An Internet-accessible apparatus for dispensing a pet treat using a remote Internet-accessible electronic device includes: (a) a treat dispensing unit including a treat rack, a delivery plate, a base plate, and an actuator or other mechanism for sliding the delivery plate over the base plate; (b) a control circuit electronics portion in communication with the sliding mechanism and with a local computer or router with a built-in Domain Name System client, which is in communication with at least one remote Internet-accessible electronic device; and (c) at least one video camera portion in communication with the local computer or router; wherein the treat dispensing unit includes a dispensing position in which cutouts in the plates are substantially aligned, and a parked position in which the plate cutouts are not aligned. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.