When choosing a pet-friendly home security system, here are top 10 factors to consider:
- Motion Sensor Calibration: Look for systems that offer pet-immune or pet-friendly motion detectors. These devices are designed to ignore the movement of pets up to a certain weight limit, reducing the likelihood of false alarms. Ensure that the weight limit is appropriate for the size of your pet.
- Adjustable Sensitivity: Some systems allow you to adjust the sensitivity of your motion sensors. This can be a valuable feature, as you can customize it based on your pet’s size and behavior.
- Placement of Sensors: Consider the layout of your home and where your pets usually roam. Strategic placement of sensors can help reduce false alarms. For instance, placing sensors higher up can avoid detecting your pet but will still catch human-sized intruders.
- Indoor Cameras: Security systems with indoor cameras can help you keep an eye on your pets while you’re away. Some systems even offer two-way audio, so you can hear and talk to your pet.
- Professional Monitoring: This service ensures that if an alarm is triggered, the security company will respond promptly, even if you’re unavailable. Make sure to inform the monitoring service about your pets so they can interpret alarm signals more accurately.
- Reviews and Reputation: It’s crucial to check user reviews and the overall reputation of the security system. Look for testimonials from other pet owners to get an idea of their experience.
- Trial Period: See if the company offers a trial period. This can be useful to test if the system fits your and your pet’s needs.
- Price: Consider both the upfront cost and the ongoing fees. Some companies require a contract with a monthly fee, while others offer contract-free options.
- Integration with Other Devices: If you already have smart devices in your home, consider a security system that can integrate with them. For instance, if you have smart locks, your security system could lock the doors automatically when an alarm is triggered.
- Customer Service: Ensure the company offers good customer support, as you’ll want prompt and effective service if you ever have issues with your system.
These are top 10 factors to consider when choosing a pet friendly home security system.
Pet Size and Behavior
Yes, a pet’s size and behavior can significantly impact a home security system, particularly systems that use motion detectors as part of their security protocols. Here’s how:
Size: The larger your pet, the more likely they are to trigger a motion sensor. Many modern security systems offer “pet-immune” or “pet-friendly” motion detectors, which are designed to ignore the movement of pets below a certain weight threshold (often around 40-80 pounds). However, if your pet is larger than this, they may still trigger the detector.
Behavior: Pets that are prone to climbing or jumping onto furniture could trigger motion sensors, even if the pet is small enough to usually be ignored by the detector. Pets can also accidentally trigger other types of alarms. For example, a curious pet might set off a window or door sensor by pushing against it.
If you have pets and are considering a home security system, you’ll want to look for a system that offers pet-friendly features. This might include pet-immune motion detectors, adjustable sensitivity levels for the detectors, or strategic advice on where to place sensors to avoid detection of your pets. Indoor cameras can also be a useful feature, as they allow you to check in on your pets and verify any alarms that are triggered while you’re away.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between ensuring your home is secure and minimizing the likelihood of false alarms caused by your pets. With the right system and setup, it’s possible to achieve both.
Are Home Security Systems Safe For Pets?
Yes, home security systems are generally safe for pets. Most security devices, such as sensors, cameras, and control panels, are designed to be installed in places that are out of reach for pets and do not pose direct harm to them.
However, here are some points to consider:
- Wires and Cables: Pets, especially puppies and kittens, may try to chew on exposed wires and cables, which can be dangerous. It’s essential to keep all wires and cables out of their reach, or consider a wireless system.
- Physical Safety: Some components of a security system, such as cameras or sensors, could be knocked over by a large or active pet, potentially causing injury. Ensure these devices are secured well and placed where pets can’t knock them over.
- Alarm Noise: Some pets, particularly dogs, can be sensitive to the loud noises made by alarms. Regularly triggering alarms can stress them. Using a system with adjustable alarm volumes or silent alarms can be beneficial.
- Emergency Response: In case of an alarm, emergency responders should be informed about the presence of pets in your home. This can be crucial for their safety during events like fires or gas leaks.
- Pet Doors: If you have a pet door, consider its impact on your home security. It could be a potential point of entry for intruders. Some security systems offer additional sensors for pet doors.
- Environmental Sensors: These sensors, like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, or leak detectors, can be particularly beneficial for pet owners. They can alert you to dangers that might be especially harmful to pets left home alone.
Remember, the goal of a home security system is not just to protect your home and belongings but also the people and pets inside it. Choosing a system that can accommodate your pet’s behaviors and needs is essential for ensuring the safety and security of your entire household.
Best Pet Friendly Home Security Systems
There are several home security systems on the market that are designed to be pet-friendly, meaning they are less likely to be triggered by the movements of your pets. As of my last training data in September 2021, here are a few options:
- SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe offers pet-friendly motion sensors that can be calibrated to ignore small pets up to 50 pounds. This system also provides a wide range of security equipment and professional monitoring services.
- Frontpoint: Frontpoint’s motion sensors are also designed to be pet-friendly. They can be calibrated to ignore small pets up to 40 pounds. Frontpoint offers DIY installation and comprehensive security packages.
- ADT: ADT offers pet-immune motion detectors as part of its home security packages. They are designed to ignore the movement of pets weighing up to 80 pounds.
- Vivint: Vivint’s smart home security systems include pet-friendly sensors, and their indoor camera, the Vivint Ping, even has a one-touch callout feature that can let you check in on your pets.
- Protect America: Protect America offers pet-friendly motion detectors that can disregard the movement of pets up to 40 pounds.
- Ring Alarm: Ring offers motion detectors with adjustable sensitivity, helping to avoid false alarms from pets.
When choosing a pet-friendly home security system, keep in mind that it’s not just about the motion sensors. You should also consider factors like the company’s reputation, the overall quality and reliability of their equipment, the cost, and the level of customer service they provide. Also, it may be beneficial to find a system that allows you to adjust the sensitivity of your motion sensors, as this can help reduce false alarms, regardless of the size of your pets.
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