The camera may be purchased for a dog, but its lens can capture family routines, conversations, children, guests, screens, and the layout of a private room.

Start with what gets recorded

Separate live view from recorded history. A camera may stream video only when opened, create event clips automatically, or store continuous footage depending on the product and plan. Furbo’s policy says recordings may be stored from 24 hours to seven days depending on settings, while manually saved video can be retained differently. The exact answer belongs in the policy—not in an assumption.

Cloud features can change the real price

AI alerts, event history, and longer clip storage often live behind a subscription. Furbo states that live view, treat tossing, and barking alerts remain available without its optional Nanny service, while paid features and historical recordings depend on the plan. Its subscription terms also describe automatic renewal. Compare the camera twice: once without a plan and once at the annual cost of the features you actually want.

The bedroom rule

If you would feel uncomfortable with an unknown person seeing that room, do not place an internet-connected camera there. Aim it narrowly at the pet’s activity zone.

The seven-question privacy check

  1. Is the stream encrypted? The FTC recommends checking encryption for account data, livestreams, and archived video.
  2. Does the account support two-factor authentication? A unique password is necessary; a second factor adds another barrier.
  3. How long are clips stored? Look for a specific retention window and separate rules for manually saved files.
  4. Can every recording be deleted? Confirm how deletion works, how long it takes, and what happens when the account closes.
  5. Who can share access? Review household users and revoke access when someone no longer needs it.
  6. How are security updates delivered? Prefer an actively supported product and enable automatic app and firmware updates.
  7. What remains without the subscription? Make sure cancellation does not remove the core function you bought the camera for.

Secure the network around it

The FTC recommends a strong router password, current router software, WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, and—when practical—a separate network for cameras and other connected devices. Also review account access logs if the manufacturer exposes them.

GOOD SIGN

The policy answers specifics

Clear retention windows, visible deletion controls, 2FA, encrypted connections, update support, and useful features without forced cloud storage.

PAUSE

The answers are vague

No clear clip-retention period, no 2FA information, unclear account deletion, or a subscription required for the basic reason you want the camera.

Our buying rule

Do not buy a pet camera only because its video looks sharp. Buy the camera whose privacy controls you understand and will actually use. Then place it carefully, update it, protect the account, and periodically review who still has access.

Editorial note: This is general consumer-security information, not a certification that any particular product is risk-free.