Cameras by themselves do not trigger any alarm. They record motion when triggered by a alarm that is initiated by a motion, entry, or panic detector. You can set up motion detectors with cameras in areas where your pets are so that they only send you a “secret alert” when motion is detected and record that motion. I use this setting for my 4 cats, so that if the secret alert is initiated only I will know it and see what is recorded, and then I can call 911 if there is something other than my cats setting off the alarm. Simplisafe monitoring services are not notified during secret alerts.