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PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Review: Is It the Ultimate Fetch Machine for Your Dog?

PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Review
Written by Nicole Etolen

If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your dog entertained and active, automatic ball launchers are a great way to go. With dozens of options on the market, though, it’s hard to decide which one gives you the most bang for your buck.  I recently tried out the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher with my Pharaoh Hound and I LOVE it! Keep reading to learn more about how it works and why it’s so amazing. We’ll also go over the few ways that it isn’t quite so perfect (because nothing ever is). 

PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher

For the dog who loves fetch, gift him the toy that he’s sure to have a ball playing with — literally. The Automatic Ball Launcher is an automatic, interactive game of fetch that will keep your best friend engaged and give your arm a little break.


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Review

Whether you’re dealing with a high-energy dog that needs constant stimulation or you’re just looking for a way to mix up your pet’s play routine, the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher promises to deliver. Let’s check out the top features, then we’ll dig into the pros, cons, and more. 

Key Features

  • Adjustable Launch Distance: You can set the launcher to throw the ball anywhere from 8 to 30 feet, with 9 distance settings and 6 angle settings to choose from.
  • Safety Sensors: There’s a front motion sensor that detects when a dog or person is standing too close, preventing the launcher from firing until the area is clear.
  • Water-Resistant: This ball launcher is designed to withstand the elements, featuring a water-resistant design that makes it ideal for outdoor use, even in damp conditions.
  • Multiple Power Options: It can be powered by either a standard AC adapter or six D-cell batteries, providing flexibility in where and how you use it. 
  • Ball Compatibility: It comes with two standard-sized tennis balls, but it is also compatible with standard tennis balls and smaller 2.5-inch balls. 
  • Automatic Rest Mode: To prevent overexertion, the launcher has a 15-minute rest mode after 15 minutes of play. 

What We Love (Pros)

There’s a lot to love about this fetch machine! Here’s a peek at my favorite pros.

  • Customizable play settings
  • Safety features
  • Durable and water-resistant
  • Flexible power options
  • Compatible with various ball sizes
  • Automatic rest mode

Easily customized launch distances

The ability to adjust both the distance and angle of the launch is a standout feature. This lets you tailor the play experience to suit the space you have available and your dog’s energy levels. Whether you’re in a small living room or a large backyard, you can set the launcher to provide the perfect challenge for your pet.

I also love that it’s SUPER easy to adjust the settings thanks to clearly labeled knobs on the side and back of the launcher. Honestly, I prefer this intuitive “low-tech” design to ball launchers that rely on digital buttons or displays (or worse, a smartphone). 

I have a relatively large yard and a highly active dog. When we first tested out the launcher, I set it to the maximum distance to get her to chase it further. Alas, she’s yet to master the art of bringing the ball back. She doesn’t really see the point of fetch. In her mind, she caught the ball, ergo it’s hers and she is under no obligation to return it. SIGH. So it also meant that I had to chase it further, too. 

PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher adjustable nob
Changing the distance is as easy as turning the knob (side note- those aren’t scratches on the machine, it’s just a reflection of the grass)

Safety Features: 

The front motion sensor and other safety mechanisms are a huge plus. They ensure that the launcher won’t operate if something or someone is too close, reducing the risk of accidents. This is particularly important if you have children or multiple pets running around.

There’s a very mild drawback to this. You may need to teach your dog to stand back far enough to clear the safety sensors. Freya stood right in front of the machine and stared right into the launch chamber, then got ticked off when nothing happened. I had to do a “fake out” and pretend to throw a ball so that she would back up far enough to let it safely do its thing. 

That said, I would MUCH rather take the time to teach Freya to stand back than risk her getting hit in the face with a tennis ball. 

PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher safety features
The balls will not launch if your dog is doing this (Photo by Nicole Etolen)

Durable and Water-Resistant: 

The water-resistant design makes this launcher a great option for outdoor use. You don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if it starts to rain or if your dog brings a wet ball back to the machine.

Flexible Power Options: 

Having both AC and battery power options adds a lot of convenience. You can use the launcher anywhere without being tethered to an outlet, which is perfect for trips to the park or outdoor play sessions.

It does take 6 D batteries, though, and they don’t come with it. So keep that in mind. While it’s not a major issue, D batteries aren’t really something I keep on hand because nothing else in my house runs on them.

Since the cord isn’t really long enough for outdoor play with how my backyard is set up, it did mean making a special (and extra) purchase to get full use out of our launcher. Again, not a huge deal, though. 

Compatibility with Various Ball Sizes: 

One of the things I LOVE LOVE LOVE about the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is that it uses plain old standard-sized tennis balls (it comes with two in the box). Way too many machines use proprietary balls (either in size or material), which means you can really only use their replacements. 

Automatic Rest Mode: 

The rest mode feature is a thoughtful addition, and one that I don’t see on many ball launchers. Basically, it helps prevent your dog from getting too tired by forcing a break every 15 minutes. This is especially important for high-energy dogs that might not know when to stop playing.

What We’d Change (Cons)

Again, we’ll start with a quick look at the drawbacks, then go over them in more detail. 

  • Noise Level
  • Price Point
  • Battery Consumption
  • Ball Jam Issues
  • Requires Some Training

Noise Level: 

One of the main drawbacks noted by some users is the noise the launcher makes. Honestly, I don’t think it’s all that loud. Definitely no louder than other ball launchers that I’ve tried. 

Still, I bring it up because it can be a bit startling for more timid dogs. If your dog is sensitive to noise, this might take some time for them to get used to.

Battery Consumption: 

When used on battery power, the launcher tends to consume batteries pretty quickly. If you plan to use it frequently and don’t have easy access to an outlet, this could become an ongoing expense, especially since it uses D batteries. 

Ball Jam Issues: 

I haven’t experienced this issue myself, but I did see a few occasional reports of balls getting jammed in the launcher. 

Price Point: 

The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is on the pricier side for an interactive dog toy, but I actually think the price is pretty on par (and even cheaper in some cases) with other comparable similar machines. 

Honestly, there really isn’t much that I don’t love about this machine. It does exactly what it promises to do, and it does it really well. 

Final Thoughts

The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is a fantastic investment for dog owners who want to keep their pets entertained and active. It’s especially useful for high-energy dogs that need a lot of stimulation. 

However, it’s important to consider your dog’s personality and preferences before purchasing. If your dog is particularly sensitive to noise, you might want to introduce the launcher slowly to help them get used to it.

For those worried about the price, consider how often you plan to use it and whether the features justify the cost. If you frequently find yourself playing fetch with your dog and need a way to keep them entertained without constant supervision, the investment could be well worth it.

Last, if you decide to go with the battery-powered option, investing in rechargeable batteries might be a good idea to save on long-term costs.

Bottom line, the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is a versatile and feature-rich device that can provide hours of fun for your furry friend. With its customizable settings, safety features, and durable design, it stands out as one of the top choices for automatic ball launchers on the market.

PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher

For the dog who loves fetch, gift him the toy that he’s sure to have a ball playing with — literally. The Automatic Ball Launcher is an automatic, interactive game of fetch that will keep your best friend engaged and give your arm a little break.


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Author

  • Nicole Etolen

    Hi there! I'm Nicole! I've been a dog owner for most of my adult life and a dog lover for much longer than that. I grew up with a wonderful German Shepherd named Jake, who I loved SO much that I named my son after him. When I'm not writing for DogVills or my own site, Pretty Opinionated , I love spending time with my teenager (when he actually lets me), my Pharaoh Hound Freya, and my two cats (Zoe & Alex the Fuzz). I'm also an avid reader AND a total TV fanatic. If you'd like to learn more about me, feel free to check out my Linked In profile.

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