A new website called MyPetCams allows people monitor their pets via the Internet through the use of a webcam. You have to have a computer, Internet access, and web camera. By pointing the web camera at a place where your dogs generally stay, you can then watch them from your computer at work.

MyPetCams.com was founded by Bill Appleton, who was intrigued by how many of his co-workers would use their lunch hour to run home and check on their pets. "Now pet owners can check on their pet from work or while on the road, which makes them feel much more comfortable about leaving their pet home alone," says Appleton, who plans on adding audio to mypetcams.com so owners can also communicate with their pets while away.

MyPetCams is a free service.