How to Watch Pets at Home With a Web Camera Via the Internet

If you have pets, no matter what kind they are, you may feel uncomfortable leaving them alone and unsupervised for long periods at a time. However, thanks to modern technology, you can keep an eye on your pets while you are at work or on vacation. You can use a web camera, called a network camera or sometimes referred to as an IP or remote camera, to monitor your pets from anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection.

Things You'll Need

  • Network camera and software
  • Modem
  • Computer with Internet access
  • Ethernet cable
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Instructions

  1. Monitoring your Pets

    • 1

      Connect your IP camera to an Internet connected computer with a modem using the Ethernet ports and an Ethernet cable. The Ethernet port looks like enlarged phone jack, usually located on the back of the camera (this may change in accordance with the manufacturer). On laptop computers, the port is usually located on the side and on desktop computers, it is usually found on the back panel.

    • 2

      Install and run the IP camera software on your computer.

    • 3

      Enter the camera IP address when prompted and press "Finish" or "Save." The IP address can be found either on the camera's packaging, within its instruction manual, or sometimes on the software. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on installation.

    • 4

      Place your camera in an area that will allow you to monitor your pets, whether it be their play area, sleeping area, or in front of their enclosure, depending on what type of pet you are monitoring. You need to keep the camera connected to the Internet, so either use a very long Ethernet cable to keep it plugged into the modem or a wireless Ethernet adapter, which can be found at an electronics retailer.

    • 5

      Type the camera IP address into your Web browser address bar from any Internet connected computer to access your camera images.