I have a very nice older boy who, because of his age, sometimes wakes me up in the middle of the night and takes me outside to go to the bathroom. He would come to the side of the bed and meow in my face until I would groggily walk down the stairs and open the door. Then I have to wait, sometimes groggily, until he does his business.

The myQ Pet Portal, unveiled at CES 2021, is an innovative but expensive solution. Starting at $2,999, it features a small door that automatically slides open and closes when the pet wants to enter or exit. [The door opens when the pup approaches the door and closes automatically. According to the company, it should close quickly enough that other animals cannot sneak in and out.

In addition, cameras can monitor who is using the door, and two-way audio allows the user to hear and speak to whoever or whatever it is. Pet owners can use the app to monitor comings and goings (of course) and limit the amount of time the door is open. The door is sized to accommodate dogs (or cats, I guess) between 10 and 90 pounds, so unfortunately it won't be big enough for Great Danes.

Chamberlain, the developer of Pet Portal, has made a name for itself with its garage door openers. The company's myQ smart garage door opener is currently a top pick among the best smart garage door openers. Pet Portal partnered with Kolbe Windows & Doors, Inc.

The door is offered in a variety of finishes and styles and is intended to replace the rear door of a home, preferably the door leading to a closed yard. According to the company, the price of these doors may seem high, but dog owners spend as much, if not more, to walk their dogs. So, instead of paying for a dog walker for when you eventually return to the office, you can use the myQ pet portal. Of course, your dog will lose the opportunity to interact with other dogs and stretch his legs by walking in the park, but that's your responsibility.

The myQ Pet Portal is available for pre-order today (1/11) and will begin shipping in the spring.