Easiest way I know of is to set up a Skype account and call yourself. You can set the account to automatically start video, and automatically answer calls. (or answer calls from a specific person)

It is free to download and free to call other Skype users (you have to pay if you want to call actual phone #'s)

 

You can buy an IP camera and view it remotely from any location with internet access as long as the camera at home is connected to the internet.

 

I use Skype. You set up one account on your phone (probably your persona account), and one account for the dogs (which will require having a secondary email address). Then you can set the dog's account to accept all incoming calls automatically, but only from people on the friend list.

I use my laptop for this, but I imagine you could use an ipad in the same way. I just make sure the camera is set up in the best spot to see the whole room and leave the laptop on, then I can call in whenever I want from my phone.

 

I have this http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-DCS-93...-Network/dp/B00452V66G/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1432741442&sr=8-4&keywords=ip+cam that I watch through my phone. There are a lot of IP cams out there. If you spend more you can get a nicer one that you can rotate.

 

Personally I use my laptop to record them whilst I am away

 

Thanks for the tips, all. I will try the Skype option (and auto-pick-up) and see how that works.