Radio System Acquires Pet Porte Technology

Radio System Corp., the maker of the PetSafe brand, has acquired the rights to the Pet Porte Smart Flap from U.K.-based Pet Porte Ltd.

The Pet Porte operates by responding to microchips in pet cats or small dogs, thus keeping unwanted animals from gaining entry to the house. The door also has a night mode setting, which allows owners to prevent their pet from leaving the house after a designated time, while still allowing the pet to enter the house if it is already outside.

"The technology of the Pet Porte microchip door is the best on the market," said Willie Wallace, vice president of sales and new product development for Radio System Corp. "By adding it to our product line, we can bring the product to the larger audience it deserves."

For at least the next nine months, the company plans to keep production at Pet Porte Ltd.'s facility in Guernsey, one of the United Kingdom's Channel Islands, according to Radio System spokeswoman Robin Hawn. She said the company expects to be able to sell the product in North America in the second half of next year.

The Pet Porte is currently available in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Brad van der Veen, director of international sales for Radio System Corp., said the company sees "wonderful potential" in the international market.

"Because of existing regulations on transporting pets across borders, approximately 70 percent of European pets have microchips," van der Veen said. "Connecting the existing chip to the technology to operate the door provides a great convenience and safety factor for pet owners."