Best home security system for pet owners

When we think about home security systems, we think about protecting our homes. However, when we have pets inside our homes, these systems suddenly become much more valuable, as they also protect our pets. The best home security companies are well aware of this fact, which is why they offer pet-friendly solutions. But what does the best home security system for pet owners actually mean? What is it that makes a particular security system better suited for pets? This article will answer both of those questions and provide you with a quick overview of the best security systems in today’s market.

What is the best home security system for pet owners?

While pets come in various shapes and sizes, we have decided to evaluate home security systems in how they relate to dogs. Dogs and cats are one of the most common household pets, after all. Having this in mind, the best home security system for pet owners needs to include:

1. Motion sensors
2. Door/window sensors and glass break sensors
3. Indoor and outdoor cameras
4. Carbon monoxide/smoke alarms
5. Smart lights and switches

Now, you can go two ways about your home security system. You can get a pre-built system from a company of your choice, or you can make one yourself. If you choose the latter, you may want to listen to a few of the top DIY home security tips before you start designing your own system. If you choose the former, all you need to do is find the best deal that is available to you.

Either way, you will want to have all of the above components. Now, let’s take a closer look as to why these components are necessary for any pet-friendly home security system.

Motion sensors with pet sensitivity settings

Almost every modern home security system is going to have motion sensors. However, what is really important is that those sensors come with pet sensitivity settings. Otherwise, your pet will trigger the alarm every time they decide to take a stroll through the living room. If you have the ability to adjust the sensor’s settings, you can prevent these false alarms from happening.

Basically, pet sensitivity settings will allow you to adjust the sensor to only trigger if an object (or a pet) of sufficient weight passes in front of it. Installing these sensors is one of the best ways to improve home security after moving to a new home and minimizing the stress to both you and your pet. That being said, there might be an issue if your pet is larger than what the pet sensitivity sensor might allow for. In that case:

Door/window sensors and glass break sensors

If you cannot utilize motion sensors with pet sensitivity settings for any reason, the next best thing to do is install door/window sensors and glass break sensors. While this might mean spending a bit more money on your home security system, it eliminates any chance of your pet triggering the alarm on accident. In fact, not having any sensors inside your home is one of the most common home security mistakes that put you at risk, as intruders will be able to enter your home without you knowing. Your pet might be able to deter intruders, but that puts the pet at risk.

By installing glass break sensors, you are protecting the most vulnerable entry points to your home. When you couple them with door and window sensors, you are creating an almost impenetrable barricade for potential intruders. The best part is that your pet can’t trigger any of these sensors unless they have a habit of forcefully opening doors and breaking windows. You probably want an alarm to go off when that happens, anyway.

Indoor and outdoor cameras

If your pet spends their time indoors while you are not around, it is always smart to include several indoor cameras. While you may not want to keep tabs on your pet at all times, these cameras can provide you with insight into what your pet is doing while you are away. By knowing your pet’s habits and dispositions, you will be able to make decisions that will improve their quality of life.

For example, it might so happen that your pet is extremely anxious when you are away. In that case, you may be able to install two-way cameras so you can speak to your pet through them. Another example is if you have a room where you don’t want your pet to go. What you can do is install a motion-sensor camera which will only activate if the pet comes into its range. Some cameras also have the ability to pan and tilt, further enhancing their usefulness.

As for outdoor cameras, they are a staple of home security. Not only will it allow you to keep tabs on your pets if they are outdoors, but it will also serve as a strong burglar deterrent. Just make sure that you have enough outdoor lighting if you are frequently away at night. Since improving your home’s outdoor lighting improves home security, it is a win-win proposition. Lastly, consider purchasing a camera with a record function so you can save memorable moments such as your pet sunbathing!

Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms

The best home security system for pet owners must include carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. These alarms also need to be connected to a monitoring station (either a professional one or one of your own), so you are warned of the danger as soon as possible. Your pets might not be able to leave home on their own accord, so it is imperative that you send help as soon as you can.

It is usually best to opt for professional monitoring systems, as they will send proper authorities at a moment’s notice. However, if you are diligent in checking your mobile phone, you may be almost as fast. There is a lot of debate going on about monitored vs. self-monitored home security systems. Ultimately, choose the option that makes you most comfortable.

Smart lights and switches to help with your pet’s anxiety

Many pets do not feel at ease when the home is too dark or too quiet. You may find that your pet is much more at ease when the TV or radio is on while you are not in the house. If that happens to be the case, your home security system needs to incorporate smart lights and switches. These features will enable you to turn the TV or radio on and off in specified intervals, as well as manipulate your home’s lighting when you are not around.

The best part about smart lights and switches is that they are inexpensive solutions. You can burglar proof your home on a budget by simply incorporating smart lighting in your home. That being said, these features are optional if your pet is not bothered by dark or quiet. Yes, they will still improve the security of your home but they might have nothing to do with your pet.

Top home security systems for pet owners

Based on the above factors, some home security systems stand above others. If you are looking for the best home security system for pet owners, you will want to choose one from this list:

• Link Interactive – Best customization
• Vivint – Best overall
• SimpliSafe – Best budget option
• Frontpoint – Best customer service and easiest DIY installation
• ADT – The best home security system for dog owners

All of the above home security systems allow for pet integration and can have features such as smart cameras with video analytics, pet-friendly motion sensors, and smart door locks. Of course, you can always customize your home security system to exclude some features and include others. In fact, this is what Link Interactive security systems are all about! Frontpoint, on the other hand, allows you to install your own security system without much hassle. This may be best for people whose pets are very sensitive to having strangers in the house.

If you want the budget option, there’s always SimpliSafe. And if you are on the fence about what is most important to you, choosing Vivint is the safest option, as their security systems offer a golden balance between features, price, customizability, and ease of installation.

All in all, there is no single best home security system for pet owners. Instead, you have numerous options available. It all depends on what your (and your pets’) particular needs are. That being said, choosing any of the home security systems from the list above is never a bad choice. However, there are many other home security companies that might be worth your time and money. Now that you know what to look for, you also know how to differentiate between a bad company and a good one!

You can find more information about home security companies right here at the Consumer Opinion Guide. We also host a comprehensive knowledge database about all things home security, where you can find tips, tricks, and professional advice to make your home more secure and more comfortable.