Comparing Pet/Home Monitoring Systems: Which is Best for You?
Home monitoring systems keep track of your house (temp, humidity, power failures, water leaks, etc.) Pet monitoring systems keep track of your pets (whereabouts, barking, tearing up the sofa? etc.), Some systems keep track of them both. For those who are on the road with their pets, we found products that will notify you of your pet’s condition in the RV while you’re out on a day trip. You will rest easy knowing your companion is comfortable and safe because the air conditioning is working as planned. Fortunately, we’ve researched many of these products for you so you can make the best choice, depending upon your needs.
From our readers’ comments, we’ve learned that many folks hit the road woefully unprepared for the logistics of caring for their animals 24/7. Visit our page How to Best Provide for Your Dog at the Campground. Because we can’t usually take our furry friends into restaurants, attractions, or even on hikes, we’re going to be leaving them somewhere.
Dogs and Cats Can and Do Die When Left in Cars, RVs, and Travel Trailers
Tiny home and RV owners can be very concerned for their pets’ welfare. Small spaces can get very warm very fast, especially in RVs and travel trailers. Every year hundreds of dogs die or are seriously injured by heat stroke after being left alone in a car or RV. It takes less than 30 minutes to reach dangerously high temperatures, and even less to drop to freezing temps in winter. If the air conditioner stops or the power fails, you need to respond quickly. This calls for a monitor.
Here are several home monitoring systems people are using to keep an eye on their homes when they are out and about:
Cell Phone-Based Home Monitoring Systems
If your RV or tiny home is in an area with good cell service. you’ll find that that cell phone-based home monitoring systems are very reliable. But, they require a monthly cell service subscription.
Waggle Cordless Rechargeable Environmental Monitoring System
This small device will work in your home, RV, or even your car.
Waggle constantly monitors and will respond to temperature changes within one minute. It will send you a text and/or email immediately.
Waggle also has a GPS tracking system which is a good idea. It has a rechargeable built-in battery with USB charger, so it’s completely portable and great for cars and trucks. Waggle was designed with pets in mind first.
The unit costs $199.00*. A Waggle subscription plan covers the Verizon 4G LTE cellular network across the US for Email/SMS Alerts. Yearly – Quarterly Subscription plans available from $10/mo – $16.5/mo*. Subscription to be purchased separately using Waggle App.
Visit the Waggle Store on Amazon
MarCELL Cellular Temperature/Humidity Monitor
This environment monitor was designed originally with homes, RVs, greenhouses, data center/server rooms, wine cellars, humidors, boats, and sheds in mind. It’s perfect for monitoring the environment for your pet’s comfort too.
MarCELL monitors and reports temperature, humidity, and power in the area it is placed. If temperature and humidity exceed or fall below the safe ranges you set, or power is lost, you will receive an immediate alert notification via text, call, or email. Online controls make it easy to set up your MarCELL with custom temperature and humidity ranges, alert messages, notification schedules, and more. No complicated keypads or confusing displays. Just point, click, and then relax! MarCELL is extremely versatile and can be used to monitor many different environments, and is perfect for travel trailers, RVs, and tiny homes. MarCELL does not use your data plan or cell phone plan. It requires a monthly subscription (Verizon) plan for as low as $8.25/mth.* from MarCELL. It can use Verizon, and AT&T 4G LTE networks.
Available from Amazon. It has a battery backup that can operate the device for 48 hours during a power failure.
Marcell can monitor for water leaks with the addition of the SPuck.
WiFi-Based Home Monitoring Systems
WiFi-based home monitoring systems are a bit less expensive because you don’t need a monthly subscription or cell phone service. But you do need reliable WiFi, which could be hard to come by in an RV park or on the road.
The devices will send email and/or text message alerts.
Ideal Sciences Temp Stick Wireless Remote WiFi Temperature & Humidity Sensor.
Temp Stick will send you temperature and humidity level alerts over the Internet. Because it is WiFi-based you do not need a subscription so there’s no monthly fee. But both it and the receiving device need to be on the Internet. Temp Stick can notify you via email or text message if it loses its internet connection. It will also alert you when the connection has been restored.
Temp Stick can keep a detailed data log if you need to see a history of the environment. But it does not send “real-time” data, only updates every 10 minutes.
It’s powered by regular AA batteries which last about a year. $149.99*. Includes Android and iPhone apps.
Govee WiFi Temperature Humidity Monitor, Wireless Digital Indoor Hygrometer Thermometer
This interesting device not only sends 10 minute updates to its app on your phone or pad, it also has a large readout with accurate information.
It runs on three AAA batteries and sticks on anywhere. Not bad for $39.09*.
Here’s the bad news: It works on 2.4 GHz WiFi but not 5 GHZ, and there are connectivity issues with routers that use both. In addition, you need to log in to the app every time you want to check the data. The bluetooth connection seems to work fine, but of course that has very limited range (like 15′). The app can “forget” the device/thermometer, requiring you to go home and re-pair it to the app before it will work again.
This one’s just not reliable enough or fast enough where your pet is involved.
This monitor alerts you when your dog is barking
The Furbo Dog Monitor alerts you if your dog is barking. Then you turn on the camera to see if your pup is tearin’ up the place or in distress. You can even turn on the microphone and tell it to quiet down then reward them with a treat if they do.
This interesting device also works with Alexa. You can say, “Alexa ask Furbo to toss the dog a treat,” and out pops the treat.
A stable strong WiFi connection is required for best performance.
On a serious note, the Furbo Dog Monitor not only tells you when your dog it barking, but it will alert you to unwanted activity like puppy chewing up the pillows and also intruders.
While they do not send temperature alerts, they have saved several pets from fires when their barking alerted the owner to take a look. $169.00*. Click on image to see more details.
There are a bunch of different Dog and Cat Monitors. There’s even one that shines a laser you can wiggle to play with your cat.
Use This Remote Thermostat to Control Your HVAC System from Your Cell Phone
The Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat by Emerson has a touchscreen color display, is easily programmable, and is WiFi connected to a Mobile App on your cell phone. The Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat puts comfort control at your fingertips, whether you are at home or on-the-go. Just a tap of the easy-to-use touchscreen display or free mobile app lets you remotely access, change or program your home temperatures – anytime. Anywhere. Designed to work with HVAC equipment in most homes* (U.S. & Canada only), Sensi guides you through each step of the DIY installation process with proven, in-app instructions. A common wire (c-wire) is required for all system types. Refer to our online compatibility resources at sensicomfort.com/compatibility to make sure Sensi thermostat will work in your home. Once your Sensi thermostat is up and running, you can let your location automatically adjust your temperature settings with geofencing, or use the intuitive controls to create a custom schedule to fit your lifestyle and save money on HVAC related energy costs.
Click image to see details on Amazon.com
Here are some more posts on the Tiny Life Consulting website you’ll be interested in:
How Best to Provide for Your Dog at the Campground
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