<p>Although capturing animals is critical to studying and managing wildlife, there are risks that need to be minimized when an animal is handled. An effective way to reduce these risks is by shortening the time that animals spend in traps through intensified trap inspection. However, an increase in the frequency of trap checks can lead to a decrease in capture effectiveness. Here, we test the effectiveness of security cameras—designed for exterior home surveillance—as a tool to reduce response time during live captures. To test the performance of security cameras, we associated box traps—set to capture chilla foxes (<i>Lycalopex griseus</i>) in southern Chile—with security cameras connected to the 3G/4G mobile phone network. We determined the proportion of live-captured animals detected through the cameras, measured the response time (minutes between capture and arrival at the trap), compared it to the expected response time based on a standard protocol, and explored additional features of the cameras that could make trapping more efficient. The performance of security cameras was optimal: they detected all captures and led to a mean reduction in response time of 73.8% compared to a standard trap-check protocol. Furthermore, using the two-way communication capabilities of the cameras, we were able to deter non-target animals from the trap area with a success rate of 69.2% (<i>n</i> = 26 trials). This approach was highly effective for non-target wild animals (100.0%, <i>n</i> = 13) but ineffective for domestic animals (38.5%, <i>n</i> = 13). Overall, security cameras are an effective tool to reduce response time and contribute to minimizing non-target captures. Therefore, provided there is mobile phone connectivity, this alternative is a prime option to improve animal welfare without affecting capture efficiency.</p>