PetSafe Drinkwell Dog Water Fountain

PetSafe Drinkwell Dog Water Fountain

A water fountain is a good alternative to a static water bowl, allowing your cat or dog to hydrate themselves at any time. And with the PetSafe Drinkwell, you can be sure your pooch or kit is getting a fresh supply, quite literally on tap. Ideal for when your pet is left home alone or for low-maintenance hydration throughout the day, this easy to use water fountain is an on-demand drink station that should also encourage your pet to drink more. And it can discourage your kit from drinking from the kitchen’s faucet too.

Available in a choice of capacity sizes, the Drinkwell doesn’t have the most sophisticated looking design but it is durable, understated and does its job.  The larger size – providing 168-ounce water capacity via a built-in reservoir – is an adequate choice for most dogs or cats and can also accommodate multi-pet households. Made from BPA-free plastic, it’s pet-safe with rubber feet on the base which do a decent job in keeping from slipping, even when your kit or pooch is having an enthusiastic slurp.

The secret to the Drinkwell’s success is that it recirculates the water, providing a constant free-falling stream of water for your pet to lap from. And you can adjust the water flow, to suit your pet, or if you need to manage the amount of water they drink. Coupled with a carbon filter, the constantly circulating motion means the water is fresh as well as bacteria and odor free. The Drinkwell is powered by your mains, so t you may be limited as to where you position it on the floor, but it does come with a 5½ ft cord for greater flexibility.

Some users have reported the Drinkwell clogging or slowing down, but this can be remedied by regular cleaning, aim for once a week for a complete clean of all the parts, including the pump and you should be able to keep that water flowing. The main downside is that the shape of the Drinkwell means it isn’t the easiest to clean as there are some hard to reach crevices but many of the parts are dishwasher safe. And you do need to regularly change the filters so having spares in the cupboard is a good idea.

The whole unit is also pretty silent, although you do get a low whirr from the pump but what we did like was the sloped shaping of the bowl, so the water is not hitting it directly, reducing any noise. And that means your dog or cat won’t be so easily spooked when coming in for a drink.

Yes, you can get cheaper water fountains – and ones that may look a little more attractive in your home - but for durability, capacity and reliability, the PetSafe Drinkwell is a straightforward way to keep your pet happily drinking…and coming back for more.