Like most of us, pets are part of the family and while you are away for longer periods of time, like a full workday, you want to know they are safe.
This is why we came up with a list of 9 great ways to help keep your pets out of harms way while you are at work.
1. Install Home Surveillance Cameras
Indoor home surveillance cameras allow you to check in real-time what is happening inside your home using a smartphone. A few strategically placed cameras will allow you to monitor your pet any time you’d like.
Many surveillance cameras come equipped with microphones and speakers, so you can communicate back and forth. Your pet will enjoy hearing your voice while you are away, unless they are digging through the trash or causing other mischief, in which case you can tell them to stop.
Surveillance cameras in and out of your home also provide a sense of security knowing that you can see what is happening just by firing up a phone app.
2. Install an Alarm System
In addition to security cameras, an alarm system is another great defense for your home and your pet’s safety.
In the event there is a break in, you and the police can be notified immediately. The fact that home security systems are often major deterrents to burglars can also provide some peace of mind.
Technology has also advanced to the point where pets won’t cause false alarms. Get an alarm system.
3. Keep the AC and Heat at a Comfortable Temperature.
Our pets rely on us to keep the AC or heat on during the sweltering summer months and through the cold of winter. For their health safety, keep your home at a comfortable temperature. We have systems available that can to remotely control the temperature in your home from your smart phone. Contact us and we will be happy to give you a demonstration.
4. Microchip Your Pet and Get a GPS Tracker Collar
Every pet needs to be microchipped and registered online, but you can take it a step further and get them a GPS tracker collar as well. A microchip can help identify your pet should they be found, however you can pinpoint your pet’s exact location at any time using a GPS tracker collar. You can even have an alert sent to you should your pet leave a pre-determined area. Here is a list of the best tracking collars and devices for 2018.
5. Get Monitored Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Most smoke and carbon monoxide detectors only make a noise to alert the occupants of the home of danger. They are then able to safely leave the home and call for help.
Your pets are not going to be able to escape and call for help in the event one of these common detectors is set off.
That’s why you need monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Not only do these detectors make a loud audible noise inside your home, they are also monitored by professionals. In the event of smoke or carbon monoxide, with monitored detectors the fire department can be immediately dispatched.
It’s also a good idea to place a pet emergency sticker near every entrance of your home to alert firefighters that your pets, and how many, are in the home.
6. Find a Good Pet Sitter.
For extended trips away from the home, it is highly advisable that you find a responsible pet sitter to take care of your furry friends while you are away.
You can find qualified sitters at the Austin Pet Sitters Organization, through online reviews sites or sites like NextDoor.com, or through a referral from your local vet.
7. Install a “Smart” Pet Door
Having a door for your pet to escape may be the one thing that keeps them safe during an emergency.
In the event of a fire, it is nice to know you have a way for them to escape. You should invest in a “smart” pet door to help prevent intruders from gaining access. Here is a comparison list of some the best electronic pet doors for 2018.
8. Plenty of Food and Water
It should go without saying, but your pets need adequate food and water. Make sure you leave plenty of food and fresh water before going away for any length of time. Food and water are the keys to their good health.
You can also automate their food servings. Here is a list of the 8 best automatic pet feeders for 2018.
9. Keep Dangerous Items Out of Reach
Chemicals and other dangerous items need to be kept well away from your pet to protect them while they are away. Pets can ber very tenacious when they see something they want. It is best to keep anything dangerous out of their line of sight.
It can be easy to forget a glass on the counter, but should it get knocked off the counter and break, the glass could cause some real harm to your pets. Here is a great article from American Humane on how to pet-proof your home.
