Home Security and Pets

Pets are a big part of people's lives. If you own a pet, then chances are very high that you treat your pets like a member of the family – only a little furrier! If you are looking for a home security system, then you want one that will both keep your pets safe when you are away from home and won't be set off by those same pets all the time. Many of the more traditional security systems are based on infrared technology and other types of motion detection technology, but are unable to distinguish between humans and animals causing the motion. If you have the type of motion detector, for example, that is triggered whenever a beam of light being projected to a reciever is interrupted, then every time your pet wanders past, the alarm is going to alert you – but your pet is not an intruder, and you don't want your alarm going off every time your pet moves!

Fortunately, some security companies now offer technology that can distinguish between your pets and humans. Home security systems with this type of “pet immunity” are perfect for people that have pets they leave at home when they are going away – even just to the grocery store – who want a security system that won't be set off by animals, but still ensure your home is protected. These systems generally make use of infrared technology, but unlike the usual infrared systems, they can tell the difference between the heat radiation an animal gives off and the heat radiation produced by a human. You simply choose the one that is appropriate for your pet's size, and then the system will be able to tell the difference.

Having a system like this in place will protect both your home and your precious animals even when you are not there, whether the threat is fire, burglary, smoke, or similar. To keep your pets further protected, invest in the window clings that some security companies offer. These clings are placed on your windows or the glass in your door, and can be moved if necessary. They will have a space for you to outline information about the pets currently in the home, which is very important if your security system is set off when you are not at home. It lets the firefighters or police know what animals are in the home, so they can look for them and get them out and take them to safety, if necessary. If the home has been broken into, and the pets aren't there, then the police will know to let the local animal control be on the lookout, so your pets are brought back to you safe and sound.

These window stickers and clings also serve another purpose. Many would be intruders or burglars look for these stickers. If they see a security system is present and all that pet information is listed (especially if you have a big dog!), they may be rather discouraged from trying to break into your home for fear of setting off the alarm or being bitten by a protective animal.

Many insurance companies will lower your premiums when you install a security system, so you are not only saving money, but you are keeping your home, your family and your beloved pets safe at the same time. Choose a security system that is appropriate for your home and will take into account that you have pets, and then you will be able to rest easy in the knowledge that you are all protected.