Skip to main content

Pawport turns any ordinary pet door into a smart one

Image used with permission by copyright holder

A pet door is a convenient way for your pet to come and go as it pleases, but pet doors also present security problems — not to mention the chance for bugs and other uninvited animals to come inside.

Pawport hopes to change that. This is a one-of-a-kind, app-controlled pet door that fits into existing pet door frames and transforms them into secure devices that intruders (both human and animal) can’t get through. Best of all, you won’t be spending a fortune on it.

It can be controlled and locked through a smartphone app, but your pet can also control it via a Bluetooth chip on their collar. The chip will cause the door to open when your pet approaches, but don’t worry — you can set specified curfew periods when your pet cannot go outside. Pawport keeps track of when and how often your pet goes outside so you know what your four-legged friend is up to during the day.

Once installed, Pawport provides an airtight seal that helps keep utility costs down and insects out. The door comes in several different designs that fit with almost any home aesthetic, and the three sizes ensure a fit with almost any pet door frame. The LEDs around the door function as a sort of night light and can be controlled through the app. The four-piece tunnel system used in the installation allows you to create a pet door through a wall, as well as through an existing door in your home.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pawport, as well as the waterproof collar that controls it, is powered through rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that go for weeks on a single charge. Don’t worry — if the batteries are charging and you need to open the door, Pawport can be controlled through simple manual controls on top of the door frame.

The idea behind Pawport is that pet doors should not only be secure, but also stylish and safe. The device is starting a 60-day run on Kickstarter with an early-bird price of $349 and an estimated retail price of $499. Just be mindful that a pledge isn’t a guarantee you’ll receive a product. If you’ve been looking for a way to give your pet more freedom while also keeping your home safer than a traditional pet door can, Pawport is worth considering.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
Upgrade your dorm with these smart home gadgets
The Echo Spot on a nightstand.

Summer is winding down, and students across the country are heading back to school. If you're heading to college, that means you're probably worried about getting your dorm room prepped for the year. That's often the most stressful part of returning to campus, as not only does your space need to be comfortable enough for all your studying, but it doubles as your home away from home. For those reasons, you'll want it to be functional, versatile, and capable of keeping you entertained when you're not hitting the books.

Thankfully, there are a bunch of smart home devices for your dorm that can turn even the tiniest and oldest of spaces into a futuristic oasis. From smart speakers and smart bulbs to smart plugs and more, here are a few smart home products that are perfect for your college dorm.
Smart light bulbs

Read more
Echo Spot vs. Echo Show 8: Which is best for your smart home?
The content gallery on Amazon's Echo Show 8 displays a news item about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

The Echo Spot is the newest edition of the Echo lineup. It serves as a smart alarm clock and is built for small spaces, while sytill offering lots of functionality despite its compact size. That's a stark contrast to the Echo Show 8, which offers a sizable eight-inch display and is designed more as an entertainment center. It's more expensive than the Echo Spot -- but is the Echo Show 8 worth its price tag, or should you opt for the more affordable Echo Spot?

From pricing and design to display quality and available features, here's a closer look at these two smart displays to help you find the right one for your home.
Pricing and design

Read more
What is a smart bird feeder?
The Bird Buddy with a Blue Jay perched on its edge.

Bird feeders are a great way to enjoy wildlife from the comfort of your home, allowing you to glance out the window and see an assortment of birds gathering in your yard. However, you'll now find products known as smart bird feeders available online and at some local gardening shops -- but what exactly do these new devices offer that can't be found on traditional bird feeders? More importantly, are smart bird feeders better than traditional bird feeders, especially when you consider their price tags?

Here's a closer look at these innovative new smart home devices to help you decide if adding one to your yard is a good investment.
What is a smart bird feeder?

Read more