A great deal of advice out there discusses taking care of a house as it pertains to its human residents.
But for those who live with four-legged friends and care just as much about their well-being, it is crucial to also have the proper information on how to make a living space more inhabitable and safer for all members of the family.
And while some people who have been sharing spaces with cats and dogs for years might think they know all of the rules, the fact is that pet-owners should be aware that sometimes there are dangers in plain view that make a living space less safe for animals.
One big misconception about home security and pets is that advertising the presence of a dog is somehow going to be the ultimate in dissuading a robber from deciding to target a property.
And while sometimes this might make someone considering a break-in think twice about whether or not to go through with it, more often than not, it's not going to be that big of a difference.
This is particularly true for those who have smaller dogs that bark accordingly.
So don't spend a ton of money on "beware of dog" merchandise if there is a tiny chihuahua lurking behind the door.
For the most part, households with pets find themselves in more or less the same boat as households without, as far as home security concerns involving break-ins go.
For those who have invested in a home alarm system that keeps having false alarms, it's worthwhile to inquire as to whether or not it might be the fault of sensors placed somewhere less than optimal for sharing a space with pets.
Sometimes cats and dogs roaming around in the evening hours tends to set off the low-level sensors, so it's always better to make sure that it's not the case with their placement.
This way, pets can roam around happily and families can sleep the whole night through--and remember to still use their best source of back-up for safety.
However, households with pets do need to worry about the well-being of the pets in question.
For those with new dogs or cats, look into which common household plants are lethal for animals, as sometimes there are troubles with cats eating ivy and dogs consuming other types of flowers that their bodies cannot handle.
For anyone with a pool and a young animal, it's the same level of care as a pool and an infant; don't allow unsupervised roaming around outdoors, or else there might be a chance that there will need to be a water rescue.
For humans in the house, it's also important to remember little touches around the house to keep animals safe and the house secure.
Be sure to always keep chewable wires out of reach of curious young pups and kittens, and also be diligent about doggie doors, especially while heading off on vacation.
It's important to close and shut them securely, just like other doors to the house.
Robbers know that any entry point is weakened home security, and one that's big enough for a Labrador is as good as a tiny window.
So keep that in mind when prepping a space.