Tesla Dog Mode is a climate control feature that maintains a comfortable cabin temperature for your pet when you need to leave them unattended in the car. It also displays a message on the touchscreen to inform passersby that your pet is safe and the climate control is active.
What Does Tesla Dog Mode Do?
When activated, Dog Mode:
- Keeps the interior temperature at your set level, using the HVAC system to heat or cool as needed.
- Displays a message on the center screen, such as:
“My driver will be back soon. Don’t worry! The A/C is on and it’s [current temperature]°F.”
- Locks the doors and disables window controls to prevent accidental operation.
- Allows monitoring of the interior via the Tesla app’s cabin camera (available on supported models).
This feature is designed to provide peace of mind to both pet owners and concerned bystanders.
How to Activate Dog Mode
You can enable Dog Mode through several methods:
- In the Vehicle:
- Tap the fan icon on the bottom menu to access climate controls.
- Select “Dog” mode from the options at the top right.
- Set your desired cabin temperature.
- Via the Tesla App:
- Open the app and go to “Climate.”
- Scroll down and tap “Dog Mode.”
- Adjust the temperature as needed.
- Using Voice Command:
- Press the voice command button and say, “Turn on Dog Mode.”
Dog Mode activates once you exit the vehicle and remains on until you return and start driving.
Battery Considerations
- Minimum Charge Requirement: Dog Mode requires the battery to be above 20% to activate.
- Low Battery Alerts: If the battery drops to 20% while Dog Mode is active, you’ll receive a notification via the Tesla app.
- Energy Consumption: The feature consumes approximately 1–3% of battery per hour, depending on external temperatures and vehicle model.
Which Tesla Models Support Dog Mode?
Dog Mode is available on all modern Tesla models, including:
- Model S
- Model 3
- Model X
- Model Y
The original Tesla Roadster does not support this feature.
Important Considerations
- Legal Compliance: While Dog Mode enhances pet safety, always ensure compliance with local laws regarding leaving pets unattended in vehicles.
- Visibility: Consider placing additional signs on windows to inform passersby, as the touchscreen message may not be easily visible through tinted windows.
- Duration: Use Dog Mode for short periods and avoid leaving your pet alone for extended times.