Choosing Home Security Systems That Work With Pets

Most of us view our pets as members of our family. A home security system can help keep your furry friends safe — systems with remote monitoring capabilities even enable you to keep an eye on your pets while you’re away from home.

However, pets can pose challenges to homeowners with security systems. One of the biggest issues is the triggering of false burglar alarm monitors or fire alarms, which can happen when pets activate the motion sensors when moving about your home. Not only does this result in a needless response by the fire or police department, but it could also lead to fines levied by your local municipality if too many false alarms occur.

How to Use a Security System With Pets

The good news is that you may be able to configure your system to accommodate pets or simply keep them out of its range. There are also numerous pet-friendly security systems on the market today. Examples of effective solutions for using a security system with pets include:

Limiting their roaming area – You can keep pets from triggering motion sensors by preventing them from entering the areas of your home where you’ve installed the sensors. For example, you can place your pets in a basement or spare bedroom before leaving for work or school. If your critters need more room to wander, consider installing gates to fence off specific areas.

Changing sensor orientation – Motion sensors are generally designed to point toward the ground. You can change their orientation by installing them upside down so they point in an upward direction, as well as lower to the ground. This enables them to detect humans, but not animals as they walk along the floor. This method does require a deviation from the system’s designed installation process, so it is best to enlist the services of a trained professional to handle this type of setup.

Disarming motion sensors – Home security systems typically have a “home” and “away” mode. The former entails the activation of only the external entry sensors when an intruder attempts to enter your property, while the latter enables the function of both external and internal motion sensors. Keeping your system on the “home” mode disables the internal sensors and can prevent the triggering of false alarms by your pets. However, you will not experience the system’s full protection benefits while you’re gone.

Installing pet-friendly alarm systems – You can also purchase and install security systems for pet owners equipped with “pet immune” sensors that are designed not to react to small or medium-sized pets (generally less than 70-80 lbs.). These devices work by altering the sensor’s heat sensitivity. Place the sensors at higher elevations to prevent them being triggered by larger animals.

Titan Alarm, Inc. Offers the Best Security Systems for Pets — and People — in Phoenix, AZ

Titan Alarm is your source for state-of-the-art residential security systems that will keep your family safe. We can also show you how to choose a security system with pets in mind. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation in-home security consultation today.

Learn More About Home Security

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.