The Best Home Security Systems for Pet Owners in 2024
We ranked ADT number one for its professional installation, high-quality equipment with pet detection, and 24/7 monitoring.
- Professional installers can adjust sensors to ignore your pet, for fewer false alarms
- Professional monitoring helps keep your pet safe around the clock, even when you’re away
- Available smart plugs let you turn on your TV remotely to keep your dog or cat company while you’re at work
- SimpliSafe motion sensors ignore pets that weigh less than 60 pounds
- Video verification system means pets are less likely to trigger alarms
- Use the SimpliSafe app to remotely monitor your home during the day
- Set smart locks to allow your pet sitters easy access to your home when you’re on vacation
- Fine tune motion sensors to keep large dogs from setting off alarms
- Keep the temperature perfect for your pet with Vivint’s environmental controls
We love our pets. But as pet-loving security experts, we have to admit that having four-legged companions makes choosing a security system a lot more complicated. Pick the wrong system, and you could end up with false alarms every time Fido runs through the living room.
You need a system that works with pets – and keeps them safe and comfortable. It’s a big responsibility, but as fellow pet parents, we’re here to help.
Wearing both our security expert and pet owner hats, we tested the top home security systems to find out which among them offer the best features for homes with pets. These were our top picks:
The 5 Best Security Systems for Homes with Pets
- ADT - Personalized Security System for Homes With Pets
- SimpliSafe - Security System With Improved Pet Safety Features
- Vivint - Smart Security System for Pet Safety and Comfort
- Cove - Affordable Pet-Friendly Security System
- Ring Alarm - Security System With App Features for Pet Owners
Choosing a Security System — Pet Owners Edition
The main hurdle when choosing a pet-friendly security system is making sure it can coexist with our furry friends. Security systems aim to detect activity in homes that are supposed to be empty. That’s why we have motion sensors and glass-break sensors. Pets, however, can set off false alarms, so pet owners need pet-friendly equipment. That right there is our first criteria.
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for safety features. Security systems aren’t just for detecting break-ins. They can also keep you, your home, and your pets safe from dangers like fire, gas leaks, and extreme temperatures. Some even have features that can help you locate a lost pet.
Lastly, security cameras can double as excellent pet cameras. You’ll want to look for security systems that offer reliable indoor and outdoor cameras, with features like livestreaming and two-way audio.
The goal isn’t just to buy a pet-friendly system, though — the goal is also to choose a security system suitable for your security needs. Our top picks vary. You’ll see some DIY options, like SimpliSafe and Cove, as well as professionally installed and monitored options, like ADT and Vivint. There’s something for everybody, so read on to find out the best one for you.
>> Learn More: DIY vs. Professional Installation
Overview of the Best Pet-Friendly Security Systems
System |
ADT
|
SimpliSafe
|
Vivint
|
Cove
|
Ring Alarm
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
Ratings | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.7/10 |
Pet-friendly motion sensor | Tolerant of pets up to 80 lbs. | Tolerant of pets up to 60 lbs. | Tolerant of pets up to 55 lbs. | Tolerant of pets up to 55 lbs. | Tolerant of pets up to 50 lbs. |
Pet detection in indoor camera | Yes, with human face detection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Safety sensors and devices | Smoke and gas leak detectors, smart thermostat | Temperature sensor, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors | Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, smart thermostat | Smoke detector | Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm listener, pet ID tag with QR code |
Monitoring type | Professional | Professional or DIY | Professional | Professional | Professional or DIY |
Installation type | Professional | DIY | Professional | DIY | DIY |
Read Review | ADT Review | SimpliSafe Review | Vivint Review | Cove Review | Ring Alarm Review |
Our Roundup of the Best Pet-Friendly Security Systems
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1. ADT - Personalized Security System for Homes With Pets
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $599 Monitoring Options Professional Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $25 per month Contract Lengths 36 months and up Installation Options Professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home We like that an ADT technician installed our security system. Well, not so much the part where we had to pay over $100 for the service, but it was worth it because the technician was able to see our home’s layout and our pet in person. He figured out where to best place the motion sensors and cameras so that our hulking 65-pound Labrador wouldn’t trigger any false alarms. He also considered factors like the fact that our dog Max likes lounging on our sofa, so he made sure the sofa stayed out of the motion sensors’ peripherals.
That was crucial, because ADT is a professionally monitored system. If Max triggers a false alarm and the police are called to our house, we’d have to pay a fine according to the alarm permit from our city. With ADT’s professional installation, our system was personalized for Max and for our home’s layout.
>> Learn More: How Much Is an ADT Security System?
What We Like
- Expert installation by a trained technician
- High-quality equipment including security and safety sensors
- Professional monitoring for break-ins and home hazards
- Security cameras with pet detection and facial recognition
What We Don’t Like
- $99 minimum charge for professional installation
- No silent arm feature (control panel beeps; can be annoying to pets)
- Equipment is more pricey than other options
- Three-year monitoring contract
Pet-Friendly Equipment
As guardians to a gentle giant, we appreciated that the ADT motion sensor ignores pets up to 80 pounds. The motion sensors from ADT alternatives like SimpliSafe can only tolerate pets weighing up to 50 pounds. Upon testing our ADT system, we confirmed that Max doesn’t trigger the sensors. Remember, he weighs 65 pounds, yet he could roam freely around the house. If your pet is as big as our Max, ADT should be at the top of your list.
We thought ADT’s professional monitoring style was pet-owner friendly due to a feature called SMART Monitoring. It’s essentially a text-based communication system that activates when an alarm is triggered. If it turns out to be a false alarm set off by your pet, you can conveniently cancel it through text. You can also verify it if it’s a real emergency. The point is, you won’t have to stop what you’re doing to answer a call from the monitoring center.
>> More Information: Dealing with ADT False Alarms
Safety Features
ADT can also keep your pets safe. ADT’s monitoring packages include fire and gas leak monitoring, so if you buy smoke and carbon monoxide detectors from ADT, they’ll be able to send help if needed. The smoke alarms from ADT have a long battery life as well. There will be no need to worry about annoying smoke alarm chirps for at least two years.
Speaking of annoying sounds, we have to warn you that ADT doesn’t have a “silent arm” function on the touch screen keypad. It lets out a long beep whenever it’s armed. Max finds it intriguing, but your pets might react differently. Use the smartphone app to arm and disarm the system instead to avoid the sound.
Security Cameras
Would you use a $99 pet camera? Well, we wouldn’t either if it was just a simple camera, but ADT’s indoor camera is so much more than that. It’s the Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired), one of the best security cameras available. Feature-wise, it’s great for homes with pets. It can distinguish pets from humans, so it tells you whether a motion event was triggered by a person or an animal.
We also got to test the Nest Cam’s facial recognition. A sitter comes to our house on Mondays and Thursdays to walk Max, so we introduced him to the camera. We receive alerts whenever he arrives so we can give him instructions before taking Max out.
FYI: Read our full Nest Cam review for an in-depth look at everything these home security cameras can do for you and your pets.
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2. SimpliSafe - Security System With Improved Pet Safety Features
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $280 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs $19.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home SimpliSafe is the polar opposite of ADT. It’s a DIY-installed security system that doesn’t require professional monitoring. You can self-monitor it if you’re worried about false alarms being sent to the police. We still recommend professional monitoring though. Just make sure to go with the more expensive Fast Protect plan. The Fast Protect plan includes video verification — in an emergency, the monitoring center will view your camera footage to see whether it’s a false alarm or a real intrusion.
Being a DIY system, we had to install SimpliSafe ourselves. It wasn’t a difficult process. However, the motion sensor’s high sensitivity had us scratching our heads. (More on that in a bit.)
What We Like
- Easy DIY setup with no special tools required
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Video verification for Fast Protect plan
- Temperature sensor for pets sensitive to extreme cold or heat
What We Don’t Like
- Motion sensors are too sensitive for homes with large pets
- Limited smart home equipment
- Limited features as a self-monitored alarm
- No free video storage for cameras
Pet-Friendly Equipment
We were concerned by the sensitivity of the motion sensor from SimpliSafe. We knew from our previous tests that our dog was too big for it to ignore, as the sensor was designed to tolerate pets only up to 60 pounds. Fortunately, we found a nifty suggestion from SimpliSafe’s blog. It says that if the pet is over 50 pounds, we should install the sensor upside down at a height slightly higher than the pet’s height when standing on its hind legs. We tried it out and it worked. More importantly, it still detected human movement.
What SimpliSafe failed to mention is when a sensor is installed that way, you can hide from it by getting down on all fours or simply crouching. The sensor typically sees out straight and down at a 45-degree angle, so if you install it upside down five feet off the ground, the minimum height it can detect is five feet. That’s why you should have other types of sensors as well, like door sensors and window sensors.
Safety Features
Safety features like fire and gas leak detection are standard for top security systems. As long as you have the equipment (i.e., SimpliSafe smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors), SimpliSafe will monitor them for you.
What we found unique was the SimpliSafe temperature sensor. It was designed to alert users to extreme temperature drops that could result in frozen pipes, but we learned that we could actually set an upper threshold so that it’d notify us if our house gets too warm for comfort. That way, we can turn on our AC through our ecobee Smart Thermostat. That’s great for Max, who runs hot easily during summer.
Unfortunately, home automation isn’t SimpliSafe’s strong suit, so there’s no way to automatically set a smart thermostat when the temperature sensor reaches the upper threshold. You’d have to do it manually via your smart thermostat’s app.
Security Cameras
We’re torn whether we like the SimpliCam indoor camera or not. On one hand, it’s a solid indoor camera. It uses a passive infrared (PIR) sensor to detect movement, so it’s not prone to false alarms. It also uses PIR to ignore pets. That said, the SimpliCam costs the same as the Nest Cam from ADT but without the smart features we liked about the latter. Check out our SimpliCam review for more details.
Of course, it may come in handy in preventing false alarms, especially with SimpliSafe’s Fast Protect monitoring with video verification. If you opt for Fast Protect, we say go for it. Otherwise, we suggest getting a different pet-friendly camera. The SimpliCam still functions well as a stand-alone camera without professional monitoring.
>> Check Out: The Best Pet-Friendly Security Cameras
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3. Vivint - Smart Security System for Pet Safety and Comfort
Product Specs
Equipment costs Starting at $449 Monitoring options Professional Monthly monitoring costs $40 per month Contract lengths Starting at 42 months Installation options Professional Smart platform integration Alexa and Google Home Vivint is a lot like ADT, since it requires professional monitoring and installation. We found it to be a better option for pet owners who want to use smart home features to keep their pets safe and comfortable. That’s thanks largely to Vivint’s strong smart home talents. It’s arguably the best smart home security system if we’re strictly talking about features.
For example, when we got Vivint installed, we asked the technician to set it so that the Vivint smart thermostat sets the temperature between 75 and 80 degrees as soon as we leave the house. This automated rule kept Max warm and toasty last winter.
What We Like
- Automated scenes and routines
- High-quality smart cameras
- Reliable professional monitoring
- Expert installation
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a contract (up to five years)
- Expensive equipment
- Lowest sensitivity setting might be too low
- Doesn’t work without professional monitoring
Pet-Friendly Equipment
A technician installed our Vivint motion sensor and recommended setting the “PET” setting to “25K” (which ignores pets up to 55 pounds) and the sensitivity setting (SENS) to “LOW.” We were concerned it might fail to catch real break-ins, though, since the technician placed it at the end of our hallway. So after he left we set the sensitivity to “HIGH.” It worked for us; Max still didn’t trigger the sensor, and we felt more confident that it would catch a thief.
We appreciated that Vivint’s motion sensor had four sensitivity levels instead of two, which made it perfect for both big and small pets. We recommend playing around with it a little to find the best level for you.
Safety Features
In addition to fire and safety monitoring, Vivint’s home automation features kept our Max safe and comfy at home. There are too many features to mention here, so we’ll give you a couple of examples we tried.
First, we were able to create automated scenes that activated at the touch of a button on the digital panel. We created a “Leaving” scene, where the system arms, the door locks after a short delay, the smart lights near Max’s crate turn on, and the Vivint thermostat sets the temperature to 78 degrees.
Second, Vivint can autonomously trigger actions when a certain event occurs. For example, we set the Vivint thermostat to shut off immediately as soon as the smoke alarm detects smoke. That way, it would slow down the spread of fire if there was one.
With those automations, Vivint goes above and beyond what most security systems offer. It even edges out ADT in that regard.
>> Compare: Vivint vs. ADT
Security Cameras
Vivint’s security cameras also excel, but if you thought SimpliSafe’s $99 indoor camera was expensive, you might not like Vivint’s pricing. The Vivint Indoor Camera Pro costs a staggering $249. Of course, you’ll get top-of-the-line features at that price point. We’re talking about person and pet detection powered by AI, clear video with HDR that provides good lighting balance, two-way audio, and more.
The Vivint indoor security camera also works without Wi-Fi. It can record important footage onto its microSD card, although livestreaming and two-way talk obviously won’t work. It’s expensive as a pet camera, but we think it’s a really good high-end security camera.
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4. Cove - Affordable Pet-Friendly Security System
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Must customize package Monitoring Options Professional Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $17.99 per month Contract Lengths No contract required Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home After talking about the high-end Vivint system, we thought we could use a palate cleanser. Cue Cove. From a features standpoint, it’s the least impressive pet-friendly system we tested. However, it’s also the most affordable. It’s a practical option for pet owners who want a security system that won’t cause any unnecessary ruckus over pets having the zoomies.
Cove is a DIY system just like SimpliSafe, but it’s more affordable. Note that Cove’s pricing for monitoring is $17.99 to $27.99 per month, and the equipment cost is offset by its frequent deals. We got our Cove system for 50 percent off, and since it was DIY, we didn’t have to pay an installation fee.
What We Like
- Affordable equipment and frequent discounts
- Monitoring for less than $30 per month
- Contract-free
- Offers affordable security cameras
What We Don’t Like
- Pet-immune up to 50 pounds only
- Doesn’t work as a self-monitored system, unlike SimpliSafe
- Limited equipment options
- No gas leak detector
Pet-Friendly Equipment
Cove’s motion sensor was just like the one from SimpliSafe. It wasn’t pet-immune enough for Max, but you should be fine if your furry companion weighs less than 55 pounds. For Max, though, we had to mount the sensor upside down like we did with SimpliSafe.
We did find a blog from Cove saying that the motion sensor is “AI enhanced” because it picks up heat signatures, but for clarity, that’s how all motion sensors work. They use PIR to detect moving objects with body heat. That’s why pets can also trigger them. Some motion sensors are pet-immune, because you can adjust the sensitivity. The minimum sensitivity setting on Cove cameras won’t detect pets less than 55 pounds.
Safety Features
Cove had us covered against fire, but that’s about it. It doesn’t offer carbon monoxide detectors like ADT, nor does it have any home automation features like Vivint. We find Cove to be an affordable security system that can coexist with pets, but doesn’t offer much else.
>> More Options: The Best Affordable Security Systems
Security Cameras
In fairness, though, Cove offers security cameras. And like ADT, Cove gets its cameras from a reputable security camera brand. Cove’s indoor camera is a wireless 2K security camera from eufy. Here’s our eufy 2K review; it’s not the exact same model, but it shares a lot of the same attributes.
The eufy indoor camera from Cove offers good value, in our opinion. It costs $59.99 — the cheapest option so far — and offers a 2K resolution, which is higher than even the Nest Cam, SimpliCam, and Vivint Indoor Camera. Its pet detection wasn’t as consistent, though, but thanks to activity zones, we were able to exclude the parts of our living room where Max often hangs out from the detection range.
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5. Ring Alarm - Security System With App Features for Pet Owners
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $199 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $20 Contract Lengths 1-12 months Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Ring is the oddball of this group. While it does offer a reliable security system called the Ring Alarm, its main offering consists of security cameras and video doorbells. In fact, it has a lineup of eight different video doorbells and over a dozen different types of security cameras. All Ring devices work together and can be monitored via the Ring app.
We’d like to call out the Ring app specifically because it’s thoughtfully designed for pet owners. For example, motion alerts from our indoor camera came in the form of detailed notifications. Instead of just texts, they included a snapshot of what triggered the event so we could see if it was a false alarm or a real cause for concern.
>> Learn More: Ring Security Camera Lineup and Pricing
What We Like
- Huge lineup of security and doorbell cameras
- Affordable cloud storage ($10 monthly for unlimited cameras)
- Easy DIY setup
- Intuitively designed home security app
What We Don’t Like
- No smoke alarms (but works with third-party smoke alarms)
- Limited home security equipment
- Cameras don’t have free local or cloud storage
- Motion sensors aren’t suited for large pets or homes with multiple pets
Pet-Friendly Equipment
Ring’s PIR motion sensor is pet-friendly to some degree, and unlike other pet sensors we tested, the sensitivity is controlled via the Ring app. The default setting is immune to pets less than 15 pounds. The medium setting is for pets up to 30 pounds. The lowest setting ignores pets up to 50 pounds. Unfortunately, it wasn’t immune to Max at all, so we’d think twice about getting a Ring Alarm for larger pets.
Safety Features
Ring also doesn’t offer smoke alarms, but the system pairs seamlessly with smoke alarms from First Alert. Ring also includes fire monitoring in its professional monitoring plans.
Our favorite safety feature, however, was the $9.99 pet tag engraved with a personalized QR code. It’s not a GPS tracker, but if your pet ever gets out of the house, whoever finds it can scan the QR code to see your pet’s profile and information (medical conditions, name, etc.). For your privacy, your contact details and home address aren’t included in the information, but scanning the QR code will give someone the option to call or text you anonymously. It may seem like a minor feature, but we loved Ring’s thoughtfulness here.
>> Related: The Best Security Systems With Apps
Security Cameras
Ring’s indoor camera, the Ring Indoor Cam, is just as affordable as the eufy camera from Cove, yet it offers slightly more advanced features. There’s a catch, though: You’ll need to sign up for a Ring Protect plan to enjoy those features. Ring’s pricing for professional monitoring with advanced camera features and cloud recording is $20 per month, or $200 if you sign on for one year. That’s pretty affordable.
So what features did we get? First, we got pre-roll videos. By buffering live videos, the Ring Indoor Cam was able to start its recordings seconds before the motion event that triggered it. Second, we got person and pet detection. Third, we were able to set our Indoor Cam to trigger other Ring cameras to record. All those features translated to all-around video security, which was one of our favorite things about Ring.
How to Choose From Our Top Pet-Friendly Systems
When choosing a pet-friendly security system, keep in mind that you’re buying a security system for your home’s protection, not only for your pet’s.
Start by identifying your biggest security concerns — for example, an easily accessible second-floor window, a large front yard with potential hiding spots, an unsecured tool shed, etc. By doing so, you’ll be able to decide what type of equipment to look for.
Once you have a list of equipment, decide whether you want professional or DIY installation. Both work, but be prepared for the installation fee if you’re going with a professional, or be ready to do the work if you opt for DIY. If you need more options, feel free to check our list of the best professionally installed systems or our roundup of the top DIY security systems.
Similarly, choose your monitoring style. Almost all security systems offer professional monitoring, but for those who want to self-monitor, take a look at our favorite self-monitored security systems.
Factors to Consider Related to Your Pets
Not all security systems are pet-friendly, so once you have your top picks, it’s time to filter through them by entering your pet into the equation. Here are some factors to consider:
- Size and activity level: Most pet-friendly security systems won’t have a problem ignoring small dogs and cats. It’s the larger and/or more active pets that give them trouble, so check if your alarm company has equipment suited for large or active pets.
- Pets that climb furniture: Most felines may be small enough to stay under the radar of pet-friendly motion sensors, but they can still trigger false alarms if they like climbing furniture. If that can’t be avoided, it might be better to skip the motion sensor altogether and opt for other types of sensors, like entry or glass-break sensors.
- Crated vs. non-crated: Setting up a security system is easier if your pets remain in a crate while you’re away. That way, you can simply avoid putting up sensors around their crate. If they’re not used to staying in a crate, though, you might have to make adjustments, such as closing off certain areas with a pet gate.
- Security camera two-way talk: The top indoor cameras today offer two-way talk, but observe how your pet responds before using this feature. Some respond positively to hearing their owner’s voice through a camera, but it can also trigger separation anxiety in other pets.
- If you have a doggy door: If your pets can freely exit the house through a doggy door, it may be smart to monitor it. A simple door sensor can let you know their comings and goings, but you should also consider putting up an outdoor camera. That way, in case they don’t come back, you’ll have a lead on where they went.
Choosing a security system that can work for you and your four-legged companion isn’t always easy. You may have to make compromises along the way. What’s important is that there are security systems out there that can keep your pets safe while also keeping criminals out.
Recap
We saw how different security systems adapt to our needs as pet owners, from thoughtfully designed apps to home automation features that improve comfort and safety to security cameras that can keep our pets from missing us. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and your specific needs.
Here’s a recap of the best home security systems for pet owners:
- ADT stands out with its personalized installation and professional monitoring. It’s an ideal option for those looking for a comprehensive security solution.
- SimpliSafe is an affordable DIY option with improved pet safety features, and we particularly like the temperature sensor that can alert you if your home gets too warm or cold.
- Vivint is a smart home security system that incorporates home automation to improve the safety and comfort of everyone living in your house, including pets.
- Cove is an affordable pet-friendly alternative that may not offer flashy features but can perfectly coexist with your pets.
- Ring Alarm is a robust security system that features high quality security cameras and an intuitive app designed with pets and pet owners in mind.
Which one is best for you? Take your pick.
FAQs About Pet Friendly Security Systems
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Are all motion sensors pet-immune?
Not all motion sensors are pet-immune. However, at the very least, most motion sensors will ignore pets less than 20 pounds. If you have a larger pet or a cat with the propensity for climbing furniture, you must look for motion sensors that are specifically described as pet-immune or pet-friendly.
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Can I communicate with my pets while I'm away using my security system?
You can communicate and check on your pets remotely using any security system as long as it has the right components and features. You’ll need an indoor camera with two-way audio, a mobile app that can stream video from the camera in real-time, and a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
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Can barking dogs set off glass break sensors?
Glass break sensors are triggered by loud noises that register at similar decibels and pitches as the sound of glass breaking, so it is possible for a dog’s bark to set off glass break sensors. To avoid false alarms, we suggest placing glass break sensors in rooms inaccessible to pets or adjusting their sensitivity.
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Can pets trigger motion-activated security cameras?
Whether your camera uses PIR motion sensors or computer vision to detect movement, pets can trigger motion-activated cameras. However, there are features like person detection, facial recognition, and activity zones that can reduce the chances of false alarms.
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How do I keep my pet safe?
Keep your pets safe by keeping their environment safe. Our furry friends are more vulnerable to toxic gas, extreme temperatures, and fire than we are. That’s why installing environmental sensors is a must. Carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and even flood and freeze sensors can warn you if there’s a dangerous situation at home.
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urban.org/sites/default/files/alfresco/publication-pdfs/412729-Opportunities-for-Police-Cost-Savings-Without-Sacrificing-Service-Quality-Reducing-False-Alarms.PDFAVMA. (2018). When fire strikes home.
avma.org/javma-news/2018-02-15/when-fire-strikes-homeNational Fire Protection Association. (2018). Pet Fire Safety.
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