We recently rolled out Goose’s integration with iDogCam, which has been one of the most requested features by our customers. And that’s what kicked off a great conversation with Aron Garrison, one of the founders of iDogCam, about how facilities are using webcams, why they matter, and what to consider if you’re thinking about adding them.
I’ve always known cameras can add value—but what stood out in that conversation were the practical details: how facilities are packaging access, handling staff concerns, setting viewing hours, and approaching installation. Check out the interview or read on for a breakdown of how smart operators are making webcams work—both for their customers and their bottom line.
Why Use Webcams in the First Place?
Let’s start with the obvious: pet parents want to see their pets. But the benefits go way beyond that.
Here's what webcams can offer:
Peace of mind for pet parents
People feel more comfortable leaving their pet when they know they can check in.
A tool for transparency
Even just having cameras—whether or not a parent watches—is a signal of confidence in your care.
Support for your staff
Video can back up your team if an incident occurs, and it's useful for training and feedback.
A differentiator in your market
If you’re in a competitive area, offering camera access (especially tied to premium services) can help you stand out.
A real business opportunity
Camera access can be sold, bundled, or used to drive upgrades.
How to Monetize Webcams
This is where things get interesting. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are a few common models that Aron shared from what they've seen across hundreds of facilities:
1. Free play area cameras
Many facilities offer free access to shared spaces like group play during daycare or boarding. It’s a nice perk and a good selling point during a tour.
2. Paid access to private room feeds
Charging a small daily fee (often $5–$10) for parents to watch their pet in their private room is common—and it adds up fast. In bigger cities, we’ve even seen facilities charge $15–$20 per day for this.
3. Bundled into premium packages
Rather than selling camera access on its own, some operators fold it into a larger offering: extra playtime, a nightly treat, a report card, and live camera access for $15 or $20/day. The camera becomes part of the value, not the whole story.
The point is: customers are willing to pay for the peace of mind—and if structured right, you’ll easily cover the cost of your camera system and then some.
The Objections: What About Privacy and Control?
It’s totally reasonable to feel uneasy about putting cameras in your facility. Maybe you’re thinking:
“What if a dog has an accident and a parent sees it before we do?”
“What if a pet parent misinterprets something on camera?”
“I don’t want my team feeling like they’re being watched 24/7.”
These are all valid concerns—but none of them are deal-breakers.
Here's what helps:
Limit when cameras are viewable
You don’t need 24/7 access. Set viewing hours that match your peak activity (e.g., 10am–4pm). That way, your staff knows when to expect cameras to be on, and pet parents aren’t catching middle-of-the-night cleanups.
Limit who has access
Only grant access to parents of pets that are actively checked in, and only for the cameras relevant to their pet. No need for a free-for-all camera dashboard on your homepage.
Designate "camera zones"
You don’t need coverage of every square foot. Many facilities create visible camera areas that serve as natural backdrops, while still giving staff a private space or time-out zone nearby if needed.
Train your staff and set expectations
Just like any other part of the facility, clarity is key. If your team knows when they’re on camera and why, the cameras become a tool—not a threat.
Most of the time, your team is doing exactly what they should. But all it takes is one tough dog—or one tough customer—to cast doubt. With cameras, you’ve got a record. You’ve got backup. You can show that your staff handled it the right way.
Best Practices When Adding Cameras
If you're moving forward with adding webcams—or just exploring the idea—here are a few tips:
• Start small
You don’t need 20 cameras out of the gate. Start with a couple in high-visibility areas like play zones or deluxe suites and expand as demand grows.
• Use wired connections
Wi-Fi might sound easier, but when you want to add more cameras, HD video, and ensure reliability, go with power-over-ethernet (PoE).
• Outdoor-rated cameras work best—even indoors
Pet care environments are tough. Hair, dander, cleaning sprays—indoor-rated cameras often don’t hold up. Look for hardware designed to last.
• Keep your footage
Most facilities retain 21–30 days of video footage. It’s enough to cover most situations without requiring a massive storage setup.
The Bottom Line
If you’re using Goose, that integration with iDogCam is ready now. But even if you’re using another platform or just getting started, the ideas above apply no matter what camera provider you go with.
If you’ve been on the fence, maybe now’s the time to take a closer look.
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