A French Bulldog drinking water from a bowl (Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash)
An icky, slimy bowl of water is unappealing not just to humans but also to our pets. It can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful pathogens, potentially making your dog or cat sick. Enter the pet water fountain – a device that keeps water flowing through a filter, ensuring it stays fresh, clean, and inviting for your furry friends. It also guarantees your pet has access to fresh water even when you’re not home for long periods.
With so many choices on the market, picking the right pet water fountain can feel overwhelming. We’ve done the hard work for you and found the five best pet fountains most often recommended by experts across seven websites. Some are designed especially for cats or dogs, while others don’t discriminate. Did we miss a pet fountain your pet loves? Comment below.
StudyFinds compiles lists of consensus picks featured on credible review sites. We aim to lay out top consumer research finds for you by bringing expert rankings to one place.
1. Pioneer Pet Big Max
Pioneer Pet Big Max
This bubbler is a real game-changer, thanks to its extra large bowl. Named the best for multi-pet homes by Popular Mechanics, it’s easy to clean and holds a full gallon of water. It also features an adjustable flow switch so you can control how much water your pet gets. Topping off the basin when the water is low is a breeze. Plus, finding filters and replacement parts is super easy.
This fountain is perfect for a thirsty dog or cat. Its stainless steel construction is dishwasher-safe and familiar to pets used to drinking from a bowl. The New York Times loves the long power cord, making it easy to place in the perfect spot in your home.
Not a fan of stainless steel? No worries, this unit also comes in a sleek ceramic option. The only drawback? Weighing seven pounds, it’s a bit heavy to lift when cleaning, but at least your pet won’t be able to move it around, according to Good Housekeeping.
2. Petlibro Dockstream App Monitoring Water Fountain
Petlibro Dockstream App Monitoring Water Fountain
How about a water fountain that pings your phone with updates on your pet’s drinking habits? Check! This device does that and more. Sure, The New York Times says it’s a bit pricey, but pet owners are known to splurge on their furry friends. Plus, it’s easy to clean and versatile, doubling as a bubbler or a waterfall.
Best Product Reviews says this product is worth the money and while it’s designed for cats, it works well for small dogs too! It features a detachable water tank and wireless pump making cleaning a breeze. Its 5,000 mAh built-in rechargeable battery also has exceptional battery life.
Dr. Andrea Tu, medical director of Behavior Vets of New York, tells New York Magazine that since most cats prefer their food and water separate, the PetLibro is the perfect solution. This wireless device is versatile enough to be placed indoors or on the patio, without worrying about a nearby outlet.
3. Catit (Various)
The Catit Fresh & Clear Stainless Steel Water Fountain
The Catit Fresh & Clear Stainless Steel Water Fountain, highlighted by Popular Mechanics, is specifically designed for cats. It features a stainless steel drinking basin that helps prevent “chin acne” commonly caused by plastic bowls. Additionally, it includes a triple-layered filter that removes impurities from tap water, reducing the risk of kidney stones in senior cats.
If you are in it for aesthetics, Good Housekeeping raves about the cute Catit Flower Cat Fountain. Its BPA-free plastic design fits small spaces, and though a bit noisy, cats love the sound of running water. Perfect for cats and small dogs, it’s available in green or blue, but you might need an extension cord because the attached cord is rather short. Ice Pure Filter points out its user-friendly water-level window and three water flow settings to suit your cat’s drinking habits.
4. PetSafe (Various)
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
PetSafe, a trusted name since 1991 according to Ice Pure Filter, excels in pet fountains. The company’s Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain, made of durable plastic, holds 162 ounces of water – perfect for multiple pets. With flow control features, it ensures safety, health, and pleasure for your furry friends.
Popular Mechanics chose the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station as the best non-election water fountain for dogs. It holds up to two gallons of water – enough to last even the largest dog for a few days. Since it’s gravity-powered, it doesn’t need to be plugged in. One note: You’ll have to buy a filter separately.
If you’re worried about chemicals, the PetSafe Creekside fountain is ceramic and looks more stylish than some plastic fountains. Leslie Mosier, the founder of Doug the Pug, tells New York Magazine the 60-ounce carbon-filtered device is perfect for small dogs and cats and is dishwasher safe.
5. Petkit (Various)
PetKit EverSweet Solo2
Rounding out our list are a few models from PetKit. Firstly, their Eversweet Smartfound, which Popular Mechanics loves for its extra bells and whistles. It auto-shuts to prevent burnout when water is low and can run on backup battery power for up to seven days. The LED indicator keeps you in the loop for refills, filter changes, and battery swaps.
The New York Times raves about the PetKit EverSweet Solo2, calling it the easiest to clean and quietest fountain out there. With a handy app for cleaning and refilling reminders, you’ll always be on top of maintenance. Just note, it doesn’t come with a 5v 1A adapter for charging.
The EverSweet 3 Pro by PetKit gets top marks from The Spruce Pets! Designed for 1-2 cats, it provides fresh water for five to seven days and is easily controlled via the PetKit app. With a stainless steel tank, wireless pump, and easy dismantling for cleaning, it runs quietly to entice your cat to drink without household disruption.
Sources used to create this list
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
