Strictly speaking, pet fountains are more obviously beneficial for cats than for dogs. Cats are instinctively attracted to flowing water, and a fountain will ensure a hydrated feline more than a bowl will. “Cats don’t willingly drink enough on their own. So we have to try and make it as attractive as we can,” says Kristiina Wilson, who has worked as a cat behaviorist for more than 20 years. But dogs can benefit from a water fountain too; traditional water bowls can gather bits of food and become gunky quickly, especially for dogs who are heavy droolers, but a flowing, filtered source to drink from gives your pet a clean drink every time.
However, pet fountains are not a low-maintenance option. You should plan to take it apart and wash it at least once a week to prevent bacteria buildup that could harm your pet. Another important specification to keep in mind is the material of the fountain. Ceramic is more aesthetically pleasing and heavier (a good idea if your pet likes to bat at the fountain), but it can also more easily crack or chip. Plastic is usually lighter and cheaper, but it is also notorious for causing skin irritations like cat acne for more sensitive pets, says Caitlin Sheridan, manager at the nonprofit cat rescue Catsbury Park in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Stainless steel is more durable than either ceramic or plastic, and less susceptible to bacteria buildup than the more porous plastic, too.
Pet fountains traditionally have been made for cats — usually ranging from 60 ounces to 108 ounces — and these sizes are also well suited for small- to medium-size dogs. Models available for larger dogs are becoming more common; the biggest I’ve come across is the two-gallon Petdott fountain. And it’s important that your dog’s water fountain is elevated: “You want something that your dogs can easily reach so they don’t have to strain their necks down,” says Robert Haussmann, a certified professional dog trainer and co-founder of Dogboy NYC.
Below, we’ve listed the most recommended models according to veterinarians, dog trainers, animal behaviorists, and pet-care professionals. I’ve organized by fountain material to make it easier for interested pet owners to peruse.
Best pet fountain overall
Experts overwhelmingly favored the PetLibro Dockstream fountain for cats (it also works well for small dogs). With its durable stainless-steel basin, 2.5-liter (85-ounce) capacity, quiet motor, motion sensors for water conservation, and detachable water tank for easy cleaning, the PetLibro fountain is versatile enough for most homes. “Most cats do not like having their food right next to their water,” explains Dr. Andrea Tu, medical director of Behavior Vets of New York, who says that battery-operated water fountains like the PetLibro ensure owners can situate their pet’s water source even if an outlet isn’t nearby. The design has a wide, shallow well of water, ideal for cats to drink without their whiskers touching the rim, says Bond Vet’s Dr. Hannah Lau, which can cause whisker fatigue. Wilson says the PetLibro fountain works great as an outdoor pet fountain too since it doesn’t need to be plugged in. She and her wife, who own 13 cats, use it in the summer on their catio. “The cats will be out there for like 15 hours a day,” says Wilson, “so it’s really handy to have that support. They can watch all the birds but also have a drink.”
Best (less-expensive) stainless-steel pet fountain
Sheridan endorses the Tomxcute Cat Water Fountain. This 3.2-liter (108-ounce) carbon-filtered fountain is affordable and easy to clean — the stainless steel can go directly into the dishwasher — a must when working with large numbers of feline rescues, as well as small- to medium-size dogs. “As a nonprofit, we need to make the items we have last as long as we can,” says Sheridan, and this one fits the bill. Additionally, the fountain spout mimics a kitchen tap, perfect for pets who enjoy a drink from the faucet.
Best pet fountain for large dogs
Brian Taylor, owner of Harlem Doggie Day Spa, recommends the Petdott Dog Water Fountain for large dogs or multiple dogs in a household. The two-gallon elevated fountain with a stainless-steel basin is dishwasher safe and holds the most water of any fountain on this list. The seven-layer filter also clears out hair and other detritus. “Especially if you have a dog that’s slobbering or a playful dog, like a golden retriever, they like to scratch the water and that brings in debris,” says Taylor. Additionally, Taylor says the stainless steel helps cut down on bacteria, especially when dealing with multiple pets (and in light of the new respiratory illness affecting dogs).
Best decorative ceramic pet fountain
Michael Moore, co-founder of Wags West, a pet-care company on the Upper West Side, vouches for the PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda fountain. A good size for cats and small- to medium-size dogs, the fountain holds 70 ounces of water, has a carbon filter, and is dishwasher safe. Moore says not only is the fountain more aesthetically pleasing than other options, but the weight of it prevents it from being moved. “Cats can get really frisky and really lively” with their water sources and “stainless steel can be easily flipped” by pets, he told us. Wilson, the cat behaviorist, also swears by this PetSafe fountain. She likes the dual water spouts “so multiple pets can drink from it at once, which is helpful in our multi-cat house.” The fountain is louder than other models, a feature that Wilson enjoys. “It sounds like one of those relaxing water features in my home,” she says.
Best quieter ceramic pet fountain
The PetSafe Creekside fountain is favored by Leslie Mosier, founder and owner of Doug the Pug. “I wanted a ceramic fountain as opposed to a plastic one to minimize any BPA or any chemicals leaching into the water,” says Mosier. As well as being quiet, the PetSafe Creekside fountain also “looks clean and modern.” The 60-ounce carbon-filtered fountain holds enough water for small dogs like Doug, as well as cats. Not only was Doug immediately drawn to the fountain, “our cats Fiona and Teddy also love it,” she says. “They play with the water.” Like the Pagoda fountain, the Creekside is also dishwasher safe.
Best plastic pet fountain
For pets who are less material sensitive, plastic fountains like the HAPUP Cat Water Fountain are an affordable option. Geoff, a fluffy black-and-white cat, prefers this model. “Geoff loves drinking from the sink, and the design of this one is really conducive to cats that like to drink from a spout, because it has a long neck,” says Bryan Reisberg, Geoff’s dad and co-founder of Little Chonk, a pet-accessories company. The 61-ounce carbon-filter fountain is economical and quiet, and the clear design is beneficial to owners. “We liked that we can see the water level in it and you can really easily tell if it’s dirty,” says Alex Garyn, Geoff’s mom and the founder of the Instagram account @geoffygrams. “Replacement filters are also easy to reorder on Amazon.” One downside: it’s not totally dishwasher friendly. Garyn says the heated drying cycle on their dishwasher recently warped the plastic beyond repair. “But Geoff really likes it, so I have to buy a new one.”
Best statement plastic pet fountain
Easily the most charming fountain on the list, the Catit PIXI Fountain holds 2.5 liters (85 ounces) and comes in multiple colors, and it includes a cotton mesh and carbon filter. Although small dogs can use it, the design is distinctly cat-oriented, with a nose and whiskers serving as decoration and a water-level window. Dr. Tu loves the appeal and has the blue version for her cat, Kahlua.
Best pet fountain for multi-pet households
Dogboy NYC’s Robert Haussmann says the two different levels of the PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Fountain means household pets can comfortably share a water source. “If you have a little dog and a big dog, or a cat and a dog, everyone can share the same filtered running water,” he says. The 100-ounce capacity, carbon-filtered plastic fountain is dishwasher safe and is made of BPA-free material, which Haussmann says is the only way to go if opting for a plastic fountain.
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