Pawscessories is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Learn more.
Tired of playing fetch the same way every day? Looking for an automatic ball launcher that can keep your dog entertained for hours on end?
We’ve reviewed all of the most popular automatic dog ball launchers, and the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is one of the top picks on our list.
In this post, I’ll discuss all the pros and cons of this ball launcher, its features, what other owners of the device have to say about it, and the most frequently asked questions about it.
If you’re considering buying the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher, read on to discover all you need to know about this toy.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary Of The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher does exactly what you would expect it to do – it launches balls for your dog to fetch.
It’s a great way to keep your pup entertained and can even be used as a training tool. The device is very easy to use – simply load a ball into the top, and the machine will do the rest.
The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher has multiple settings that allow you to control how far the ball is launched. It also has a safety setting that will prevent the ball from being launched if your dog stands too close to it.
One of the great things about the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is that it can be used indoors or outdoors. It’s also very lightweight and portable, so you can take it with you when you travel.
The PetSafe Ball Launcher is a great way to keep your dog entertained, but there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing.
Let’s take a look at some of the pros as well as cons of this toy.
PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Multiple safety features – has a sensor on the front to ensure your dog is far enough back before launching. Also, it’s programmed to pause after 30 minutes of play to give your dog a 15-minute break to ensure they don’t over-exert themselves.
- You can adjust the distance – settings go from anywhere between 8-30 ft.
- It’s water resistant (not water-proof, though).
- It’s lightweight and portable – perfect for traveling or taking to the park.
- It can be used indoors as well.
- Works with standard-sized tennis balls as well as smaller balls.
- 2 balls are included with your purchase.
Cons:
- Not ideal for active dogs that can don’t need a 15-minute break programmed into the toy.
- Sometimes it will randomly stop working. This is likely a bug in the 15-minute break feature, but the device sometimes needs a complete reset to start working again.
- The safety sensor on the front can be easily covered by dirt.
- The loud noise of the ball launching may scare your dog.
PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Build & Specifications Summary
- Brand: PetSafe
- Device: Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
- Size: Medium
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Dimensions L x H: 13.8 x 14 inches
- Launching Distance: Between 8 and 30 feet
- Ball Size: Works with standard tennis balls and miniature balls
- Warranty: 45-Day satisfaction guarantee
- Date First Available: June 8, 2017
- Rechargeable Battery: No
PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Distance Control
One of the great things about the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is that you can control how far it launches the ball.
The device has three settings – low, medium, and high. Low will launch the ball between eight and ten feet, the medium will launch it between 9 and 20 feet, and high will launch it between 21 and 30 feet.
You adjust the distance and angle at which the ball launches by two dials on the side and back of the launcher.
However, unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to make much of a difference, no matter how much you turn the dials.
It’s best to use it outside first to get an idea of how far and high it shoots the ball before ever setting it up inside your home. This way, you can make sure you put it in a spot where you know nothing in your house will get knocked over.
What Other Dog Owners Have To Say About The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
What’s interesting about the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is that it seems to be a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it toy for dog owners.
Some people are thrilled with the product and say it’s great for their dogs, while others have had trouble with the machine and feel like it’s not worth the money.
The positive comments were primarily around people loving that it can be used indoors, that their dog simply adores using it, and how they play with it for hours.
Negative comments were mostly from people that had trouble with the machine itself. Whether it was the balls getting stuck or the device not working at all, there seem to be quite a few people that have had issues. And as with all automatic dog ball launchers, people mentioned how it took a bit of time to teach their pup how to use the toy by themselves.
On Amazon, the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher has a mediocre 3.5 out of 5-star rating. Only 40% of people gave this toy a 5 star. But the ones that did really loved the device.
Overall, if you have an active dog that loves to play fetch, this could be a great toy for them. But, if your dog is more on the couch-potato side or has trouble learning new things, it might not be worth the money or effort.
PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher FAQs
Can the PetSafe Ball Launcher be used indoors?
Yes, the PetSafe ball launcher can be used both indoors and outdoors.
What size balls does it use?
The PetSafe ball launcher uses standard-sized tennis balls as well as smaller balls.
How far does it shoot the ball?
You can adjust the distance settings on the PetSafe ball launcher to shoot the ball between 8 and 30 feet.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, the PetSafe ball launcher comes with a 45-day satisfaction guarantee.
Final Thoughts
If you’re willing to put in the time to teach your dog how to use it and don’t mind spending a bit of money, the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher could be a great toy for your furry friend.
However, if you have a small dog that’s scared of louder noises or has trouble learning new things, this might not be the best toy choice for them.
Before making your decision, you might be interested in checking out our complete list of the best automatic dog ball launchers. The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is definitely on our list, but so are a few other great options.