Best Home Security Systems for Pet Owners

We understand that your pets are part of your family, and there are some home security systems out there that get that, too. Take a look at our list of our favorite pet-friendly systems below. Fido will thank you.

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SimpliSafe Image
SimpliSafe
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
SimpliSafe protects your home while reducing the risk of false alarms associated with having pets. Their motion detectors use infrared heat, so they won’t detect pets weighing up to 50 pounds. Adjust their sensitivity as needed depending on you dog or cat’s size.
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Vivint Image
Vivint
SecureScore™: 9.1/10
Vivint makes life easier and safer for pet-owners with their line of smart home security equipment. For example, their keypad lock connects to the Vivint app so that you can remotely lock and unlock the door for pet sitters.
855-934-0535
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Frontpoint Image
Frontpoint
SecureScore™: 8.7/10
Frontpoint sells pet-friendly motion sensors, smart door locks, and indoor cameras that make pet-owning a whole lot safer and easier. Plus, everything links to the Frontpoint app, so you can check in on your pet(s) while you’re away.
855-506-1016
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The Best Home Security Systems for Pet Owners

SimpliSafe Equipment

SimpliSafe Equipment

Anyone who has a pet will tell you their pets are as much a part of their family as their kids. And if you don't have any kids, you know that your pets are your kids. So it only makes sense that when shopping for a security system, one of the things you are probably looking for is the best home security systems for pet owners. Why? Because they're family!

  • 1 SimpliSafe - Best Overall Pet Friendly System (Editors Choice)

    SimpliSafe Product Image
    SecureScore™ 9.2
    Customer Service
    9.0
    Value
    9.4
    Equipment
    9.0
    Features & Technology
    9.2
    Ease Of Use
    9.2
    SecureScore™
    9.2

    When it comes to pet-friendly home security, SimpliSafe has some pretty interesting offerings. DIY packages from SimpliSafe, one of the most affordable home security systems in the market, include pet detection sensors with a higher weight range than many of its competitors. Its sensors are built to detect dogs of up to 50 pounds, whereas other pet-friendly systems’ sensors max out around 30 to 40 pounds.

    • Affordable, easy-to-use equipment
    • Installation is a breeze
    • System is extremely responsive
    • App is well-designed and intuitive
    • New monitoring is a major security bonus

    • Keypad was a little finicky
    • Mounting system could use some work
    • Some pieces of equipment are a little bulky

    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.

    Monitoring Options None
    Installation DIY
    Smart Platform Integration Alexa, Google Home, and August Smart Locks
    Equipment Cost $169
    Monthly Monitoring Cost None
    Contract Length None
  • 2 Vivint - Best Home Automation Features

    Vivint Product Image
    SecureScore™ 9.1
    Customer Service
    8.9
    Value
    8.4
    Equipment
    9.3
    Features & Technology
    9.5
    Ease Of Use
    9.2
    SecureScore™
    9.1

    Vivint’s security systems have a wide selection of pet-friendly equipment, like strong Vivint motion-sensing cameras to monitor your favorite four-legged furballs. Plus, Vivint’s home automation features let you control all the connected devices in your home, so you can use your smart locks to unlock the door for your pet sitter. You can also check in on your Vivint doorbell camera to make sure your sitter is taking Fido for his daily walk. They also offer some advanced pet-friendly options aside from video monitoring such as fire/smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring.

    • Wireless Smart Security System
    • Smart Home Automation
    • 7” Touchscreen Smart Hub
    • Award-Winning Mobile App
    • Indoor and Outdoor Cameras
    • Professional Installation
    • Customized to Your Home
    • 100% Cellular Monitoring
    • Lifetime Warranty

    • Pricey Equipment Packages
    • Contracts May be Required
    • Installation Fees May Apply
    • Short 3-Day Cancellation Window

    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.

    Monitoring Options 24/7 professional only
    Installation Professional
    Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home
    Equipment Cost $600
    Monthly Monitoring Cost $40-$70
    Contract Length 42-60 months
  • 3 Frontpoint - Best DIY Install

    Frontpoint Product Image
    SecureScore™ 8.7
    Customer Service
    9.1
    Value
    8.8
    Equipment
    8.3
    Features & Technology
    8.9
    Ease Of Use
    8.6
    SecureScore™
    8.7

    Frontpoint’s DIY security systems have earned plenty of accolades over the years, including a place on our list of the best systems for customer service. Frontpoint also has pet-sensitive motion detectors that cover pets up to 40 pounds. Their pet-friendly alarm systems also come with 24/7 environmental sensors for fire/smoke, flood, and carbon monoxide that will send an alert to the monitoring station if such activity is detected. Frontpoint also offers video monitoring and home automation so you can rest a little easier when you leave your pets at home.

    • High-quality GE Equipment
    • Wireless Security Systems
    • Easy DIY Installation
    • LTE Cellular Monitoring
    • Home Automation
    • Indoor & Outdoor Cameras
    • Excellent App Experience
    • 30-Day, Money-Back Guarantee
    • Geofencing Feature

    • Somewhat Expensive Monitoring
    • Limited Service Hours
    • Touch-Screen Panel Sold Separately
    • Outsourced Monitoring Service
    • Limited Keypad Functionality

    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.

    Monitoring Options 24/7 professional
    Installation DIY
    Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home
    Equipment Cost $99
    Monthly Monitoring Cost $18
    Contract Length 1-36 months
  • 4 Cove Security - Easiest to Use

    Cove Security Product Image
    SecureScore™ 8.8
    Customer Service
    8.9
    Value
    8.8
    Equipment
    9.2
    Features & Technology
    8.6
    Ease Of Use
    8.4
    SecureScore™
    8.8

    House traffic comes in all shapes and sizes. You don’t want your security system to pick up all of it. The non-stop alarms and alerts would drive you batty. Cove’s motion sensors ($15 each) are pet-friendly. They shouldn’t register anything under 50 pounds. But Cove’s HD indoor cameras (starting at $49.50) can also do a few things you might not have known, like let you check in with your four-legged friends while you’re out on business.

    • Simple DIY Installation
    • No Contracts, Month-to-Month Service
    • Smartphone Controls
    • Touch-screen Control Panel
    • 1080p HD Indoor and Outdoor Cameras
    • Alexa and Google Assistant Compatible
    • Low-Cost Monitoring
    • Lifetime Warranty Option

    • App Experience Could Be Improved
    • Limited Home Automation Features
    • No Self-Monitoring Option

    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.

    Monitoring Options 24/7 professional and DIY
    Installation DIY
    Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home
    Equipment Cost $87
    Monthly Monitoring Cost $50
    Contract Length Month-to-month
  • 5 Petcube - Best Pet Interaction

    Petcube Product Image
    SecureScore™ 7.4
    Customer Service
    7.1
    Value
    7.4
    Equipment
    7.6
    Features & Technology
    7.7
    Ease Of Use
    7.4
    SecureScore™
    7.4

    If you are a pet owner, you are going to love the Petcube concept. They offer an interactive Wi-Fi pet camera system that enables you to monitor, play, talk, train, and reward your pet with dispensable treats remotely.

    • Wireless
    • DIY Installation
    • Remote Control Capabilities
    • Wi-Fi and 3G Cellular Alerts
    • Optional Video History Storage
    • Laser Autoplay Mode Now Included (new feature)

    • Pet Monitoring Only (no home security option available)
    • Extended Video Storage Options Are a Bit Pricey
    • Wi-Fi Setup Can Be Problematic at Times

    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.

Features of Pet Friendly Home Security Systems

Home security systems that are ideal for pet owners have all or some of the following features:

Wireless or Wired

Go with a wireless pet-friendly home security system, and you’ll enjoy simple DIY setup with no pesky wires to hide. Hardwired systems, on the other hand, often require professional install and lots of drilling and splicing circuitry. Both types of security systems have their advantages, but wireless is fast-becoming the popular choice for pet owners.

Expandable

Pet owners tend to value variety, options, and upgrades. So it’s wise to purchase a pet-friendly home security system that is expandable. An expandable system allows for seamless integration of third-party devices. Add indoor and outdoor cameras, smart locks, automatic garage door openers, and other home automation features. With an expandable system, you’re only limited by your imagination.

Remote Viewing

Is Sparky behaving today? Find out with Remote Viewing. This feature allows you to view live video from your smartphone. See what your pets are up to, and even talk to them using PetCube or a similar feature. Remote viewing also becomes mighty helpful when you’re alerted of a security breach. Pipe in your voice to tell porch pirates and intruders to get lost.

Entryway Sensors

Entryway Sensors are a standard feature included with pet-friendly security systems. The magnetic sensors are easily mounted on doors and windows. When the magnets separate, the alarm sounds and mobile alerts are sent. Sure, your St. Bernard helps to deter criminals. But entryway sensors monitor every last entry point in your home — a job too big for even the most loyal hounds.

Motion Detectors

Today’s pet-friendly security systems have cracked the code when it comes to motion detectors. Traditional motion detectors sounded the alarm at any movement — people or pets. But modern motion detectors can easily distinguish between, say, Aunt Sherry and Shiloh the shepherd. When suspicious activity is detected, these pet-sensitive detectors sound the alarm and send real-time alerts.

24/7 Monitoring

Cats don’t exactly make the best home security guards. Thankfully, the top pet-friendly security systems offer 24/7 Monitoring. A reasonable monthly fee gets you around-the-clock home protection from the pros. If there’s ever a security breach, the monitoring center is alerted and emergency personnel responds within seconds. Pet owners looking for a robust home security experience should consider 24/7 monitoring.

Mobile Control

Monitor your pets and property from anywhere in the world with Mobile Control. This feature comes standard with most pet-friendly home security systems. Simply open the mobile app to access, monitor, and control your system to your heart’s content. Depending on your plan, you can view live-streaming video, use two-way talk to comfort lonely pets, arm and disarm the system, and more.

Control Panel

Your Control Panel is your command center. The best devices in this category offer wide-window touchscreen technology, well-designed icons, two-way talk, and ultra-easy navigation. Almost every control panel includes a siren and panic button. Go with a premium pet-friendly security system that offers premium control panels. And remember, you can access these same features on-the-go with mobile control.

Night Vision

Even dogs can’t see in the dark. That’s where Night Vision truly excels for pet owners looking for home security. Thankfully, most indoor and outdoor camera systems come stacked with infrared LED night vision technology. This allows you to capture night-time video as if it were broad daylight. Don’t let criminals have their way. Stop them in their tracks with night vision.

Rob Gabriele
Written By
Rob Gabriele
Managing Editor & Home Security Expert

As a home security expert and Managing Editor for SafeHome.org, Rob Gabriele has written and edited over 1,000 articles related to home security. His expertise is in smart home protection with thousands of hours of testing and research under his belt. Formerly a reporter and producer for the USAToday network, Rob has been a writer and editor for over 10 years. He holds a Master’s of Science with an emphasis on writing from the University of Montana, and he currently lives in Indianapolis, IN.