Are your pets accidentally triggering your home's motion detectors?
If you have furry friends at home, you might think a security system with motion detectors is out of the question. However, it's possible to install a home security system that keeps your family safe without triggering an alarm each time your pet passes through the dog door.
If you're a pet owner, keep these ideas in mind when installing your security system to prevent your pets from accidentally triggering your alarm:
- Use window and door sensors
- Position motion sensors above waist level
- Turn motion sensors upside down
- Choose a sensor that filters by weight
- Lower your camera sensitivity
- Choose a system you can control remotely
Use these simple tips to craft a home security system that suits your unique household.
Could you use some expert advice on which home security system is best for you? Schedule a free consultation with Ackerman Security! We'll give you our professional opinion on which security system will work best for you—and if you add home monitoring services, your installation is free! Schedule your consultation online or call us at (800) 552-1111.
Use Window and Door Sensors
Motion sensors can detect an intruder once they're actually inside your home, but how about a sensor that alerts you as they're trying to get in? Window and door sensors are just as effective as motion sensors, and they can't be accidentally set off by a pet!
Window and door sensors aren't commonly triggered by pets.
Security sensors placed on windows or doors will alert you when they're opened while the system is armed. You can also use glass break sensors on windows and sliding glass doors, which alert you if a window or door is broken.
Since it's pretty unlikely your pet is going to open a window or break glass in your home, these types of sensors are great for homes with pets.
Position Motion Sensors Above Waist Level
Your pets probably spend most of their time on the ground. By placing your motion detector above waist level (approximately 4-5 feet above the ground), you'll avoid it going off when your pet walks around your house.
If you're concerned an intruder could break in out of view of your motion detector, consult a home security professional for advice on where to place your motion detectors. They'll help you decide where to put them for maximum coverage of your home without your pet triggering the alarm.
If you try this tip and want to check to make sure your pet is out of range, try arming your security system in test mode first. Keep in mind, this solution won't work well if you have pets that frequently jump on furniture, like some cats or dogs do.
Turn Motion Sensors Upside Down
For a super simple hack that will prevent most accidental alarms, try flipping your motion sensors upside down. This way, they'll detect motion from a few feet in the air up to your ceiling, leaving the floor area unobserved for your pets to roam around in.
Again, a professional can help you determine the optimal location for your motion sensors to ensure you get the coverage you need. Like Tip #2, this trick won't work well if your pets regularly jump up onto tables or cabinets.
Choose a Sensor That Filters By Weight
Pets accidentally trip security alarms all the time. That's why new technology in some security systems gives you the option to filter out motion that's caused by an object below a certain weight, which prevents pets from tripping the alarm.
These motion sensors are a great option if you have a small pet, like a cat or small dog. If your pet weighs less than your sensor's weight limit—commonly around 40 pounds—then they can move around your home freely all day without tripping the alarm.
New security sensors won't detect objects, people, or pets less than 40 pounds.
Lower Your Camera Sensitivity
If you keep your pet in a crate during the day (or if they just sleep on your couch all day), lowering your security camera's sensitivity can help prevent accidental trips.
When you lower the sensitivity, your camera filters out minor movements. Large movements, like jumping or walking across your home, might still be detected, but minor movements like shifting in sleep or rustling around a crate will be ignored by your security system.
Choose a System You Can Control Remotely
These days, most security systems allow you to monitor your home's cameras remotely through an app. This is great for pet owners, since it allows you to check your home's cameras when movement is detected and determine if the movement was due to your pet or an intruder.
While you can't prevent accidental trips this way, you can intervene and disarm your system before the police are called, avoiding unnecessary service calls.
For a Personalized Home Security System, Choose Ackerman Security
At Ackerman Security, we can service and install devices from every product manufacturer. Renting? We have short- and long-term solutions for every home!
If the unthinkable happens, we'll be there—and fast. Our Seconds Count Guarantee promises we'll respond to your alarm within 45 seconds, every time. For ultimate peace of mind, let us help you choose a home security system complete with 24/7 monitoring services. Call (800) 552-1111 to get your free consultation!