When you install a pet immune alarm system, a security system designed to ignore movements caused by pets while still detecting human intruders. Also known as pet-friendly alarm, it’s not just a marketing term—it’s a technical feature built into motion sensors that helps avoid the constant false alarms that come with pets moving around the house. If you’ve ever had your alarm go off because your cat jumped on the couch or your dog trotted past the hallway, you know how frustrating it can be. A true pet immune system solves that problem without leaving your home vulnerable.
These systems rely mostly on PIR sensors, passive infrared sensors that detect heat signatures and movement. Also known as infrared motion detectors, they’re the most common type used in home alarms. But not all PIR sensors are the same. Standard ones react to any heat source moving across their field of view. Pet immune versions are tuned to ignore heat signatures below a certain size and height—usually under 40 pounds and under 2 feet off the ground. That means your golden retriever can roam freely, but a person climbing through a window still sets off the alarm. Some models even use dual-tech sensors, combining PIR with microwave detection to reduce errors even further. You’ll find these in systems from major brands and custom installations alike. What makes a system truly pet immune isn’t just the sensor, though. Placement matters. Mounting sensors higher on walls, avoiding direct lines to pet pathways, and keeping them away from heat sources like radiators or vents all help. Even the best sensor can be fooled if it’s pointed straight at your dog’s favorite nap spot.
False alarms aren’t just annoying—they can make you ignore the real ones. If your alarm goes off every time your cat walks by, you might start turning it off altogether. That’s the real risk. A pet immune alarm system keeps your home protected while respecting your pets’ freedom. It’s not magic, but it’s smart engineering built for real homes with real animals. Whether you’ve got a tiny rabbit or a big Labrador, there’s a setup that works. Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve dealt with this exact problem: what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the common mistakes that leave your system useless when you need it most.
A barking dog can set off traditional alarms, but modern pet-friendly systems use advanced filtering to ignore pet sounds. Learn how they work, which ones actually work, and how to avoid false alarms.