Pet Water Fountain: 6 Favorites to Keep Pets Healthy and Hydrated
by Jackie Brown
Published on August 29, 2021
Your pet needs about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day—possibly more if it’s hot out. An automatic pet water fountain can entice pets to drink more water and keep them hydrated. If you’re thinking of investing in a fountain for your dog or cat, it can help to explore the different styles available and learn about the maintenance that fountains require.
What Is a Pet Water Fountain?
Our Top Picks:
- Petlibro Capsule Automatic Pet Water Fountain
- Petlibro Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain
- Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain by PetSafe
- Drinkwell Seascape Ceramic Dog & Cat Fountain
- Catit Flower Fountain
- Petmate Deluxe Fresh Flow
A pet water fountain is an electric device that uses circulating pumps and filters to keep your pet’s water fresh and clean. Some pets, especially cats, prefer drinking running water (it’s why many pets are drawn to sink faucets, showers, sprinklers, and other water sources). For dogs or cats that don’t drink enough water, especially in hot weather, introducing a pet water fountain might encourage them to drink more. Pets with certain health issues like urinary-tract disease or kidney disease also benefit from staying well hydrated.
Shopping for a Pet Water Fountain: What to Look For
Pet water fountains come in many different sizes, styles and price points, with varying levels of sound and water movement to appeal to pets of all sizes and drinking preferences. When shopping for a pet water fountain, consider the following:
Material: Pet water fountains may be plastic, ceramic, or stainless steel. Plastic is lightweight and generally less expensive than ceramic or stainless steel, but plastic can be irritating to some pets’ skin, and this porous material can harbor bacteria. If your pet has sensitive skin or suffers from facial acne, consider a stainless steel or ceramic model.
Size: Smaller fountains are sufficient for one or two cats or small dogs. If you have larger dogs, or more than two pets, look for a fountain with a larger water capacity and/or drinking reservoir.
Water movement: Fountains may feature a water stream (great for pets that like to drink out of a sink faucet), water bubbler, and/or multiple water flow options. Some are even adjustable so you can fine-tune them to your pet’s preferences.
Sound: Pet water fountains use pumps to circulate water. Some fountains are louder than others, either due to the pump or the splashing sound of the water (common with fountains that feature water streams). If you or your pet are noise-sensitive, look for a quiet model.
Maintenance: All pet water fountains require routine cleaning and maintenance to keep them sanitary and working properly. Look for fountains that are easier to clean, with easy-to-clean parts.
Best Pet Water Fountain: 6 Options to Consider
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Petlibro Capsule Automatic Pet Water Fountain
The Petlibro Capsule offers a wide water reservoir plus two water flow options: stream and bubbling fountain. The unique translucent design lets you easily see when the water level drops so you can fill it up. The filter contains activated carbon to remove bad tastes and odors, and ion exchange resin to soften the water. This fountain is virtually silent, so it’s great for noise-sensitive individuals.
Highlights
- 2-liter water capacity
- Adjustable flow
- Whisper quiet
- BPA-free plastic
- Dishwasher safe
Things to Consider
- May be too small for large dogs or multi-pet households
- High filter-replacement frequency (every two to four weeks)
- Plastic may cause skin irritation in sensitive animals
Petlibro Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain
The Petlibro Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain’s adjustable-flow spout allows you to make the stream bigger or smaller, and the design prevents splashing. Stainless steel pet water fountains are both durable and sanitary, resisting more bacteria growth than plastic (1). The Petlibro fountain is also easy to clean—all parts other than the pump and filters are dishwasher safe. Using silent pump technology, this fountain is extremely quiet.
Highlights
- 2-liter water capacity
- Sanitary stainless steel
- Adjustable flow
- Virtually silent
- Dishwasher safe
Things to Consider
- May be too small for large dogs or multi-pet households
- High filter-replacement frequency (every two to four weeks)
Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain by PetSafe
The Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain by PetSafe is a large pet water fountain, offering a 1.3 gallon water capacity ideal for larger dogs or multi-pet households. Pets can drink from the adjustable free-falling water stream or from the bowl-like reservoir at the bottom of the fountain. An activated carbon filter removes bad tastes and odors, keeping water fresh and clean.
Highlights
- 1.3 gallon water capacity ideal for larger pets
- Adjustable flow
- BPA-free plastic
- Dishwasher safe
Things to Consider
- Plastic may cause skin irritation in sensitive animals
Drinkwell Seascape Ceramic Dog & Cat Fountain
The Drinkwell Seascape Ceramic Fountain is functional, stylish and virtually silent. Because ceramic is heavy, the fountain is also extremely sturdy and won’t slide around. Easy to clean, the ceramic bowl and tower are dishwasher safe. Carbon filter and foam filters keep the water clean and fresh tasting.
Highlights
- 2-liter water capacity
- Attractive design
- Dishwasher safe
- Nearly silent
- Dual foam and carbon filters
- Sturdy
Things to Consider
- More expensive than many plastic or stainless steel fountains
- May be too small for large dogs or multi-pet households
- High filter-replacement frequency (every two weeks) with two filters requiring replacement
Catit Flower Fountain
The Catit Flower Fountain offers three water flow options: gentle, bubbling, or calm streams that run off each petal. The triple-action filter contains activated carbon to remove bad tastes and odors, and ion exchange resin to soften the water. A water-level indicator lets you see when the fountain needs to be refilled.
Highlights
- 3-liter water capacity
- Triple-action filter
- Affordable
Things to Consider
- May be too small for large dogs or multi-pet households
- Plastic may cause skin irritation in sensitive animals
- High filter-replacement frequency (every four weeks)
Petmate Deluxe Fresh Flow
If you’re looking for a large pet water fountain, the Petmate Deluxe Fresh Flow water fountain comes in two sizes: 3-liter or 6-liter water capacity for multi-pet households or larger dogs. The fountain’s “water-slide” design prevents splashing and ensures quiet water flow. A charcoal filter removes bad tastes and odors, keeping water fresh and clean. Hand wash only.
Highlights
- 3-liter or 6-liter water capacity
- Splashproof
- Quiet
- Affordable
Things to Consider
- Plastic may cause skin irritation in sensitive animals
- High filter-replacement frequency (every four weeks)
- Not dishwasher safe
Using a Pet Water Fountain: Tips and Advice
Pet water fountains need regular maintenance to keep them clean and functioning. Always read the product manual carefully and follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations on cleaning frequency and how often to replace pet water fountain filters.
In general, pet fountains need to be taken apart and cleaned every few weeks, more frequently with heavier use or if the water is looking grimy. Wash all parts according to the manual (either in the dishwasher or by hand), and clean the pump well with the proper equipment (usually special cleaning brushes). Top off the fountain with water regularly to make sure the levels never drop too low. Letting a pump run dry will burn it out and require a full pump replacement.
When considering the overall cost of a pet water fountain, don’t forget about the ongoing cost of replacement filters. Refer to your specific pet water fountain’s manual to find out how frequently filters need to be replaced.
