The Best Pet Water Fountains
Keeping your pet hydrated can almost feel like a part-time job. Whether you occasionally forget to fill their bowl or your pet drinks faster than you can keep up with, there's an easier way to quench their thirst: with the help of a water fountain. The circulating water in pet water fountains entices your pet to drink more frequently, and it's also more hygienic than having stagnant water in a bowl. Luckily, there are plenty of options on the market, including fountains designed for indoor and outdoor use. We sifted through the top models to help you find the perfect fit for you and your dog.
What to Look For
When we set out to find the top water fountains for pets, we had to evaluate three things: Is the fountain easy to clean? Does it make a lot of noise? And does it have any extra features that will make your life easier? The automatic fountain from Veken quickly emerged as the top contender because it’s quiet, has multiple flow modes, and comes with a bonus silicone mat to go underneath. And it didn’t hurt that the flower design on the top of the fountain was pretty cute. The stainless steel fountain from Tomxcute was another favorite of ours but for different reasons. It has enough water capacity for big dogs, and the stainless steel makes it easy to clean. Read on for our in-depth reviews of the best fountain options for your pup.
Veken Automatic Pet Water Fountain
Fount of knowledge
If you’re searching for the fountain to beat all fountains, then we can’t recommend this one from Veken enough. You can choose between three different water modes, all of which are silent. It has three layers of filters, and it comes with a mat for catching any spills. Plus, it’s got a super cute flower design on top.
Pros:
- It’s easy to take apart and clean — even the pump.
- This fountain is an affordable option.
Cons:
- You will have to buy new filters every once in a while.
Drinkwell Platinum Pet Water Fountain
For everything you want and more, we recommend this water fountain from Drinkwell. It has a filter, adjustable stream, and compartment to hold extra water. Looks-wise it’s pretty inconspicuous, and the quality is definitely worth the price.
Pros:
- This fountain is easy to clean. You can even wash it by putting it in the top rack of your dishwasher.
- It’s very high quality, and with regular cleaning and care, this fountain can last for years.
Cons:
- This model is a little low to the ground, so it may not be the right fit if your pet tends to make a mess.
Veken Smart Pump Pet Water Fountain
Quiet as a cat
If you’re looking for a fountain that can be seen but not heard, then you need to check out this one from Veken. And in our opinion, this fountain is not only quiet but also smart — as in it has a smart pump that will shut off automatically when it runs out of water. But if you want to avoid that, there’s a light on the fountain that will tell you when it’s ready for a refill, and if you don’t believe it then there’s also a window that lets you see the water level inside the fountain.
Pros:
- It’s easy to assemble, so your pet can start drinking from it sooner.
- The fountain has two modes if your pet prefers a gentle or more faucet-like pressure.
Cons:
- This fountain is on the smaller side, so it’s meant for small- to medium-sized dogs.
Tomxcute Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain
What a steel
If you think your dog is too big to use a fountain, then think again. Tomxcute’s fountain has a capacity of over three liters. Plus, it’s stainless steel, so it’s built to last and super easy to clean. And even though it’s big, it’s still super quiet so you’ll barely know it’s there.
Pros:
- The fountain has a double filtration system, which has a sponge layer and an activated carbon filter to remove hair and dirt from the water.
- The fountain can be easily taken apart for refill and cleaning.
Cons:
- You’ll have to remove the top of the fountain to check the water level.
Petlibro Ultra Quiet Pet Water Fountain
Automatically awesome
Most of the best pet water fountains are automatic, but this one from Petlibro wins points for being both automatic and super quiet. It’s able to hold 2.1 liters, which makes it great for small- and medium-sized dogs. Plus, it’s easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning. The fountain can also be switched between two modes: a waterfall and bubbling.
Pros:
- The outside of the water fountain base is translucent, so you can easily check the water level and see when it needs a refill.
- The pump on this fountain is quiet, if not completely silent.
Cons:
- The power cord for this fountain may require an extension or power strip, depending on how close you place it to an outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I have to change the water in a pet water fountain?
It’s best to think of a pet water fountain as a regular drinking bowl, in terms of how often you changed the water in it. If the water is getting low, be sure to refill as often as needed. Otherwise, you should generally be putting fresh water in the fountain every day, which will keep your pet hydrated and also help to keep the fountain clean.
How do I get my dog to drink from a water fountain?
A lot of pet owners purchase fountains in the hopes that they will help their dog drink more; however, there may be an adjustment period. If that’s the case, then multiple water sources are never a bad thing. It might help to leave out both a bowl and a fountain (perhaps in different spots), so your furry friend has options.
How do I clean a pet water fountain?
Each pet water fountain is different, so make sure you reference the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning for the first time. Cleaning at least once a week is a good goal. It’s also important to change the water and any filters in your pet fountain when needed to keep it fresh and clean.
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