ESA SECURE+ Integrator Aims to Help Homeowners Protect Pets

Many pet owners say having a dog is the only security system they need. But who's watching the dog?

Pet lover Ro Vinson wanted to check on her three beloved Golden Retrievers while she was away, so she turned to smart home technology for peace of mind. With the help of an advanced electronic security system that gives her remote access to cameras in her home, she's able to see whether the new puppy is getting into mischief or the older dog is suffering from separation anxiety.

"Our dogs are definitely important members of the family, so we don't like leaving them alone, even for short periods of time," Vinson said. "Puppy antics can be adorable to watch, but you do worry when you give the dogs free rein of the house when you are away."

Vinson enlisted help from Moon Security, a SECURE+ integrator in her area. Moon Security installed Total Connect, a security system with remotely accessible cameras. Now, Vinson can look in on her Kanine Kids (as she calls them) via a smart phone, tablet or computer from anywhere she may travel.

SECURE+ is a special designation offered by theElectronic Security Association (ESA) as a way of increasing awareness of enhanced digital services provided by the association's members. SECURE+integrators make their customers' lives not only safer and more secure, but simpler, more energy-efficient and more convenient.

For Vinson, SECURE+ technology is the next best thing to being at home. "Our security system with enhanced features allows us to see if the kids are sleeping or causing carnage," she said.

That so-called carnage is a real threat to Vinson's home considering Bacall, her youngest pooch, is a notorious counter-surfer. With help from her enhanced security system, Vinson can keep a close eye on her brood to ensure Bacall hasn't accidentally turned on the stove or caused any other emergencies that can come from a counter-top canine.

In addition, Vinson says that via her security system she routinely observed her elder dog sleeping against the rear exit door in the house. This behavior may be an indication of mild separation anxiety. Without the new technology, this behavior would have gone unnoticed and untreated.

Being able to visually monitor what her Kanine Kids are doing gives Vinson reassurance that all is well.