DNA Security May 30, 2019 News
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If you have been thinking about getting a home security alarm but have been hesitating because you fear your pets may trigger it, fear not! As a nation of pet lovers, it would have been highly unlikely that systems to take pets into consideration had not been developed. Indeed, you actually have choices. And we don’t mean relying on Bella to bark at potential intruders – she no doubt thinks the postman and bin men are intruders raising hell around the neighbourhood every day. So let’s take a look at what your options are so that you, and Bella, can sleep soundly at night.

Zoning

If you live in a house that has more than one storey, then zoning could be a good option for you. It works by enabling you to set up different zones around your home. So, for example, you could set the downstairs to be fully armed when you go out or head to bed for the night so that it will go off if someone breaks in or has gained entry and is moving around the house. Upstairs, you could have an unarmed zone, allowing dogs and cats to roam freely without tripping any sensors. All you need is to be able to block off access to the armed downstairs area and pets can move around as they wish – your cats can jump around as much as they want to if that’s what they do.

With zoning you can even set your system up to allow your pets to have one designated area in which to move around while the system is active. Either way, you can sleep easy or enjoy yourself when you are away from home, safe in the knowledge that your home is well protected without fear of false alarms being set off and causing a nuisance to your neighbours.

Passive infrared systems

If zoning does not work for you – you may live in a bungalow for example – then passive infrared may be a good option instead. Passive infrared works by detecting motion and temperature changes in a room. If you have set your alarm and gone to bed or are out for the day, should that change by someone moving around in your home, the sensors will pick up on it and trigger the alarm.

What happens if you have dogs or cats though which are free to roam around the house while you’re out or asleep? The beauty of a passive infrared system is that it can be programmed to detect changes above a certain height. In other words, it will only be triggered if something taller than your dog starts to move around inside your home. The sensors have three different pet settings that give you options depending on the size of your pet – so whether it’s a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, you can rest easy that it won’t be unnecessarily triggered.

For more information on pet-friendly alarm systems and what your options are talk to our pet-friendly team at DNA Security. You can find us on 01424 718 844 for an informal chat or to make an appointment.