Best Home Security Systems for Pet Owners

Vivint is a high-end home protection company with a focus on home automation. The Vivint equipment is 100% wireless and every package comes with professional installation. As part of Vivint’s installation, the tech will connect your system to a powerful cellular network or landline. This way, you won’t lose connection to the monitoring center if you lose power, plus it’ll ensure that Vivint’s 24/7 monitoring service works without interruption.

Vivint’s contracts are pretty straightforward, too. Learn more about the brand in our full guide to Vivint’s pricing. Additionally, each plan comes with home security and environmental protections including fire and carbon monoxide. And the top two tier plans support video security and home automation with voice commands for hands-free control.

There is one thing that could limit potential Vivint customers though as Vivint requires a minimum credit score of 600 if you want their services. However, if you don’t qualify, you can opt for their monitoring-only contract. Another thing to keep in mind is that Vivint is one of the few alarm companies where you might be able to negotiate prices, especially if you have a contract with another home security company. Or, if you are a new Vivint customer, you might be able to negotiate waivers for any number of things. So go ahead and give it a try. What do you have to lose? But first, head over to our Vivint security review to get a feel for the full experience.

Intruders are one thing, but what about a house full of kids and miscellaneous pets? Fortunately, Cove has a few options that will make pet-friendly households easier to manage, without impairing any of the premium security features their professionally monitored alarm systems are known for.

For one, while Cove’s AI-enhanced motion sensors actually pick up heat (not furry bodies), you can tweak distances and weights. There’s a “PET” pin on the back of the housing, for example. If your large dog is constantly tripping the motion sensor, nudging it from 35 to 55 lbs. should do the trick.

If you sign up for the Cove Plus plan ($24.99 per month), your 1080p HD indoor camera with two-way audio can also serve as a pet walkie talkie. Sure, your cat might be a little confused at first, but they were probably weirded out the first time they saw TV.

Our only gripe? Smart home automations aren’t yet available with Cove, so no self-adjusting thermostats or lights. That said, you can program daily routines like dog walks via the Cove app, so you won’t trip the alarm at 6 a.m. We actually did just that. For more on our experiences using Cove, check out our complete Cove wireless security review. For a full list of all Cove’s features and costs, here’s our Cove DIY security pricing guide.

Frontpoint is often rated as one of the best security companies for emergency monitoring; however, they might not be an option for those with pets over 40 pounds. For households with smaller pets, though, they have generous equipment packages, competitive prices, and their equipment is extremely easy to set up. Additionally, their customer service better than most.

Frontpoint’s package costs range from $199 to $350. You can also choose from Frontpoint’s monitoring plans, which range from $34 to $50 per month. However, to get the equipment package pricing, you have to sign a three-year agreement. You can also customize a package if you prefer. The Frontpoint equipment is DIY and can be set up in about 30 minutes, so there’s no need for professional installation. Plus, Frontpoint’s home automation options are pretty generous, especially when you consider the brand’s relatively low prices. Learn much more in our full Frontpoint review.

If you don’t like signing long-term contracts, you will love SimpliSafe. In fact, they give you the option of a self-monitoring plan free of charge or a professionally monitored plan for a minimal monthly fee. Plus, equipment is very easy to install with SimpliSafe, and it works whether or not you opt for one of SimpliSafe’s monitoring plans. In fact, all you have to do once you receive your system is plug in the base station, place your sensors in the desired areas, then adjust the settings with your computer. That’s it! The SimpliSafe website also has a five-minute setup video you can watch as well. Of course, don’t forget to check out our in-depth testing and review of SimpliSafe, named one of the best home security systems of the year as well as one of the best security systems for apartments.

The SimpliSafe equipment packages range from approximately $229 to $499 and come with a three-year warranty. They are also portable, very user-friendly, and easy to install. Additionally, SimpliSafe gives you 60 days to try everything out and if for any reason you aren’t satisfied, you can return the equipment and receive a full refund for your purchase.

The two Petcube options are the Petcube Bites which allows you to see and talk to your pet, as well as remotely fling them treats that are dispensed from the camera. They also have a Petcube Play, their bestselling pet cam, that comes equipped with a laser toy so you can remotely interact and play with your pet in 1080p HD. Additionally, they also have Pet Camera Packs which are multiple pet cams and a variety of accessories.

They have monthly plans from $4.99 to $24.99 per month that give you the option of storing your video history along with a multitude of other valuable apps, subscriptions, offers, and discounted shopping options at any one of their preferred providers.

While it’s not really a security system per se, the Petcube cameras are probably the most innovative interactive video camera options out there for pet owners.