Do you spy on your pets? Survey says yes, you do!

We often have pet sitting customers notify us of the use of in-home cameras. Our policy is that cameras are fine as long as they are not in the bedroom or bathroom. We also tell our sitters to act as if they are on camera because they probably will be!

Many pet owners are using cameras not for security but to check in on their pets! According to a new Comcast survey, 94% say checking in on their pet is one of the best parts of their day. Comcast just released new survey results and a product feature that responds to our increasing obsession with watching our pets on security cameras while away from home.

The survey, commissioned by Comcast and conducted by Wakefield Research, also found:

• Pet owners love furry distractions. Nearly 3 in 4 (73%) pet owners who check their cameras do so while on vacation to sneak a peek of their pet(s) whenever possible. Nearly 3 in 5 (59%) have checked while at a party or social event; more than 2 in 5 (44%) have checked during a workout; during a meeting (38%); while talking on the phone (38%); and while out on a date (32%).
• Pet(s) more entertaining than family and friends. More than two-thirds (68%) of respondents reported checking in on their pet(s) more than social media to see what their family and friends are up to. More than 4 in 5 surveyed (84%) also reported they have shared video clips of their pet(s) on social media platforms. 
• Pet(s) lives not so secret. Eighty-eight percent of respondents have checked in on their pets and caught them doing something naughty such as sitting in a forbidden place (39%); making excessive noise (36%); eating human food that has been left out (33%); damaging furniture or accessories (30%); hiding or moving objects around the home (30%); relieving him/herself on the floor or on the furniture (26%); vomiting (19%); or getting stuck somewhere (17%).
• Pet owners want ways to find videos of their pet(s) quickly. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents reported it is a bigger hassle to search hours of video clips of their pet(s) with no way to filter them, than to not have any clips of pets because their camera only has live feed, and they would like a filter feature to help them find clips faster.  

Comcast is adding a new, AI-powered ‘pet filter’ feature to its Xfinity camera and so, in addition to providing security and general monitoring, the Xfinity Camera will now offer a fast, easy way for customers to keep tabs on their pets.

Will I use this to check on my senior dog?  Perhaps. Many years ago I bought a camera to check in on my her while at work.  She spent most of the day sleeping so it was pretty uneventful and I had to study her to make sure she was still snoring and not lying their motionless. On the other hand, it would be useful to know if she is sleeping right behind the door so I don’t bump her when I enter.  No matter how slowly I open the door she always takes a few seconds to wake up and move so I always enter slowly looking for any signs of  black fur appearing out of no where.  And I’m sure we are all aware of the recent break-ins around the Palisades including some of our favorite neighborhood shops and restaurants.