Pets and Security AlarmsHome security systems and pets are a tricky mix. If your security system was installed before your pets arrived, you may have had it designed with them in mind. If not, you’ll probably have been awoken due to wandering ferrets or twitching, dreaming dogs setting off the alarm. Sadly, many systems simply can’t come with the arrival of furry friends.

Having pets does not mean you have to leave your home unprotected every time you need to pop to the shops. Equally, a well-installed and appropriate alarm can accommodate even the busiest hamsters and most curious of cats.

Angle your PIRs correctly

PIRs (Passive infrared sensors) are now a standard feature of any home security system. These are motion detectors that are typically placed in rooms that have an external door, or a window that someone would be able to climb through.

There is a temptation to have PIRs pointed towards the floor, so that all motion is detected. This is not really necessary, and if you have pets such as dogs and cats your PIRs will trip whenever your pet walks through the room.

Instead, ask your installer to mount your PIRs flat to the wall, which will be sufficient to pick up movements at human head height without covering the floor as well.

Of course, if you have cats who like to climb everywhere, or caged animals, than PIRs are not really an option. But there is another solution.

Active sensors for accuracy

To help you with security alarms and pets, you can buy dual, or active sensors. These use more effective methods of motion detection than infrared sensors, which really just monitor the immediate vicinity for heat signals. Active sensors work by monitoring the areas that they can reach by bombarding the area with microwaves, ultrasonic waves or radio waves.

The results obtained from normal monitoring are recorded, and any significant alterations from the norm triggers an alarm.

When it comes to pets, the sensors can be set to ignore readings below a certain threshold, so your pet cat can go around undetected whilst an unexpected human-sized visitor will set the alarm bells sounding. For even greater levels of accuracy, dual sensors can be used which combine two movement detection systems in one unit.

To be on the safe side, call in the experts

Alarms that are pet-friendly can be expensive and are not always completely reliable when it comes to differentiating between your dog and a person genuinely intent on stealing from you.

This does not mean you either need to get rid of your pets, or your home security system. Instead, your best bet is to get in contact with a professional home security system installation company like Angel Security.

We can advise you on your specific needs, and will recommend the best ways available so you can keep your home safe from intruders while ensuring your pets get to sleep in their favourite spots.
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