Nest Camera Not Detecting Pets? Here’s How to Fix It
One of the most appealing features of modern Nest cameras is their ability to distinguish between different types of motion. Getting an alert that your dog or cat is active is helpful, but it's frustrating when the feature doesn't work as expected. You might get notifications for general motion when your pet walks by, or worse, no notifications at all.
This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve common issues with Nest's pet detection feature, ensuring you get the accurate alerts you need.
Why Isn't My Nest Camera Detecting My Pet?
Several factors can prevent your Nest camera from correctly identifying your furry friends. The most common reasons include:
- Subscription Status: Pet detection is a premium feature that requires an active Nest Aware subscription.
- Camera Model: Not all Nest cameras have the processing power to support this feature.
- Camera Placement and Angle: A poor viewing angle can make it difficult for the camera's AI to recognise the shape of an animal.
- Poor Lighting: Dim or inconsistent lighting can interfere with the camera's ability to see and analyse motion clearly.
- Incorrect Settings: Your notification settings might not be configured correctly to alert you to pet activity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Nest Pet Detection
Follow these steps to get your pet alerts working correctly.
1. Check Your Nest Aware Subscription
This is the first and most important thing to verify.
- Open the Google Home app or Nest app.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Nest Aware.
- Confirm that your subscription is active. If it has expired or there's a billing issue, you will need to resolve it. Without Nest Aware, your camera will only report basic motion events.
2. Confirm Your Camera Model's Compatibility
Ensure your device actually supports the feature. Pet detection is generally available on newer models, including:
- Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery)
- Nest Cam (indoor, wired)
- Nest Cam with floodlight
Older models, like the original Nest Cam Indoor/Outdoor and some Dropcam models, may not have this capability. Check the official Google Nest support page for your specific model if you are unsure.
3. Optimise Camera Placement and Angle
The camera needs a clear view to work effectively.
- Ideal Height: Place the camera about 6-8 feet (2-2.5 metres) off the ground.
- Angle Downwards: Angle the camera slightly downwards. A view from the side of the pet is often more effective than a top-down view.
- Unobstructed View: Make sure there are no plants, furniture, or glass reflections blocking the camera's line of sight.
- Clear Background: A simple, uncluttered background helps the AI focus on the moving object.
4. Improve Lighting Conditions
Good lighting is crucial for accurate detection.
- Daytime: Ensure the area is well-lit. Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light.
- Night-time: Rely on your camera's night vision. Make sure there are no bright lights shining directly into the lens, which can create glare and obscure the image. Ensure the night vision LEDs are clean and not blocked.
5. Configure Your Event and Notification Settings
You need to tell the app that you want to be notified about pets.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Select your camera from the device list.
- Tap Settings (the gear icon).
- Go to Events > Seen events.
- Ensure that Animal notifications are enabled. You can customise the notifications to your preference, deciding if you want alerts for all motion or only for specific types like people and pets.
6. Set Up Activity Zones
If you only want to detect pets in a specific area (like the garden, but not the patio), use Activity Zones.
- In your camera's settings, go to Events > Activity Zones.
- Create a new zone covering the area of interest.
- Once the zone is created, you can specify which types of event notifications you want to receive for that area, including Animals.
By carefully checking your subscription, optimising your camera's physical setup, and configuring the software settings correctly, you can significantly improve the reliability of Nest's pet detection feature.