Home security systems are designed to protect you, your family and even your pets. But sometimes, your furry friends (or even scaly ones) can trigger your home security system. Here’s how you can prevent false alarms:

Sensor Placement

Sensors are one of the biggest challenges when it comes to designing a pet-friendly home security system. Pets can easily trigger both motion and image sensors, which are usually activated by heat or movement. For example, if your pet decides to go to its food bowl while these sensors are armed, a false alarm could be sent to homeowners and responders. This can affect how authorities respond to the alarm because they won’t know if it’s a real threat. Configure your system by:

  • Positioning sensors higher than waist-level so your pets can move openly throughout your home without tripping any alarms.
  • Installing sensors that accommodate your pet’s weight. Most sensors won’t trigger an alarm if your pet weighs under a certain threshold.

Work with your security vendor during the consideration process to design a system that accommodates your pets.

Camera Sensitivity

If you have surveillance cameras that alert you when there’s movement, adjust the sensitivity to accommodate for pets. Lowering the sensitivity keeps your camera from sensing minor movements, but still allows it to capture major activity from an intruder.

Also, consider camera placement. It’s easier for your pets to trigger your cameras if they are at a lower level. Place cameras at higher levels; that way, you can still capture intruders, but also minimize false alarms from your pets.

Mobile Solutions

It’s a lot easier to verify an alarm if you have the ability to monitor your home from your mobile device. Consider security equipment that allows you to control features remotely through your smartphone or tablet. If you have cameras throughout your home, ensure they allow you to monitor live feeds even when you are away. This will help you identify false alarms and eliminate any surprises. It also gives you the ability to disarm your system if your pet does happen to trip a sensor.

There’s no reason you can’t have a pet and a security system at the same time. Work with your security vendor to ensure installation accommodates your needs.

How do you keep your pets from triggering your home security system? Share in the comments below.