topic Re: Animal seen event from Nest Camera SDM API in Cameras and Doorbells

Animal seen event from Nest Camera SDM API

Fudmaster — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:35:26 GMT

Google Nest cameras already detect animals (e.g., cats, dogs) natively in the Google Home app, and notifications like “Activity or animal seen” are sent to users. However, this event is not currently exposed in the Nest Device Access (SDM) API under CameraEvent.

Is there a reason why the “animal seen” event is not available alongside existing events like person, motion, or sound? This seems like a relatively straightforward addition, as the detection already exists on the device and in the cloud.

Exposing this event in the SDM API would greatly benefit developers and smart home users. It would enable:

Pet-aware automations (e.g. turn on lights, play deterrent sound, log activity)
Smarter garden or backyard monitoring
Better integration with platforms like Home Assistant, Node-RED, and other DIY systems

Please consider adding this to the SDM API — or let me know if there's an alternative approach to accessing it.

Thank you very much!

Re: Animal seen event from Nest Camera SDM API

maedacortez — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:11:15 GMT

Hi Fudmaster,

Thanks for reaching out. I understand that you would like the animal detection feature of your Google Nest camera to be available through the SDM API. I am happy to assist you! Thank you for sharing your comments and recommendations. I recommend you send us your feedback, as your comments and recommendations are very important for us to continue improving our devices.

Let me know if you need any further assistance.

Regards,

Manuel

Re: Animal seen event from Nest Camera SDM API

Fudmaster — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:10:20 GMT

Hello Maeda,

Thanks for your assistance. Is this the place place to request an update to the SDM API? If not, what is the best way?

Thanks!

Re: Animal seen event from Nest Camera SDM API

maedacortez — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 00:58:05 GMT

Hi Fudmaster,

Thanks for continuing to post. Yes, the feedback form on the link I sent you in the last post is the best way to receive your recommendations for consideration in future updates.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Regards,

Manuel