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Best Dog Water Fountains 2025
Written by Ellie Roddy
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 05/31/2024, edited: 01/13/2025
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Your dog should always have access to clean, fresh water. This is important all year round, but even more so when the weather is particularly hot — and even during the night; dogs can get thirsty at any time.
If dogs don’t drink enough water, there’s a danger of becoming dehydrated. And, if your dog is refusing to drink, it may be an indication of an underlying cause, do so consult your veterinarian.
If dogs don’t drink enough water, there’s a danger of becoming dehydrated. And, if your dog is refusing to drink, it may be an indication of an underlying cause, do so consult your veterinarian.
So, now the importance of drinking water regularly has been reminded, let’s move on to how your dog can drink. You may have a bowl that you fill for your pup each morning, but have you considered swapping this for a dog water fountain? You may wonder why when the bowl appears to do the job — but there are plenty of benefits to a dog water fountain.
A key one is that they keep the water fresher and cleaner as the water is circulated by the pump and it passes through a filter, removing any dirt. This is particularly beneficial when your pup is home alone and you aren’t there to refill the bowl.
A key one is that they keep the water fresher and cleaner as the water is circulated by the pump and it passes through a filter, removing any dirt. This is particularly beneficial when your pup is home alone and you aren’t there to refill the bowl.
When choosing your water fountain there are a few things you need to consider. Firstly, how many dogs will be using it? One fountain may hold six cups while another holds 50 — you need to make sure it has the right capacity for your furry friends. It also needs to have a good filter — and you should keep in mind that this will need replacing.
You also want to know how much noise it will make — some are quiet while others can be very loud. The material it’s made out of is another consideration — do you want it to be lightweight and easy for you to move or heavier, so your pup can't move it? Lastly, would a multi-tiered or elevated fountain suit you if your dog has health issues or if your pals are different sizes?
There is quite a bit more to consider when choosing a water fountain that you first thought, isn’t there? But, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of the best dog water fountains to help you choose the right one for you and your dog.
Overview
Petdiary Wireless Auto-Sensing Dog & Cat Water Fountain
4.5
Best automatic water bowl for dogs
This is the best automatic water bowl for dogs because rather than flowing continuously, the wireless fountain will automatically turn on when your pet approaches it.
It holds more than 80 ounces of water. But, you can also see how much water is left so you can top it up when needed ensuring your furry friend never runs out.
There are three layers of filtration so you can be sure that the water is as clean and fresh as possible.
Petdiary Wireless Pet Water Fountain
Why Wag! loves it
- It will only be turned on when in use
- Very quiet, which both you and your pet will appreciate
- The light has a nighttime mode, so it’s easy for dogs to use in the dark
Considerations & loncerns
- Some pet parents say it doesn’t hold its charge for very long
- May not be suitable for very large breeds, especially in multi-pet households
- Some say it’s hard to get the filter out to clean or replace it
What pet parents say about Petdiary Wireless Auto-Sensing Dog & Cat Water Fountain
“I am absolutely thrilled with this pet water fountain, and so are my furry friends! Both my cat and dog have fallen in love with drinking water from it. The best part? It operates silently, which my cat appreciates, and my dog seems to love it even more. It's a hit in our household!”
“I'm thrilled with the fountain! It's not only stylish but also incredibly convenient. The auto-sensing feature ensures my pets always have fresh water, and the two filters included keep it clean. Cleaning is a breeze, and the motor is quiet. I highly recommend this fountain to pet owners. It's a game-changer!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Chewy Inc.
PetSafe Drinkwell Outdoor Plastic Dog & Cat Fountain
4
Best large dog water fountain
This is our choice as the best large dog water fountain because it’s one of the largest water fountains you can find — it holds 450 ounces.
To give you an idea of how much water this is compared to how much dogs roughly drink a day — they’ll drink around one ounce per pound of body weight.
To give you an idea of how much water this is compared to how much dogs roughly drink a day — they’ll drink around one ounce per pound of body weight.
You don’t need to worry about water splashing thanks to the high sides, it’s easy to use and clean, plus it’s suitable for using outside as well as inside.
PetSafe Drinkwell Outdoor Pet Fountain
Why Wag! Loves It
- Perfect for households with multiple dogs
- It holds a large amount of water so they won’t run out
- UV-resistant plastic prevents it from fading outside
Considerations & concerns
- It’s not suitable for smaller breeds
- It’s fairly loud compared to some other water fountains
- You need to ensure you have the space as it's very large
What pet parents say about PetSafe Drinkwell Outdoor Plastic Dog & Cat Fountain
“I have three dogs inside and having to change a water bowl every couple of hours was just [too] much. I know this said it was for outdoors but I use it inside. My lab, boxer, and (shih tzu) need to have water and lots of it.
I love the filtration system and [I] only have to refill the system once a day. I love the sound. It's so comforting for my animals. Great water bowl so glad I purchased this.”
I love the filtration system and [I] only have to refill the system once a day. I love the sound. It's so comforting for my animals. Great water bowl so glad I purchased this.”
“I absolutely love this fountain. Very large water capacity. I have two (very thirsty) large shepherd dogs and I have to refill the two water jugs in this thing about every 2 or 3 days, instead of twice in one day like my old bowl!
The noise can be quite loud, if it’s going somewhere people will be sleeping I would recommend getting a plug that shuts off the power at predetermined times (I have my plug set to turn off at 9PM and back on at 8AM). It controls the noise and the dogs can always use the bowl normally during that time, just without the noisy fountain.
I clean this about every week, sometimes 2 weeks if I forget, and it has never been mildewy or slimy or gross at all. It does an excellent job! I really love this fountain, I am so happy I splurged on it. If you have thirsty doggos, you won’t regret it!”
The noise can be quite loud, if it’s going somewhere people will be sleeping I would recommend getting a plug that shuts off the power at predetermined times (I have my plug set to turn off at 9PM and back on at 8AM). It controls the noise and the dogs can always use the bowl normally during that time, just without the noisy fountain.
I clean this about every week, sometimes 2 weeks if I forget, and it has never been mildewy or slimy or gross at all. It does an excellent job! I really love this fountain, I am so happy I splurged on it. If you have thirsty doggos, you won’t regret it!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright PetSafe Brands.
PetSafe Drinkwell Seascape Ceramic Dog & Cat Fountain
4
Best small and medium dog water fountain
This is the best water fountain for dogs if you’re looking for one that is functional but also fits in with the decor of your home because it’s much more aesthetically pleasing than some of the others.
It holds over 70 ounces of water and is ideal for small and medium dogs as well as cats.
The filter — which is replaceable — removes bad taste, odor, hair and debris while the circulation prevents bacteria from growing. Meanwhile, the moving water encourages your pet to drink more.
PetSafe Drinkwell Seascape Pet Fountain
Why Wag! Loves It
- It’s ceramic so your dog won’t be able to move it
- It’s very quiet, you’ll barely know it’s there
- Suitable for both dogs and cats
Considerations & concerns
- Not suitable for large breed dogs
- Some pet parents said the pump wasn’t powerful enough
- Some say it is hard to keep clean
What pet parents say about PetSafe Drinkwell Seascape Ceramic Dog & Cat Fountain
“I am very happy that I purchased this fountain. My mini schnauzer Spirit has kidney failure and needs to drink water. The water is always very fresh and entices her by the movement of the water to drink more.
Dehydration is a problem with kidney failure and I have seen a noticeable increase in her water consumption. There used to be a kind of slimy residue in the old water bowl. This one has absolutely no residue. I'm really glad I purchased it.”
Dehydration is a problem with kidney failure and I have seen a noticeable increase in her water consumption. There used to be a kind of slimy residue in the old water bowl. This one has absolutely no residue. I'm really glad I purchased it.”
“Excellent product, very quiet, easy to assemble. Water seems to be fresher. Nice looking product.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright PetSafe Brands.
PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Cat & Dog Water Fountain
4
This is one of our best rated dog water fountains as it’s very similar to their regular bowl, offering water from all directions. Your pet being able to easily access the flowing water makes it the perfect option for multi-pet households.
The stainless steel water fountain holds 128 ounces. It features rubber feet to prevent it from moving and you can change the flow of the water which is kept fresh and clean by the filters.
Those are the benefits for your pet but, it has benefits for you too. It’s dishwasher safe so it’s quick and easy to clean it.
The stainless steel water fountain holds 128 ounces. It features rubber feet to prevent it from moving and you can change the flow of the water which is kept fresh and clean by the filters.
Those are the benefits for your pet but, it has benefits for you too. It’s dishwasher safe so it’s quick and easy to clean it.
PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Pet Water Fountain
Why Wag! Loves It
- Can be used by multiple pets
- You can adjust the flow of the water
- Stainless steel resists bacteria and is easy to clean
Considerations & concerns
- Not suitable for very large breeds
- Some pet parents say it was larger than they expected it to be
- Some had issues with the flow of the water
What pet parents say about PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Cat & Dog Water Fountain
“Bought this in 2020. We have been very happy with it. 2 cats and one dog share this. I change the filter every 2 weeks. I clean it when I change the filter. The stainless steel cleans very well.”
“This works well for a family with multiple pets. We have 2 dogs and 3 cats and it stays clean. Plus the cats love the stream of water!”
“We have two cats and a dog. Since they had no problem drinking from each other’s bowls, we decided to consolidate with one fountain for the three of them.
It is a lot less work, it looks nicer, and the pets drink more from it.”
It is a lot less work, it looks nicer, and the pets drink more from it.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright PetSafe Brands.
Cat Mate Plastic Dog & Cat Fountain
4
Best for multiple dogs of different sizes
Not only is this water fountain ideal for homes with multiple pets, it’s suitable for dogs of different sizes.
Smaller dogs (including puppies) can drink from the bottom tier while medium-sized dogs can drink from the top tier.
Likewise, if your dog has health issues such as arthritis, then it will be much easier for them to drink from the elevated water.
Smaller dogs (including puppies) can drink from the bottom tier while medium-sized dogs can drink from the top tier.
Likewise, if your dog has health issues such as arthritis, then it will be much easier for them to drink from the elevated water.
It holds just over 67 ounces of water and you’ll be pleased to hear, it’s difficult to tip over, even though it’s plastic.
You’ll like this just as much as your pups as it is much more affordable than many of the other water fountains.
Cat Mate Pet Fountain
Why Wag! Loves It
- Ideal for multiple pets of different sizes
- Can be used by puppies as well as adults
- Makes very little noise
Considerations & Concerns
- Not suitable for large breeds due to amount of water
- You may not find it as easy to clean as other fountains
- Some pet parents say the filter has to be changed more regularly than with others
What pet parents say about Cat Mate Plastic Dog & Cat Fountain
“[This] is a great fountain. It has 2 waterfalls and a great filter system, my dog and cats use this fountain and love it.”
“I have had my Pet Mate Fountain for over 3 years and it is still going strong. The secret is to keep the parts clean. I do this approximately once in 30 days. I clean it each week but the deep clean is 30 days. I have 2 dogs and 1 cat and they love it. Next I am going to purchase the Dog Mate. Great Product!!!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright USA Closer Pets.
FAQ
Why choose a water fountain over a regular water bowl?
How much do dogs drink a day?
What to consider when choosing a dog water fountain?
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When and how do I clean the water fountain?
When do I need to refill the water?