# PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher review

Tennis ball launcher with 9 distances and a 7 ft safety sensor

- Our score: 8.5 out of 10
- Price: n/a (checked Nov 2, 2026)
- Status: on sale
- Best for: energetic fetch loving dogs
- Skip if: your dog is noise shy or will not return the ball
- HTML version: https://robotsforthat.com/robot/petsafe-automatic-ball-launcher/

## Verdict

A solid pick for big, ball crazy dogs that already bring the ball back, with a front safety sensor and battery or plug power. Nervous dogs may not like the loud pre launch tone, and the forced 15 minute rest cannot be turned off.

## Pros

- Uses standard tennis balls
- 9 distances and 6 angles
- Front motion sensor pauses launches
- Runs on a plug or D cell batteries

## Cons

- Loud tone before each launch
- 15 minute timeout cannot be disabled
- Owners report shorter throws than 30 ft
- Bulky at about 4 kg

## Specs

- type: Automatic ball launcher for standard tennis balls; holds up to 3 balls (PetSafe)
- pet: Dogs that fetch and return balls to the hopper; uses standard size tennis balls
- power: Included AC adapter or 6 D cell batteries, not included (PetSafe support page)
- runtime: About 30 hours on D cells thanks to auto on and off (PetsRadar, listed spec); pauses after 15 minutes of play, then rests 15 minutes (Chewy listing)
- app: None; buttons on the unit
- camera: None
- treat dispenser: None
- size: 9 distance settings from 8 to 30 ft and 6 launch angles up to 45 degrees (PetSafe; PetsRadar); dimensions not published on the pages we checked
- weight: About 4 kg (PetsRadar)
- safety: Motion sensors block launches when something is within 7 ft in front of the unit; tone sounds before each launch (PetSafe; PetsRadar)

## Safety

- recalls: Not checked
- fcc: Not checked
- company status: Active

## Questions buyers ask

### Will it launch a ball if my dog is standing in front of it?

No. PetSafe says motion sensors block launches when something is within 7 ft of the front of the launcher.

### Does it need batteries?

No. It ships with a power adapter. Six D cell batteries, sold separately, let you use it away from an outlet.

### Why does it stop after a while?

It pauses after 15 minutes of play and rests for 15 minutes to keep dogs from overdoing it. Reviewers note this cannot be turned off.

## Sources

1. [PetSafe support: Automatic Ball Launcher (PTY00-14665)](https://support.petsafe.net/product-support/automatic-ball-launcher/)
2. [Chewy: PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher](https://www.chewy.com/dp/132907)
3. [PetsRadar: PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher review](https://www.petsradar.com/reviews/petsafe-automatic-ball-launcher-review)
4. [What's Good To Do: PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher](https://whatsgoodtodo.com/petsafe-automatic-ball-launcher/)