What is Dog Mode?
Dog Mode is a climate control setting available in Tesla vehicles that allows owners to keep their pets comfortable and safe while briefly left unattended in the vehicle. According to Tesla’s website, Dog Mode maintains the temperature inside the car at a comfortable level so pets don’t overheat or get too cold.
When Dog Mode is activated, the touchscreen displays the current cabin temperature and a message indicating that the car’s climate control system is keeping the interior at a comfortable temperature for pets. The message is designed to let passersby know the pet is safe and not forgotten inside the car.
Tesla first introduced Dog Mode in February 2019 as a unique feature available in its electric vehicles. According to a MakeUseOf article, the feature was created in response to widespread public concern over the danger of leaving pets unattended in vehicles.
Why Was Dog Mode Created?
Dog Mode was created by Tesla to allow owners to leave pets in the car safely when needed. As an electric vehicle company, Tesla understood that owners would sometimes need to leave their pets while running quick errands. With an electric vehicle, owners don’t have to worry about leaving the car idling to maintain air conditioning or heat. However, passersby might not realize the climate control is still on, and could break a window to “rescue” a pet.
To solve this problem, Tesla’s engineers developed Dog Mode. Dog Mode allows the owner to set a comfortable temperature in the car that will be maintained even after they leave. The car displays a message on the central touchscreen letting people know the pet inside is safe and the climate control is on. This prevents well-meaning bystanders from accidentally harming the pet in an attempt to help. Dog Mode provides owners peace of mind that their pet can stay in a temperature controlled environment while they take care of necessities like grocery shopping or doctor appointments. https://www.notateslaapp.com/tesla-reference/603/tesla-dog-mode-everything-you-want-to-know
How Does Tesla’s Dog Mode Work?
Tesla’s Dog Mode allows owners to set a temperature inside the vehicle that will be maintained even when they step away from the car. According to this source, owners can set their desired temperature through the Tesla mobile app or on the vehicle’s center touchscreen. Once a temperature is set, the climate control system keeps the interior at that temperature even when the owner leaves with the key.
To reassure passersby, the center touchscreen displays a message stating that Dog Mode is active and the air conditioning is on. An image of a dog is also shown on the screen. This provides a visible indicator that the dog inside the vehicle is safe and comfortable, not trapped in a hot car. As explained in this overview, the messages displayed in Dog Mode can even be customized by the owner.
Through the mobile app, Tesla owners can monitor the cabin temperature and make sure their pets stay comfortable. The app also sends mobile notifications if it detects the cabin getting too hot or cold. This allows Tesla’s Dog Mode to keep pets safe while giving owners peace of mind.
What Other EVs Have Dog Mode?
While Tesla’s Dog Mode gets a lot of attention, other electric vehicle manufacturers have also introduced similar features to help keep pets safe and comfortable inside parked vehicles.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 both have a Pet Mode that operates much like Tesla’s Dog Mode. It keeps the climate control system running to regulate cabin temperature while displaying a message on the dashboard screen that pets are inside and the cabin is being cooled.
Nissan also added a Dog Mode-like feature to the 2022 Leaf called Intelligent Climate Control. It allows owners to use the app to preset the climate control and monitor the cabin temperature before returning to the vehicle. An indicator light lets passersby know the climate control is active.
Upcoming EVs like the Rivian R1T pickup and RS1 SUV will have a Pet Comfort Setting that serves the same purpose. It keeps the climate system on and indicates that pets are safely inside. Rivian’s display screen even includes a cute dog icon.
Other EVs like the Volkswagen ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and BMW iX don’t have an official dog mode yet but do allow owners to remotely operate the climate control system from their app. So while not specifically marketed for pets, these EVs can still ensure cabin comfort.
Key Differences Between Brands’ Dog Modes
There are some key differences between the dog modes offered by different electric vehicle brands:
Temperature Settings
Tesla’s Dog Mode allows owners to preset a temperature between 40-102°F. The Ford Mustang Mach E and Volkswagen ID.4 let you set the temperature between 65-85°F in Dog Mode. The Rivian R1T and Nissan Leaf’s dog mode don’t have adjustable temperature presets.
Alerts and Displays
Tesla’s Dog Mode shows a message on the center display screen saying “My owner will be back soon” along with the set cabin temperature. The Ford Mustang Mach E displays a similar message. The VW ID.4 shows a dog icon on the dashboard when Dog Mode is active. The Nissan Leaf and Rivian R1T lack customizable displays for their dog modes.
Activation
Tesla Dog Mode is activated through the touchscreen or mobile app. The Mach E’s dog mode turns on when you lock the car. VW ID.4’s dog mode can be activated via the keyfob. The Leaf and Rivian’s dog mode simply run the AC when the car is on.
Overall, Tesla’s Dog Mode offers the most customizable temperature settings, alerts, and information displays. Other brands provide more basic versions focused just on ventilation.
Upcoming EVs With Dog Mode
While Tesla was the first automaker to introduce dog mode, other electric vehicle manufacturers are starting to offer similar pet comfort features in their upcoming models.
One of the most notable is Rivian. According to this Reddit discussion, Rivian vehicles come equipped with a “Pet Comfort” mode that works similarly to Tesla’s dog mode. It keeps the climate control running to maintain a comfortable temperature for pets inside the cabin and displays a message on the touchscreen letting passersby know that the pets are safe.
Rivian’s pet comfort mode can also be activated remotely through the Rivian app, allowing owners to turn it on before they leave their pets in the vehicle. It’s clear that Rivian prioritized implementing a dog mode-like feature to appease pet owners buying their vehicles.
Other automakers like Volvo and Volkswagen have announced plans for electric SUV models that may include pet comfort modes when they launch over the next few years. As more EV options become available, dog mode and other pet-friendly tech will likely become a standard offering that customers expect to see.
Why Don’t Gas Cars Have Dog Mode?
Dog Mode is a feature that relies on the electrical system and climate control technology found in electric vehicles like Teslas. Since gas cars do not have the same electrical architectures, Dog Mode has not become a mainstream feature in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
The electrical systems and large battery packs in EVs allow features like Dog Mode to function, by powering the climate control system even when the vehicle is turned off. Gas cars lack the electrical capacity and battery size to run the A/C or heat for extended periods without the engine running. Additionally, EV battery packs are designed for deep discharge cycles which traditional 12V lead-acid batteries in gas cars cannot handle safely.
While aftermarket modifications allow some gas car owners to run climate control features with the engine off, these systems are not integrated or optimized like Dog Mode in purpose-built EVs. As more hybrids and higher-voltage electrical systems migrate to gas vehicles, Dog Mode-like functionality may become more prevalent. For now, it remains an innovative feature exclusive to most electric cars. (Source)
Aftermarket Accessories
For those who own non-EVs but still want the convenience and peace of mind that dog mode offers, there are some third party devices available to add this functionality. These aftermarket accessories allow you to keep your pet comfortable and monitor the temperature in your car even without an onboard EV system.
One example is the AUDEW Dog Car Seat Cover. This product includes a built-in ventilation system that connects to your car’s 12V outlet. It circulates air through tiny holes in the cover to keep your dog cool on hot days. The cover also has zippered sides so your dog can look out the window.
Another option is the Paww Wave Pet Monitor. This is a camera device that mounts in your car and connects to an app on your phone. It allows you to check in, monitor the temperature, and even talk to your pet while away. Some users even leave the radio or other devices on to entertain their dogs while in this makeshift dog mode.
While aftermarket add-ons don’t provide the exact same experience as an integrated OEM dog mode, they can help non-EV owners capture some of the key benefits. With the right accessories, you can go about your day knowing your furry friend is comfortable and safe.
Tips for Using Dog Mode Safely
While dog mode can be a convenient feature for pet owners, it’s important to use it responsibly. Here are some tips for safely using dog mode:
Don’t leave dogs unattended for too long. As a general rule, don’t leave dogs alone in the car for more than 30 minutes. Check on them regularly to ensure they are comfortable and not in distress.
Follow all local laws regarding leaving pets unattended in vehicles. Some states prohibit leaving animals alone in cars. Be aware of regulations in your area.
Monitor the car’s interior temperature. Make sure the climate control system is working properly to maintain a comfortable environment.
Leave water for your pet. Dehydration can be dangerous, so provide access to fresh water.
Never use dog mode when outside temperatures are extreme. Dog mode doesn’t completely replace proper supervision.
Keep an eye out for passersby. Be prepared to explain that the dog is safe if someone approaches your unattended vehicle.
Have visual indicators. Use sun shades and signs in the windows stating the pet is OK and the temperature is being regulated.
Verify your pet is safe alone in the car. Don’t rely on dog mode for anxious, elderly, or special needs animals.
Avoid using dog mode for extended periods. It’s meant for quick errands, not prolonged confinement.
Check the car battery level. Dog mode drains the battery, so ensure there is sufficient charge.
The Future of Dog Mode
With increased concern over leaving pets in hot vehicles and more EVs coming to market, dog mode has potential for more mainstream adoption. Ford’s recent patent application for pet mode shows interest in bringing similar technology to its vehicles in the future 1. Additionally, more luxury brands like Volvo and BMW are introducing EVs over the next few years, which may also include this functionality. As EVs become more common, dog mode could shift from a novel feature to an expected standard, especially among families with pets. With more data on how dog mode impacts interior temperatures, automakers can continue refining the technology for optimal pet safety and comfort. Many see dog mode as a smart solution that just makes sense for caring pet owners and the companies seeking to meet their needs.