While many of the workers today are continuing to shelter-in-place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that may change later in the year as vaccines continue to be distributed.
If workers return to the office, MyQ, a division of the Chamberlain Group, has introduced new home technology that allows homeowners to control when pets can go outside.
The technology, called MyQ Pet Portal, was introduced at CES 2021. It safely lets dogs out to relieve themselves and play while their humans are at work or traveling. The portal includes live video streaming and two-way communication through an app so pet parents can see what their pets are up to at any time during the day.
The Pet Portal replaces an existing door with a hidden smart panel and elevator style opening mechanism that allows dogs to go outside. The makers of MyQ said the portal is unnoticeable from the outside and other animals or insects won’t be able to access the door while people are sleeping.
The portal works for dogs from 10 lb to 90 lb and sensors installed in the doors prevent dogs from being trapped or hurt while moving through the pet door.
Already making waves at CES, the MyQ Pet Portal won the distinguished CES 2021 Best of Innovation Award within the Smart Home category. “A bright spot for many people in a challenging 2020 has been adding a furry friend to the family. But as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift in 2021 many dogs will experience a dramatic change in their routine,” said Beril Altiner, director of product marketing for Chamberlain Group (CGI). “The MyQ Pet Portal can help alleviate some of the stress and expenses that might come along as schedules change.”
How it works
A MyQ Pet Portal sensor is attached to a dog’s collar and when a pet approaches the door it can be programmed to open automatically. The system auto-closes once the pet has traveled through the door and when the pet wants to come back in the process repeats.
The two-way camera and audio enables real-time and recorded viewing of a pet’s travels through the pet door and it is managed through the MyQ Pet Portal app, which sends alerts or can be customized for when to allow the dog to be let out. To prevent it from opening and closing at night, it can be locked. An emergency or an unscheduled opening can be done via the app as well, the company said.
