Feature Focus: BarkPass Expands Physical Access Options

At BarkPass, our mission has always been to simplify and modernize how communities manage pets, people, and access. We have taken a major step forward in that mission by expanding beyond software alone, bridging the gap between digital workflows and real-world, physical access.

From Check-In to Entry

BarkPass already powers seamless in-person check-ins, giving organizations a better way to manage visitors as they arrive. This capability is especially valuable in staffed environments, such as private dog parks or facilities where personnel oversee entry, verify compliance, and support guests on arrival.

In addition to check-in, BarkPass already manages gate code distribution, helping organizations:

• Assign and distribute access codes to approved users

• Ensure codes are tied to membership or eligibility rules

• Reduce reliance on manual sharing or informal communication

• Maintain a central system of record for who has access

But even with structured code distribution and staffed check-in workflows, access control often still depends on static systems that don’t adapt in real time.

That’s where the next evolution begins.

Introducing Smart Gate Access Automation

With BarkPass’ evolving gate management capabilities, organizations can continue to centrally manage access while taking a major step forward in automation.

Now, access can be:

• Dynamically granted or revoked based on real-time status

• Automatically aligned with memberships, registrations, or compliance

• Eliminated when no longer valid, without manual intervention

• No longer dependent on static, shared credentials

What was once structured distribution becomes automated lifecycle management for access.

Bridging Software and Hardware

This is where things get really powerful. Through our integration with Seam, BarkPass can now connect with a wide range of smart locks and access control systems. You can explore supported devices here: https://www.seam.co/supported-devices-and-systems

This capability extends BarkPass beyond code management into direct control of physical access systems.

That means:

• A completed check-in can trigger real-world access

• A valid membership can unlock gates or doors automatically

• A revoked status can immediately remove entry privileges

• A unified platform can govern both access policy and enforcement

Instead of simply distributing gate codes, BarkPass can now orchestrate access end-to-end across software and hardware systems.

Enabling the Next Level of Automation

The key shift here is from distribution to automation.

Previously:

• BarkPass managed who gets a code

Now:

• BarkPass manages whether access exists at all, and enforces it automatically across systems

This unlocks a more secure and scalable model where access is:

• Continuously validated

• Centrally governed

• Automatically enforced across connected devices

Real-World Use Cases

This expanded capability unlocks new possibilities across a variety of environments:

Dog Parks & Private Amenities:

• Centralized gate code management

• Automated access tied to compliance status

• Unstaffed or hybrid park operations

Apartments & HOAs:

• Manage pet-related access to designated areas

• Sync access with resident and membership status

Events & Temporary Access:

• Time-bound access tied to registration or check-in

• Automatic deactivation after event completion

The Bigger Picture

This is more than just a feature update, it’s a shift in how access is managed. By connecting in-person check-in, gate code management, and physical access systems, BarkPass is helping organizations move from:

• Manual → Automated

• Static → Dynamic

• Disconnected → Integrated

We’re excited about what this unlocks, not just for today, but for the future of smarter, safer, and more connected spaces.

If you’re interested in bringing smart access and automated gate control to your organization, we’d love to show you what’s possible.