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How to Buy a Smart Pet Feeder

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Smart Pet Feeder

Get your pet on a schedule without blowing your monthly budget.

Typical cost $200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $11.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A solid smart feeder keeps your pet fed on time and lets you check in via camera, saving you from buying a replacement in a year. Look for build quality and app reliability, as these devices should last you at least three to four years if you treat them right.

New models usually drop in the fall, so mid-summer is the perfect time to grab last year’s version. Retailers often clear out older stock to make room for new inventory, which means you can get the same features for a lower price.

The 18-month window is a deadline, not free money. If you have a balance left when the intro period ends, the bank will start charging interest on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for the mid-summer sales

    Retailers dump older stock before new models arrive in the fall. Watch the prices in July and August to catch the best dip. You will pay less for the exact same tech.

  2. 02

    Check the app reviews

    The hardware only matters if the software works. Read recent reviews to see if the camera feed is laggy or if the app crashes often. If the software is buggy, skip it.

  3. 03

    Use your 0% window

    If you decide to pay over time, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spreading $200 over that 18-month window costs you $11.11 per month. Just make sure to set up autopay so you do not miss a payment.

  4. 04

    Set up your alerts

    Once you have the feeder, set up notifications for low food levels or power outages. This keeps you from worrying when you are away from home. Being proactive prevents the device from failing when you actually need it.

  5. 05

    Clean it regularly

    Food dust and oils clog the internal motor over time. Wipe down the chute and the bowl once a week to ensure the mechanics do not seize up. A clean feeder is a working feeder.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I need a paid subscription for the camera?

Some brands lock video storage behind a monthly fee. Check if the feeder offers local storage via an SD card so you can avoid ongoing costs.

What happens if the power goes out?

Look for a feeder that takes backup batteries. Without them, your pet goes hungry if your home loses electricity.

Can I use any food size?

Most feeders are built for standard dry kibble. If your pet eats extra-large or oddly shaped food, it will likely jam the machine.

Are these things easy to set up?

Most connect to your home Wi-Fi in minutes. If you have a weak signal in the room where the feeder sits, the camera feed might be choppy.