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DogTV is a one-of-a-kind streaming service designed specifically to keep pets entertained and relaxed when left alone. Initially created for dogs, DogTV features 24/7 pet-specific programming scientifically crafted to reduce stress, provide enrichment, and keep your furry friend engaged. Although primarily intended for canines, I decided to test it with my two cats to see if it could provide similar entertainment and relaxation benefits for felines. Here’s what I found after a week of testing DogTV with my pets.
DogTV offers streaming content tailored to dogs’ senses and instincts, available through an app on major streaming devices like Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV, or as an à la carte channel on cable providers such as Dish and Xfinity. The programming is split into three main categories: Relaxation, Exposure, and Stimulation. Relaxation videos are designed to calm pets with soft sounds and soothing visuals, Exposure videos gently acclimate pets to new sights and sounds, and Stimulation videos feature playful dogs and high-energy content that capture pets’ attention.
DogTV also includes training guides and content for both pets and humans, helping pet parents learn useful tips on topics like training and enrichment. Subscriptions cost $9.99 monthly or $74.99 per year, with a one-time $199 lifetime membership option. A seven-day free trial allows users to see if their pets enjoy the content before committing.
I started by setting up DogTV on my LG smart TV and letting it play while I worked from home, hoping the soft sounds and animations would catch my cats’ attention. To my surprise, both cats were immediately captivated by the movement and sounds on the screen. One cat even pawed at the TV, amusingly chasing after animated dogs and outdoor scenes, while the other seemed content to lounge and listen to the calming background music.
DogTV’s Relaxation program quickly became a favorite. The gentle visuals and serene sounds created a calming environment in the room, and I noticed that my cats were more relaxed than usual. The Stimulation content, though, turned out to be their absolute favorite, especially any videos featuring birds (oh! especially birds!), squirrels, or fast-moving visuals.
1. Engaging Colors and Sounds that Appeal to Pets
One unique feature of DogTV is the way it edits its content to enhance colors like blue and yellow, colors that are easier for dogs (and even some cats) to perceive. These adjustments made the visuals vibrant, and both my cats and other pets could easily track the movement on-screen. The sounds, including occasional bird calls and playful barks, also helped keep my pets’ attention longer than regular TV content.
2. Broad Range of Pet-Specific Content
DogTV’s extensive library pleasantly surprised me. The 24/7 program combines different types of content, rotating every few minutes, so my pets never seemed to lose interest. If your pet favors a particular type of content, DogTV offers dozens of longer videos within each category, allowing you to select what suits their mood. I ended up saving my cats’ favorite “Relaxation” videos in the app, which allowed me to quickly replay the content they loved most.
Pricey for a Pet-Focused Streaming Service
At $9.99 per month or $74.99 per year, DogTV is on par with most human streaming services, which may feel costly considering the amount of free pet content available on platforms like YouTube. Although I found DogTV to be effective and enjoyable for my pets, the high subscription fee may be a barrier for some pet owners.
Should you sign up for DogTV? If your pet already shows interest in the TV and you’re looking for a way to entertain or relax them while you’re away, DogTV is a unique and valuable resource. The channel’s well-thought-out programming provides a combination of stimulation, exposure, and relaxation designed to reduce anxiety and provide enrichment. For pets who already enjoy watching screens, DogTV is a step above typical pet videos, providing scientifically curated content that can keep them engaged and at ease.
However, for pets that aren’t naturally drawn to screens, DogTV may not hold their attention, and the subscription fee is relatively high. I recommend trying the free trial to determine if your pet enjoys the content before committing.
Overall Recommendation:
