 360 degrees and advanced motion detection technology, these cameras provide comprehensive coverage of my home, alerting me to any unusual activity.

Night Vision for 24/7 Pet Monitoring Systems

Equipped with advanced infrared technology, these indoor security cameras deliver clear and sharp images even in low-light conditions, ensuring that I can monitor my cat day and night. This is especially useful if I’m in a different time zone.

Ample Storage with SD Card Support

Moreover, with the ability to store up to 64GB of recorded footage on the included SD card, I never have to worry about missing a moment. I can easily access past events anytime for added peace of mind

Easy Setup: BJR Pet Monitoring Cameras

To begin with, setting up these pet cameras was a breeze. Just plug them in, scan the QR code in the instructions, download the app, and scan the camera’s barcodes to connect them to the app and your WiFi. The detailed, full-color instructions, complete with pictures, make the process foolproof.

Travel with Peace of Mind Using Pet Monitoring Systems

My cat is 20 years old, and the older she gets, the harder it becomes for me to leave her behind when I travel across the USA. These cameras give me invaluable peace of mind, allowing me to check on her anytime and ensure she’s alive, eating, drinking, and behaving normally. One of my favorite features is the two-way audio. I can talk to my pet remotely through the camera, which sometimes startles her, but it helps me confirm she’s okay if she’s hiding out of sight. This technology has transformed how I travel, making it easier to leave home knowing I can stay connected with my beloved companion.

BJR Pet Cameras: Pros & Cons

After using these pet monitoring systems extensively, I’ve discovered a lot to love about them. They’ve truly transformed how I care for my cat remotely, offering practical features and emotional comfort. While I haven’t encountered any significant downsides, privacy could be a consideration for some users. Here’s a breakdown of the standout pros and a potential con to keep in mind:

Pet Monitoring Systems: Yakry Automatic Pet Feeder with Camera Review

In addition to keeping an eye on my cat’s activities, I rely on this automatic cat feeder with a built-in camera as a key part of my pet monitoring system. It ensures she’s fed and cared for even when I’m away. Here’s why it’s become one of my favorite tools for remote pet care after using it for 18 months.

Smart Feeding Schedules with Pet Monitoring Systems

Utilizing cutting-edge technology, this feeder enables me to establish a feeding regimen and dispense food at consistent intervals, guaranteeing my cat’s diet remains balanced and nutritious even when I’m away. With a user-friendly app compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, tending to my pet’s needs remotely becomes effortlessly convenient and accessible.

Once connected, the schedule can be as flexible as you need it. In the screenshots below, I set it to feed my cat 2 portions at 9 AM and 7 PM, and 1 portion at 2 PM every day of the week. You can customize specific times on certain days, alternate days, or any pattern that suits your routine. It’s super flexible and easy to use.

They say one portion is about 10 grams of food. I tested it, and for the food I fed my cat, it was slightly less. So I chose to feed her a 5th portion in the middle of the day.

Personalized Meal Calls & Two-Way Audio for Pet Connection

With the capacity to record personalized meal calls and engage in two-way audio communication with my cat remotely, I transform mealtime into an interactive and enjoyable experience for her. This feature not only alleviates her anxiety and mine but also ensures that if she’s asleep when the feeder dispenses her food portions, she can hear my voice to wake her up, fostering a deeper connection between us.

In addition to the recorded personal message that plays at each serving, you can also talk to your cat from the app.

HD Camera & Reliable Remote Monitoring

Featuring a high-definition 1080P camera and stable remote monitoring capabilities, this feeder allows me to monitor my cat’s eating habits and behavior with exceptional clarity, even in the dark. For example, below you can see a screenshot of the camera view in the day, and with the cat approaching her bowl at night.

There is a motion detection feature as well, which I think sends you notifications too when it detects your cat near the bowl. Below is a screenshot of the notifications that were sent for the dispensing of portions.

Easy-to-Clean Automatic Feeder for Hygienic Pet Care

Designed for convenience, this feeder features a user-friendly design that makes cleaning a breeze, ensuring that my cat’s food remains fresh, safe, and hygienic at all times.

Dual Power & Memory Functions for Uninterrupted Feeding

Equipped with dual power supply options and a built-in memory function, this feeder ensures that my cat will never miss a meal, even in the event of a power outage. All I need to do is be sure the backup battery pack is in.

Yakry Pet Monitoring Systems Setup Made Simple

Setting up this automatic pet feeder is a breeze. First, plug it in and scan the QR code in the instructions to download the app. Next, add your pet feeder from the list of available options within the app, which will connect it to your Wi-Fi. After that, you can start remotely operating the feeder through the app. On the feeder itself, there’s a “record” button used to record your personal voice message to call your pet for feeding. The detailed, full-color instructions, complete with pictures, make the process foolproof.

Pros & Cons: Yakry Automatic Pet Feeder with Camera

This automatic pet feeder has been great so far. However, I do have one con to share: the camera doesn’t let you see the contents of the food bowl. Whyyyyy!!!

Pet Monitoring Systems I’d Choose Now: PETLIBRO Feeder with Camera

Unfortunately, my sweet cat passed away a few weeks ago, just before I had a chance to buy this product. But if I were buying a pet feeder with a camera today, the PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera is the one I’d choose, because I believe it’s the best pet camera for travel.

Why I Recommend it

The main reason I am drawn to PETLIBRO is because of where the camera is pointed, not just at your pet, but at the actual food bowl. For me, that makes a huge difference.

Toward the last few months of her life, my cat wasn’t eating much, and it was hard to tell what was in her bowl without using a separate camera pointing at it. Plus, I also sometimes had issues with ants getting into the bowl when I wasn’t home. Having the pet feeder showing the bowl content would’ve been easier to catch those issues right away, and that’s why I wanted to upgrade to the PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera.

The PETLIBRO also offers

• App-based control over feeding schedules (up to 10 meals per day)
• Portion customization and voice call options
• Real-time alerts when food is low, jammed, or the bowl is full
• A freshness-preserving system that includes a sealing lid and a replaceable desiccant bag
• A 5L hopper, stainless steel bowl, and optional backup battery power

PETLIBRO sells compatible desiccant bags and recommends replacing them every two weeks to keep food fresh. While this could be an ongoing cost to factor in for long-term daily use, it’s not as likely to be an issue for short-term or occasional use.

PETLIBRO Pet Feeder Pros & Cons

Based on hundreds of reviews, here’s what real users love (and what they think could be better):

Yakry vs. PETLIBRO: Which Automatic Pet Feeder With Camera Is Better?

If you’re choosing between the Yakry Automatic Pet Feeder with Camera and the PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera, this comparison will help you decide which one is truly worth your money. Both are popular smart feeders, but they solve different problems, and if you’re looking for the best feeder for monitoring your pet while you’re away, one model clearly stands out.

Below is the definitive Yakry vs. PETLIBRO comparison based on real-world use, buyer reviews, and the monitoring features pet owners care about most.

Quick Summary: PETLIBRO Is Better for Monitoring; Yakry Is Better for Budget Buyers

• Choose PETLIBRO if: you want to see the food bowl, track how much your pet eats, get real-time alerts, and ensure food stays fresh.
• Choose Yakry if: you want a budget-friendly, easy-to-use feeder that reliably dispenses food but don’t need bowl visibility.

PETLIBRO vs. Yakry: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Yakry Automatic Pet Feeder	PETLIBRO Feeder With Camera
Camera Angle	Faces the pet; does NOT show the food bowl	Camera is angled into the food bowl
Best For	Simple remote feeding	Monitoring food intake + detailed oversight
Feeding Schedules	Highly customizable	Up to 10 meals/day + smart alerts
Smart Alerts	Basic notifications	Low food, jam detection, bowl full alerts
Audio	Clear two-way audio	Two-way audio, but poorer voice recording
Food Freshness	Standard lid	Seal-tight lid + desiccant system
Cleaning	Easy, low maintenance	Stainless steel bowl; desiccant replacement
Reliability	Very reliable; simple design	Advanced features, but some long-term motor concerns
Price Range	More affordable	Higher-end premium feeder
Best For Pets	Healthy pets with stable eating habits	Elderly pets, picky eaters, pets prone to food issues

Camera + Monitoring Comparison

PETLIBRO Feeder: Best Camera Position for Monitoring Meals

PETLIBRO’s biggest advantage is the camera angle; you can clearly see the food inside the bowl, how much your pet ate, whether food is jammed, and whether anything contaminated the bowl.

This is crucial if you have:

• an elderly pet
• a pet with a poor appetite
• ant or pest issues
• a pet sitter coming while you travel
• multiple pets competing for food

Yakry Feeder: Camera Doesn’t Show the Bowl

Yakry’s camera points forward, not down.
You can see your pet walk up to the feeder, but you can’t confirm if your pet actually ate or how much food remains. For pet parents who want true monitoring, that’s the biggest drawback.

Feeding Schedules & Reliability

Both feeders allow you to schedule multiple meals, adjust portions, and manage everything from an app. But PETLIBRO adds an extra layer of intelligence.

Yakry Feeding Highlights

• Super simple app
• Fast and easy schedule creation
• Works reliably without advanced settings

PETLIBRO Feeding Highlights

• Up to 10 meals per day
• Smart alerts for low food, food jams, and bowl buildup
• More precise portion control

For basic feeding, Yakry is great.
For advanced monitoring + reliability checks, PETLIBRO wins.

Audio & Interaction

• Yakry → clearer audio when speaking to your pet
• PETLIBRO → two-way audio works, but voice messages are lower quality

If audio clarity matters for anxiety-prone pets, Yakry performs slightly better.

Freshness, Cleaning & Maintenance

PETLIBRO Leads in Freshness

PETLIBRO includes a:

• sealing lid
• stainless steel bowl
• replaceable desiccant to keep food dry

These features help prevent:
✔ stale kibble
✔ humidity issues
✔ ants or pests
✔ odor buildup

Yakry Leads in Simplicity

No ongoing costs.
Basic, easy-clean design.
Lower maintenance.

Reliability & Long-Term Use

• Yakry: Simple design = fewer potential failures. Works well long-term.
• PETLIBRO: Smarter technology, but some users report motor wear over time.

However, PETLIBRO’s food jam alerts reduce the risk of your pet missing a meal.

Final Recommendation: Which Should You Buy?

Buy PETLIBRO If You Want the Best Monitoring Feeder

PETLIBRO is the clear winner for pet owners who want a fully visible bowl, real-time alerts, better freshness, and more precise oversight.

Perfect for:

• senior pets
• pets with medical issues
• picky eaters
• owners who travel frequently
• anyone who wants next-level monitoring visibility

Buy Yakry If You Want a Budget-Friendly, Reliable Feeder

Yakry is a solid, dependable choice for anyone who wants:

• simple feeding schedules
• clear two-way audio
• an affordable feeder with a camera
• a compact, easy-to-clean design

It’s excellent for healthy pets with predictable eating patterns.

FAQ About Pet Monitoring Systems

What exactly is a pet monitoring system?

For me, it’s the combination of smart pet cameras and automatic feeders that lets me keep an eye on my cat, ensure she’s fed, and even talk to her remotely.

Do any of these devices have two-way audio?

Some do! I’ve used cameras and feeders with two-way audio, but honestly, my cat tends to get startled when I call her name through the camera. So, it might not help with anxious pets, but it does let you talk to your furry friend remotely.

Are these pet monitoring systems hard to set up?

Not at all! They usually come with simple, clear instructions and apps that make connecting to your Wi-Fi and controlling the device pretty easy.

Can these systems help calm anxious or elderly pets?

I’m not totally sure about anxious pets; my cat gets startled by my voice through the camera sometimes! But for elderly pets, being able to check in, monitor them in every room of the house, and manage feeding remotely has definitely helped me feel more connected and less worried.

Final Thoughts: Are Pet Monitoring Systems Worth It for Busy Pet Owners?

Thanks to a combination of innovative pet monitoring systems, from smart pet cameras to automatic feeders, I can travel with true peace of mind. No matter where I am, as long as I have a cell signal, I can check in on my cat, make sure she’s eating on schedule, monitor her well-being in real time, and even talk to my pet remotely. These tools offer stress-free solutions for pet owners who want to stay connected and maintain a strong bond with their furry companions, even from miles away.

Alongside monitoring systems, creating a comfortable environment with quality pet blankets can make a big difference. If you’re building a cozy space for your pet while you’re away, I also wrote about the best pet blankets, including memorial options, and where to buy them now that Redbubble no longer offers theirs.

Post originally published on March 21, 2024, and last updated on December 7, 2025.