Home security isn't just for humans, there's plenty it can do for your fuzzy companions too. Vivint has a few more features that made us sit and stay.
We’re especially fans of the one-of-a-kind Vivint Indoor Camera which doubles as a motion sensor and takes 20-second clips of activity whenever it detects action. It also has two-way talk, so you can comfort anxious animals or catch them in the act of digging through the garbage.
For all its purebred glory, Vivint is accessible for folks on a budget (now you can buy the fancy dog food). Professional monitoring and equipment from Vivint start at around $30/month.
- Vivint will give you a $50 gift card and free installation with a new security system ($199 value)
- ADT is offering a $100 gift card from SafeStreets when you sign up for a new system.
- Frontpoint is offering a free video doorbell, 35% off sitewide, and packages starting at $99.
- Get $400 off a new Link Interactive system.
- SimpliSafe systems are 50% off + get a free indoor camera
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
The best pet-friendly security systems in 2021
- : Best overall
- : Best for dog owners
- : Best DIY system
- : Best for customization
- : Best budget system
Compare pet-friendly security systems
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Brand
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Lowest monitoring price
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Installation
|
Motion sensor weight limit
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Learn more
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall |
 |
$29.99/mo. | Pro | Adjustable | View Packages | Read Review |
| Best for dog owners |
 |
$27.99/mo.* | Pro | Adjustable | View Packages | Read Review |
| Best DIY system |
 |
$34.99/mo. | DIY | < 40 lbs. | View Packages | Read Review |
| Best for customization |
 |
$30.99/mo. | DIY | < 40 lbs. | View Packages | Read Review |
| Best budget system |
 |
$14.99/mo. | DIY | < 30 lbs. | View Packages | Read Review |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Landline monitoring only. Some restrictions apply. (Full disclaimer)
1. Vivint: Best overall
If you want a professionally-monitored and installed security system that works for your family and pets, Vivint is the cat’s meow.
The sensors installed in your home connect to Vivint’s mobile app, allowing you to monitor your home and your pets in real-time. For example, you can set emergency and non-emergency alerts so you can distinguish when your pet’s up to their normal mischief or if they’re in real danger.
Two-way video monitoring Professional installation Adjustable weight settings on motion detectors
Fine-print pricing Inconsistent customer serviceVivint's cameras have all the features you need to keep an eye on your pets while you’re away. The two-way communication can comfort anxious pups or catch cats in the middle of their antics. It has crystal-clear infrared night vision and a wide-angle HD view to watch them from your living room, kitchen, or bedroom at all times.
We also like the 20-second playback feature that kicks on when the camera notices activity in the room. And there’s also a one-touch call button for the human members of your family who may need to contact you too.
It is worth mentioning that Vivint costs a pretty penny up front and requires a 60-month contract, but it’s a worthwhile service for many customers who want to protect their human and animal family.
Learn more in our full Vivint review.
2. ADT: Best for dog owners
ADT has an impressive range of equipment for home security, safety, and home automation. But what stands out to us is its adjustable motion detector. This is perfect for the tiniest teacup Chihuahuas to the greatest Great Danes.
Adjustable pet-immune PIR sensor 24/7 professional monitoring 6-month money-back guarantee (certain restrictions apply)
Poor customer service Vague pricingMost pet-immune PIR (passive infrared) sensors ignore animals up to a certain weight limit, typically 30 to 45 pounds. The motion sensor is adjustable, allowing you to customize this range to match the size of your pets.
ADT has been in the home security business for 145 years, so you know you can rely on them to protect your home. That said, we can’t ignore the vague pricing on their website and reports of poor customer service from multiple sources.1
Learn more in our full ADT review.
3. Frontpoint: Best DIY system
Frontpoint is our favorite DIY system for pet owners. Installing your own security system may seem like a big task, but it’s as easy as a walk in the dog park. Most of Frontpoint’s components use peel-and-stick backing, so all you need to do is place your sensors and program them into the system.
Wide selection of security cams Highly-rated customer service Customizable system
Low motion-sensor range Extra cost for smoke detectorsThis allows you to set up sensors out of reach of your pets. And while Frontpoint’s setup is DIY, it offers professional monitoring, keeping emergency response times fast and your pets safe.
With Frontpoint, you can have an advanced security system with motion detectors, window and door sensors, and a tough, smash-proof smart hub to connect the whole system.
Frontpoint has several packages to choose from, but you’ll need to pay a little more than $475 to get The Bunker equipment package, which comes with a smoke and heat sensor. Or you can build a custom system for a little cheaper than the standard packages if you don't need as many cameras and window sensors.
There's a solid selection of Frontpoint indoor and outdoor cameras. Both of the indoor camera options have two-way communication, so you can speak with the two-legged and four-legged members of your family through the app. You can also get a durable outdoor camera and a doorbell camera to keep an eye on the outside of your home.
Learn more in our full Frontpoint review.
Frontpoint isn't just for furry friends and home security, it can also protect your identity. It just partnered with Allstate Identity Protection to offer identity theft protection to all Frontpoint customers at no extra cost.
4. Link Interactive: Best for customization
Another DIY option that made our list, Link Interactive lets you build your system from the ground up. You start by selecting your monitoring package, each reasonably priced between $31 and $45 per month, and you get a selection of home safety, security, and automation equipment to choose from.
Customize your system and monitoring package Choose from home safety, security, and automation equipment
Contract required if you don't own equipmentYou can improve your smart home capabilities with devices like smart light bulbs or outlets to keep your pets comfy while you’re gone. Or you could improve security with sensors if your guard dog’s asleep on the job.
Overall, Link Interactive is a good match for pet owners. It’s easy to set up, has plenty of monitoring options, and is relatively affordable. We do wish it were a little more flexible with contract options. Unless you already own your equipment, expect to be locked into a three-year contract (or 21 years in dog years).
Learn more in our full Link Interactive review.
5. SimpliSafe: Best budget system
SimpliSafe may not be best in show, but it is a solid pick for a professionally monitored DIY system. There’s no contract or cancellation fees, so it requires much less commitment (and cleanup) than a puppy. Installation is also easy enough to complete in an hour. Simply plug in the smart hub, place the sensors, and connect them together through the app.
Affordable monitoring DIY installation
Pets over 30 pounds can trigger motion detectorsSimpliSafe is a great choice for cat owners because of its DIY setup. You know your cat better than anyone else (and even then, they can be unpredictable). Setting up your own security system lets you adjust for your cat’s climbing, chewing, or sleeping habits.
Even small cats can trip a motion sensor if they tend to scale cabinets and bookshelves while you’re gone. Installing your own system can help you avoid false alarms and keep your kitties happy.
Each package comes with a range of safety, emergency, and home automation equipment. We were disappointed to see that CO detectors were missing from the lineup and that the motion sensors have a low weight range—bad news for pets over 30 pounds.
Learn more in our full SimpliSafe review.
Final word
With a pet-friendly home security system like Vivint, you can keep an eye on them all day and come to the rescue when they need you most. Monitoring from the professionals at Vivint also helps you reach emergency services quickly if you need them.
Even the sharpest border collie can’t call 911, so it’s important to find a system that alerts you to real threats like fires and carbon monoxide leaks. If a security system isn't right for you and your fur baby, you might consider buying a pet camera instead.
FAQ
Traditionally, home security systems have been designed with humans in mind, but what about our furry friends? Home security features like live video feed and motion detectors with adjustable sensitivity can make our homes safer for pets and pet owners alike.
There aren’t many differences between security systems for pets and their owners, but with the best systems, you can watch your fur babies remotely and react quickly in an emergency to help them.
A majority of the motion sensors we saw can ignore smaller moving objects up to 40 pounds. This allows small dogs and cats to move about your home freely. If you have a larger dog (around 50 pounds and up), consider a system with glass break sensors instead of motion detectors.
These devices are finely tuned to sound when they detect loud sounds like shattering glass, so your pups can still play while your home is protected from invasion.
PIR or passive infrared, technology is commonly used in motion detectors. Instead of sensing movement, it looks for changes in heat in the area it’s surveilling. Learn more about pet-immune motion detectors.
It depends on your motion sensor’s weight range. Most sensors will ignore pets up to 45 pounds, but you can find adjustable models from companies like Vivint and ADT.
If your dog is over the weight range, you may want to opt for a glass break sensor and automated locks instead. This will keep your doors locked when you need them and notify you if an intruder breaks any windows or glass on your door.
We like to think that any indoor camera with two-way communication can be a suitable pet camera, but we weren’t able to find any systems that work with treat-dispensing pet cameras.
How we reviewed pet-friendly security systems
We started by looking for alarm systems with compatible equipment like high-range motion detectors and indoor cameras with two-way communication. Those with professional monitoring and remote control got extra points too. Most of our research was spent reading through product manuals, setup guides, and customer reviews.
We looked for features like motion detectors, glass break sensors, video monitoring, and smoke and CO monitoring to keep your pet safe while you’re home and away.
We also considered professional monitoring a plus because it generally gives you better control over your system remotely and is more effective at reaching first responders in an emergency.
Learn more about how we researched this and our other reviews by reading our full methodology.
Related articles on SafeWise
Sources
- Trustpilot, "ADT Reviews," September 2021. Accessed on October 25, 2021.
Consumer Affairs, "ADT Reviews," September 2021. Accessed on October 25, 2021.
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