| Best Overall | Runner-Up | Low Cost, No Contracts |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Visit Website | Visit Website | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
The most recent crime figures released by the FBI state the average monetary loss per burglary is $2,661. The AKC also reports that pet theft, including those stolen from homes, is rising. These devastating figures and life-changing events can have shattering effects on families. As an ex-Police Officer, I know a thing or two about home security. A home security system doesn’t just protect you and your property. Pet-friendly alarm systems can protect your pet, too.
Pet-friendly security systems can also incorporate smoke and heat alarms that alert authorities to respond and get your pets out safely during a fire if you’re not home. You can also turn a security camera into a pet cam. Aim the camera at the crate or room where your pet stays while you’re gone so that you can keep an eye on them in real time. What’s the best security camera for dogs? Let’s dig deeper into the components of these systems, our team’s personal experience, and why I’ve picked my winners.
What Makes A Home Security System Pet-Friendly? 6 Considerations
I’ve created a list of items you should consider in dog-friendly house alarms. I chose my rankings based on the following criteria, as well as customer service, equipment, technology, ease of use, and value.
1. Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are common components of a typical home security configuration. The last thing you want is a flurry of false alarms because Fido keeps walking into the living room throughout the day. Some security companies have pet sensitivity settings that allow you to adjust the motion sensor so it doesn’t trigger if an object below a certain weight passes in front of it.
2. Glass Break Sensors, Door & Window Sensors
If your dog is larger than the pet sensitivity setting on a motion sensor allows (or it isn’t an option), you may want to opt for glass break sensors and door/window sensors instead. Unfortunately, this means buying more equipment, but it could save you the hassle of false alarms and potential fines.
Glass break sensors alert you if an intruder breaks the glass of a window or door within range of the sensor (typically about 20 feet). The door/window sensors notify you if a door or window is opened. You shouldn’t worry about your dog triggering these unless they are known for busting through windows or opening doors to get outside. You could also add these to the doggy snack cupboard so you can be alerted when Fido’s up to no good.
3. Indoor Cameras
If you have an indoor pet, you may want to monitor them throughout the day, and you’re not alone! According to a Frontpoint survey, 56% of pet owners want to keep tabs on their pets while away from home. Consider one with two-way audio so you can hear and speak to them. (This is incredibly convenient if your dog suffers from anxiety). Look for a motion-activated camera so you only get notifications when Fido is within range. Bonus points if it can pan and tilt to follow your dog throughout the room.
You could skip having an indoor camera and use a dedicated pet camera instead. However, it would not provide the monitoring that a home security camera can offer.
4. Outdoor Cameras
If your pet spends a lot of time outside or you have a doggy door that allows them to enter and exit your home as they please, an outdoor camera can help you keep tabs on them. Check the video feed to see them sunbathing or chasing a squirrel up a tree. An outdoor camera might not be necessary if your pet spends most of their time inside.
Optional Extras For Pet-Friendly Home-Security System
The following considerations are not necessary for most owners, but they can be helpful for some families. They may be worth considering as additional safety features or if your dog suffers from anxiety.
5. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Having your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms connected to your security system can help keep your animals safe while you’re away from home. All of the companies in this article offer connected smoke and CO alarms. If a fire or CO were detected in your home, the monitoring station would send the proper authorities and attempt to save your pets, just like what happened to this family in the video below.
6. Smart Lights & Switches
Some pets experience anxiety when they’re in the dark or if it’s too quiet. A dog may find it relaxing to have the TV or radio on for a short period after you leave the house. You can use a smart switch to schedule your TV or radio to turn off after a specified interval (say two hours if you anticipate being gone about that long).
During the winter months, it’s often dark when you leave for work and return home. Having smart lights may soothe Fido by allowing the lights to be on for an hour (or until the sun rises/sets) after you leave for work in the morning and before you get home in the evening. You may not deem this necessary if your pet is comfortable in the dark or without background noise.
If your pup suffers from anxiety and you’re looking for an additional anxiety aid, your furry friend may benefit from CBD oil. Always check with your vet before administering.
3 Best Pet-Friendly Home Security Systems
I’ve chosen the best home security system for pet owners based on their pet’s size and contract preferences.
Best Overall: Frontpoint Review
Frontpoint is well-known for its professional cellular monitoring, reasonable prices, and helpful customer service. Frontpoint is an excellent pick for those of you who have dogs under 85 pounds, making it one of the best pet-friendly home security systems on the market for large dogs. They also have a “pet awareness” feature. Customers can indicate on their account if they have pets, including the type and quantity (for example, one dog or two cats). If an emergency should arise, first responders receive these details and know how many pets need rescuing.
You can self-install the system in an average-sized home in less than an hour and choose from a wide array of equipment. Alternatively, you can hire a professional installer from HelloTech. You can choose a set package or customize the equipment you need. There are no contract requirements, which is a huge perk. However, many features, like pet awareness, are only available for customers who pay for their monthly monitoring plans.
This pet-friendly alarm has two emergency dual paths. This means you can rely on cellular and WiFi if one option goes down. Frontpoint also offers a three-year warranty and a 30-day full refund guarantee if you’re unhappy with the system. The monitoring page states that payment options start from $14.99 a month. This is misleading as it does not relate to the cost of monthly monitoring fees. When you dig into the fine print, monthly monitoring fees are $49.99 per month, which is higher than competitors like Vivint.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 85lb motion sensor sensitivity | Monthly monitoring fees are higher than competitors |
| Pet awareness feature for responders | Lack of transparency regarding monthly monitoring prices |
| No long-term contract | |
| Dual emergency paths – cellular & WiFi | |
| Relatively simple self-installation | |
| A wide array of security equipment | |
| Indoor cameras have 2-way audio & pan/tilt | |
| Can add outdoor cameras & smoke/heat sensors | |
| Compatible with Amazon Alexa & Google Home | |
| Known for its stellar customer service | |
| 3-year warranty & 30-day risk-free trial |
Our Personal Experience with Frontpoint
We’ve had Frontpoint security for over a decade and it does great with pets. Not only do our dogs (ranging from 35 – 55 lbs) not set off the motion detectors, but we also have a camera pointing at their crates (our “pet cam”) that lets us know they’re okay when we’re out.
– Alex Schenker, Dog Dad & Co-Founder of Canine Journal
Price
- Total Home Security System: $329
Runner-Up: Vivint Review
Vivint’s motion sensor sensitivity can be changed to suit dogs weighing less than 35 or less than 55 pounds. So, if you have a smaller pup and want your motion sensor to be more sensitive, this could be a better option for you. However, their systems come at a higher price and a long contract requirement (a minimum of 42 months for every system). If you plan on having cameras, you need to upgrade to the highest monitoring plan. You need a professional to install the system, which starts from $99. But this allows you to get the best out of your system for everyone’s safety. Vivint’s customer service reputation is not as superior as Frontpoint’s.
This is a great choice if you’re looking for a pet-friendly home security system with top-rate smart capabilities. You can link the camera to the thermostat so that the temperature can remain comfortable for Fido throughout the day when you leave your house. You can also link it to smart lightbulbs so that you can keep certain rooms lit for your pup. Vivint’s Smart Hub allows you to set many other automated scenes, making this a standout option for smart homes with Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
There are no equipment prices available on the Vivint website. They state that you must call their sales team to find the most suitable option. Although this might be true for some customers, it makes budgeting difficult. My online research suggests that their equipment pricing is much higher than Frontpoints. However, their monthly subscriptions range from $29.99 to $39.99, which is cheaper than Frontpoint. Vivint only offers a 120-day equipment warranty, which is short compared to the competition (typically one year or longer.) This is a great pet-friendly home security system for families with dogs weighing no more than 55 pounds or anyone looking for additional smart capabilities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2 motion sensor sensitivity choices | More expensive than other options |
| Excellent smart home options | Requires professional installation |
| Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home | Minimum of 42-month contract if you finance equipment |
| The indoor camera has a 2-way voice and pan/tilt | If you want cameras, you must purchase the highest monitoring plan |
| Set a variety of automated scenes | Only 120-day equipment warranty |
| All plans have cellular monitoring | |
| Lower monthly monitoring prices | |
| Their features are superior to other competitors |
Price
- You must call their customer sales team for a quote
Low Cost, No Contracts: SimpliSafe Review
If you’re looking for a low-commitment security system, SimpliSafe is the way to go. This system has no long-term contracts, and the monitoring fee is reasonable. This is a DIY home safety system, which means you can save money by self-installing it, which only takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your system. You also have the option of purchasing a pro-installation add-on fee. SimpliSafe motion sensors are discreet for pets weighing 60 pounds or less, which is ideal for most small to medium-sized pets.
SimpliSafe offers a range of equipment options, including indoor and outdoor cameras to monitor pets, window sensors, and a video doorbell. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, although it lacks Vivint’s smart capabilities and automated scenes. This option comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and a one-year or lifetime warranty, depending on the plan you sign up for.
There are two SimpliSafe monthly monitoring plans to choose from. The standard plan costs $21.99 monthly, and the core plan costs $31.99. The standard and core monitoring come with police and fire dispatch, a base station cellular backup, and video verification. You can only record videos and have full app control if you sign up for the 24/7 monitoring option (core plan). The core plan allows agents to assess your home and call for priority police dispatch if they can identify a crime in progress.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 60-pound motion sensor sensitivity | Self-monitoring functionality is tied to a monthly payment plan |
| HD Camera has 2-way voice | The website and app do not indicate a low battery alert |
| Self or professional installation options | |
| Excellent customer service | |
| No long-term contracts | |
| Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home | |
| 60-day money-back guarantee | |
| Between a 1-year and lifetime warranty for customers with a monitoring plan | |
| All customers get access to a 1-month free core plan |
Price
- Starting from $199.99
Comparison Table
All companies in the table below have motion-activated indoor cameras, glass break sensors, door/window sensors, smoke detectors, and CO detectors.
| Frontpoint | Vivint | SimpliSafe | ADT | Link Interactive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motion Sensor Pet Sensitivity Weight | 85 lbs | 55 lbs | 60 lbs | 80 lbs | 40 lbs |
| Indoor Camera w/ 2-Way Voice |  | | | ||
| Indoor Camera w/ Pan/Tilt | | | |||
| Outdoor Cameras | | | | | |
| Smart Switch | | | |||
| Smart Light Bulb | | | |
What About ADT & Link Interactive?
Below are security companies with equipment many pet parents want in a home security system. Although they weren’t one of my “best for” category winners, they may still be a decent fit for you and your pet based on your unique needs.
ADT Review
ADT has an 80-pound motion sensor sensitivity. Which is one of the best pet-friendly options (but not as good as Frontpoint). A locally authorized dealer professionally installs the system within a couple of days in most cases. ADT requires a three-year commitment, and it’s among the most expensive. Unfortunately, there are many customer service complaints regarding extra bill charges, high-pressure sales, incomplete installations, and more. ADT has the most monitoring stations (10 in total). Also, ADT is readily available since authorized dealers are located in all 50 states and most cities. If you’re looking to get up and running quickly, ADT may be an excellent option for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 80-pound motion sensor sensitivity | A 3-year monitoring contract is required |
| Outdoor cameras | Requires a technician to visit your home and install |
| Smart Switch | Many customer service complaints about ADT |
| Smart light bulbs | Among the most expensive compared to the competition |
| Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home | May charge 75% of the remaining contract if you cancel early |
| 6-month guarantee | |
| Can be professionally installed in your home within 1-2 days after ordering in most cases | |
| Includes basic equipment at no additional cost |
Price
Equipment options and monthly prices can vary depending on the ADT reseller you choose. If you’re interested in ADT, use this link to get a custom quote for your home.
Link Interactive Review
Link Interactive has similar offerings to Frontpoint. Their monitoring is less expensive, and their systems are completely customizable. That means you only select the equipment you want and don’t pay for any unnecessary devices. Link offers three monitoring plans ranging from $30.99 to $47.99. All are 100% cellular with a two-way voice to the monitoring station, including intrusion, fire, crash & smash, and smoke, fire, and CO detection. The Gold plan offers home automation services, and the Elite plan has HD video monitoring and analytics.
Link Interactive has two monitoring stations. All monitoring is cellular and self-installed, and you can choose from a range of home security options, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, Link Interactive requires a one-, two-, or three-year contract, and some customers have reported issues with installation. This option only accommodates pets up to 40 pounds, which is the lowest on this list. Therefore, it is only suitable for smaller pets.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 40-pound motion sensor sensitivity | No Smart Switch |
| Outdoor cameras | 1 to 3-year monitoring contract required |
| Smart light bulbs | Customers report some installation issues |
| Self-installation | You must pay 75% of the contract even if you cancel |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | Motion sensors only accommodate pets up to 40 lbs, the lowest on this list |
| All plans have cellular monitoring | |
| Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home |
Price
- You must email their customer sales team for a quote
Frequently Asked Questions
We know many of our readers have more questions about pet-friendly house alarm systems and which is best for them. If you don’t see your question below, please let us know in the comments section below, and we’ll find the answer for you.
Which Is The Best Pet-Friendly Security System?
The best pet-friendly security system is the one that best suits your needs. First, I recommend choosing an option with suitable motion sensors based on your pet’s weight. Overall, Frontpoint is my number one choice as a pet-friendly house alarm system, as it has the highest pet sensitivity and offers the most features without lengthy or pricey contracts.
Where Should I Place My Equipment?
Consider asking a professional from your security company about the best locations to install your sensors and equipment. Each company will have its own suggestions on where and how to place sensors in your home. Some companies may recommend placing motion sensors upside down to accommodate pets, while others advise against that. Correct placement helps prevent false alarms and make your pets safer and more comfortable.
Worried Your Pet May Cause A False Alarm?
If you’re worried that your dog might set off false alarms in one specific room, you may want to consider purchasing a doggy gate. A dog gate can keep your pet out of a particular room but allow them to roam your home freely elsewhere.
Other Pet-Friendly Options For Your Home
Being a dog owner can be hard work, so why not make things as easy and straightforward as possible? Choose an automatic dog feeder for the times you can’t be home for mealtimes. Consider switching to a fresh dog food delivery service for convenience and high-quality nutrition. Lastly, to keep your pup entertained at home and prevent undesirable behaviors, invest in a few interactive dog toys to stimulate their mind and body.
Do you use one of these pet-friendly home security systems? Perhaps you have another option that we should consider for our list. We love to hear from our readers, so please let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. She has always been passionate about dogs and previously worked as a professional dog walker and sitter. Before that, Emma was a Police Officer in the United Kingdom for nearly a decade. So she knows a thing or two about keeping your family and home safe. She works with a dedicated team at Canine Journal, a reputable resource for all things canine.
