Having shared life with numerous dogs has inevitably led to the inclusion of a pet door in every home. Conventional pet doors, despite their various price points, remain fundamentally basic—a simple opening in a door or wall equipped with a downward-flapping plastic cover that permits pets to venture outdoors independently. Unfortunately, these designs often compromise air quality, raise security concerns, and quickly accumulate dirt as pets rush in and out. However, at this week’s CES, Pawport unveiled an innovative solution: a smart door that can be retrofitted onto any existing pet entrance, unlocking only when your pet is nearby. This cutting-edge design earned Pawport the prestigious Innovation Award from CES.

This isn’t Pawport’s inaugural appearance at CES; the company showcased an earlier model last year. However, the latest iteration significantly enhances its predecessor. Previously, there was only a smart mechanism on the inner side of the pet door, but the new design includes a matching outer door that communicates with its interior counterpart. This advancement ensures that your pet can detect whether the door is closed from either side. Notably, customers can currently pre-order this product, with an anticipated release in early 2025.

The construction of the Pawport door is impressive, featuring robust powder-coated steel and aluminum materials. Equipped with two durable deadbolts, this door is designed to surpass the typical lightweight, plastic pet doors. Its French door style allows the two sections to swing open toward the pet as it approaches, adding an extra layer of functionality.

What makes the Pawport especially appealing for dog owners are its solutions to common pet door issues. The dual-door design significantly mitigates air leakage, a common problem with traditional pet entrances that can escalate heating and cooling costs. Keeping the door sealed until the pet needs to go out directly addresses this challenge, while the twin-door configuration provides enhanced insulation.

Despite having a protective Doberman, the presence of a substantial hole in the back door presents a gaping vulnerability in any security plan. Pawport is designed with safety at the forefront, integrating features that ensure it won’t accidentally close on your pet or allow small children to escape through it. A compact Bluetooth device worn by your pet triggers the door’s opening mechanism. Furthermore, manual control buttons located above the door offer additional convenience—though this feature can be disabled via the linked app to prevent unintended usage by kids.

Another noteworthy aspect of conventional dog doors is the mess they create. Flaps collect all the dirt and grease from pets entering and exiting. The Pawport, available in three distinct styles (Standard, Designer, and Signature) and at various price points, promises aesthetics that are both modern and customizable, featuring a continuous LED light for a futuristic appeal.

Standard covers that accompany pet doors to manage access are often ineffective—most clever pets can easily dislodge those flimsy barriers. In contrast, the robust design of Pawport appears résistant to such adventurous attempts. Moreover, unlike typical pet doors, which provide no insight into a pet’s comings and goings, the Pawport app empowers owners with the ability to set parameters around door access, such as curfews or weather-related restrictions (like keeping pets indoors during a rainstorm). It also tracks and displays how frequently your pet has gone in and out throughout the day, allowing for real-time awareness of their location.

Regarding power options, the Pawport door offers versatility: it can operate via a USB or plug for continuous power, be hardwired, or rely on a rechargeable battery. Even during power failures or internet outages, the battery option ensures continued functionality.