Many people think that having a pet restricts you from having a functioning burglar alarm in your home.  Particularly around this time of year when some people consider adding a new canine or feline friend into their household.  This is not the case and there are different options to ensure that you can enjoy having your pet in your home and the security of a home alarm system.

Some people think that having a dog is considered an alternative to a house alarm, but this is highly discouraged.  Although a dog’s reactions may be immediate, there are limitations.  A company in America tested these home guard dog theories with 5 popular instinctive dog breeds and there were varying results.  From whimpering to even letting the burglars carry them away.  Out of all the tests not one of the dogs fought back.  Although a rare case, there have been reports of burglars breaking into homes and stealing the pets they find inside.

One of the reasons given for not having an alarm is to cut the cost of security measures, but home alarms can be fully fitted for very reasonable prices. Having a dog specifically for security purposes could work out costing you much more in food and vets bills.  Insurance companies can also offer you a discount on your home insurance for having an approved alarm system fitted.  This discount will not apply if your alarm system is your dog.  In fact, having a guard dog as your primary security could actually increase your home insurance costs as it is introducing a liability risk that would not exist with a burglar alarm.

Having your dog guard your home for long periods of time also creates issues. If you are on holiday you may either have to pay for a house sitter or put your dog into kennels.  This is not only an additional cost, but by taking the dog away from your home you are also removing your security system.

While being wonderful family members, dogs do have limitations when it comes to home security.  A much better decision would be to have a happy, family dog, as well as a home alarm system.

Here are some ways to help continue to ensure you home is secure even with your pets indoors.

  • Cat flaps can weaken the structure of a door, so avoid where possible.  If it is a necessity, test to make sure your door could still withstand force.
  • Using “beware of the dog” signs do not always deter burglars.  In some cases this could be an advertisement that you may not have an alarm activated.  Burglars can tell which dogs would be a real threat, and which they could pass.
  • Along with the signs, false “barking noise” alarms are becoming increasingly popular, but these are both ineffective and counterproductive.  Once the burglar realises that there is not a real dog inside, they will know for sure that no one is home, giving them a clear target.
  • Fit pet immune sensors within the areas of your house that your pets roam. This will allow you to set your alarm properly when you are out or asleep, and your pets will not set it off.  These pet friendly alarms sensors are programmed not to react to movement or heat which comes from something of the size of your animal.  However, if a human were to walk through the room it would activate.

Remember, don’t leave the security of your home the responsibility of your dog.  Ensure you are properly protected.