How to
Secure Your Home
When You Have Pets
As pet owners, our furry friends are not only beloved family members but also important components of our homes. Unfortunately, they can also be vulnerable targets for burglars or other intruders. That’s why it’s essential to take extra measures to secure our homes when we have pets. In this article, we’ll explore some pet-friendly home security measures and ways to pet-proof your home to keep your pets safe.
Pet-friendly Security Measures
Pet door
Installing a pet door is an excellent way to allow your pets to move freely in and out of your home without compromising your security. There are several types of pet doors available, including electronic and magnetic models that only open when triggered by a specific collar worn by your pet.
Motion sensors
Motion sensors are a great way to monitor movement around your home. They can be especially useful for pet owners, as they can be adjusted to ignore movement from small animals like cats and dogs. That way, you won’t get false alarms every time your pet walks by.
Bonus Tip: To pet-proof your motion sensor, turn it upside down with the test button facing the floor and mount it on the wall at a height of 4-5 feet, out of your pet’s reach. For cats, make sure there is no furniture beneath or near the motion sensor and mount it at a height where your cat is unlikely to jump up to it.
Security cameras
Security cameras are an essential component of any home security system, and they’re particularly useful for pet owners, as long as you avoid these 10 common mistakes. Not only can they help you keep an eye on your pets when you’re away from home, but they can also provide evidence in the event of a break-in or other emergency.
Smart locks
Smart locks allow you to control access to your home remotely, making them an excellent choice for pet owners who need to let their pets in and out of the house while they’re away. They also make it easy to grant access to pet sitters or other trusted individuals. We’ve written a much more comprehensive guide on the best smart door locks if you’re interested in learning more.
Did You Know?
Plants and hedges make effective outdoor barriers.
Secure your Home Perimeter
Ok. First things first. Time to secure your home by taking care of the outside.
Fencing options
If you have a yard, fencing is an essential element of your home security. However, traditional fencing may not be the best option for pet owners, as it can be easily breached by determined animals. Consider installing a fence with an angled top or adding chicken wire or another type of deterrent to the top of your fence to discourage climbing.
Planting deterrents
Plants can also be an effective way to deter intruders and secure your home. Thorny bushes like holly or rose bushes can make it challenging for burglars to access your home through windows or doors. Additionally, plants like lavender or marigolds are known to repel certain types of insects, which can help keep your pets safe from pests like fleas and ticks.
Securing windows
Windows are a common point of entry for burglars, so it’s important to make sure they’re a focus on how to secure your home. Consider installing window locks or additional latches to make it more difficult for intruders to gain entry. You can also add security film to the glass to make it more difficult to break. Or better yet, add sensors that you can program from your phone to detect activity around the window.
Did You Know?
Many houseplants, like Aloe Vera, are toxic to pets. It’s best to avoid these plants.
Pet-proofing the Inside of the Home
Furniture protection
Pets, particularly dogs, can be hard on furniture. To protect your furniture from scratches, consider investing in pet-proof covers or sprays. These are specially designed to repel pets and can be applied to most types of furniture to help secure your home.
Electrical cords
Electrical cords can be dangerous for pets who love to chew. To keep your pets safe, consider using cord protectors or hiding cords behind furniture or walls.
Toxic plants
Many common houseplants are toxic to pets, so it’s important to be aware of which plants are safe to have around your pets. Some examples of toxic plants include lilies, aloe vera, and jade plants. The ASPCA has a comprehensive list of plants that may be poisonous to your pet., but if you’re unsure whether a plant is safe for your pets, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid it altogether if you relly want to secure your home and keep your pets safe.
Did You Know?
Even low voltage electrical cords can be dangerous to pets who like to chew.
Emergency preparedness
Microchipping and identification
In the event that your pet escapes or gets lost, it’s important to have them properly identified. Microchipping is a quick and easy procedure that involves implanting a tiny chip under your pet’s skin. The chip contains your contact information and can be scanned by most veterinarians or animal shelters.
Evacuation planning
In case of a natural disaster or other emergency, it’s important to have a plan in place for evacuating your pets. Make sure your emergency preparedness kit has supplies for your pet, including food, water, medications, and any other necessary supplies.
SUMMARY
When you have pets, there are additional things you should consider to secure your home, but it’s well worth the effort to keep you and your furry friends safe. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can create a secure and pet-friendly environment for your pets to thrive in.
FAQ
Q. Is a dog a good form of home security?
A. Dogs can be an excellent form of home security, as they are loyal and protective of their owners. However, it’s important to remember that not all dogs are natural guard dogs, and proper training is essential.
Q. What should I do if my pet triggers the alarm?
A. If your pet triggers the alarm, make sure to let the monitoring service know immediately. They can help determine whether it was a false alarm or a real emergency.
Q. Can I install a security system myself?
A. While it is possible to install a security system yourself, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional. They have the expertise and experience to ensure that the system is installed correctly and properly secure your home.
Q. How do I know which plants are toxic to my pets?
A. There are many resources available online that can help you identify which plants are toxic to pets. The ASPCA has a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants on their website.
Q. How often should I update my pet’s microchip information?
A. It’s a good idea to update your pet’s microchip information whenever you move or change your phone number. That way, if your pet gets lost, you can be sure that the contact information on file is up-to-date.
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