Ever worried about leaving your beloved furry friend in the car on a hot day, even for a quick errand? With Tesla's Dog Mode, those worries can largely be a thing of the past! This incredibly thoughtful feature keeps your pet safe and comfortable by maintaining a set temperature inside your Tesla, all while displaying a reassuring message for curious passersby. Let's dive into how to activate and make the most of this fantastic feature.
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla's Touchscreen
The journey to activating Dog Mode begins right there on your Tesla's impressive touchscreen display. This is your command center!
Navigating to Climate Controls
First things first, get in your Tesla and make sure it's in Park. Dog Mode (and Camp Mode or Keep Climate On) can only be enabled when your vehicle is stationary.
Locate the Fan Icon: At the bottom of your Tesla's touchscreen, you'll see a small fan icon. This is your gateway to the climate control settings.
Tap to Open: Give that fan icon a firm tap. This will open up the comprehensive climate control menu.
Discovering Dog Mode
Once the climate control screen is open, you'll see various options for managing your car's temperature.
Look for the Dog Icon: On the climate controls screen, typically on the right-hand side, you'll find an option that says "Dog" or "Dog Mode," often accompanied by a cute little paw print or dog icon.
Select Dog Mode: Tap on the "Dog" option. You'll see a notification indicating that Dog Mode is now active.
Step 2: Setting the Perfect Temperature for Your Pooch ️
Now that Dog Mode is enabled, it's time to ensure your furry friend is as comfortable as possible.
Adjusting the Cabin Temperature
Dog Mode automatically activates the climate control system (AC or heater) to maintain a set temperature. You have the power to customize this!
Use the Temperature Slider: On the climate control screen, you'll see a temperature slider or arrows. Adjust this to your preferred temperature for your dog. A comfortable range for most dogs is generally between 19°C (66°F) and 22°C (72°F), but you know your pet best!
Consider the Outside Environment: If it's a scorching summer day, a lower temperature might be needed. If it's chilly, you'll want it warmer. Tesla's system is smart and will adjust to maintain your chosen setting.
Visual Confirmation
Once Dog Mode is active, and you've set the temperature, the large touchscreen will display a reassuring message for anyone looking into your car. This message typically states: "My driver will be back soon. Don't worry! The [heater/AC] is on and it's [current temperature]." This is a crucial safety feature to prevent well-meaning individuals from attempting to "rescue" your pet.
Step 3: Utilizing the Tesla Mobile App for Remote Control
Tesla understands that convenience is key, and managing Dog Mode remotely is a fantastic feature.
Activating via the App
Open the Tesla App: On your smartphone, launch the Tesla mobile application.
Access Climate Section: From the main screen of the app, locate and tap on the "Climate" section.
Swipe Up for Options: Within the climate screen, you might need to swipe up from the gray bar to reveal all the climate options.
Select Dog Mode: You'll find the "Dog Mode" option here. Simply tap it to activate. You can also adjust the temperature from the app.
Receiving Notifications
Peace of mind is priceless, and Tesla helps provide it. Dog Mode is designed to send you notifications on your mobile app if the interior temperature deviates significantly or if your vehicle's battery charge drops below 20%. This alerts you to return to your car and check on your pet.
Important Considerations and Best Practices
While Dog Mode is a brilliant feature, it's essential to use it responsibly.
Battery Consumption
Keep in mind that Dog Mode consumes power, typically around 4 miles of range per hour of operation. In extreme weather, this might be more. Always consider your battery level before activating Dog Mode for extended periods. The feature also requires at least 20% battery charge to enable.
Sentry Mode and Interior Camera
As of recent updates, you can now use Dog Mode and Sentry Mode concurrently. This means you can keep your pet comfortable while also having your car monitored for security. Additionally, for Tesla models equipped with an interior camera, you can even remotely check on your pet via live camera feed through the Tesla app, providing an extra layer of reassurance!
Legality and Public Perception
While generally safe and legal, it's worth being aware of local regulations regarding leaving pets in vehicles, especially in extreme temperatures. Despite the clear message on the screen, some concerned citizens or law enforcement might still react. Consider placing a visible sign (e.g., "Dog Mode Activated - Pet is Safe and Comfortable") in your window to further ease any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tesla Dog Mode
How to turn on Dog Mode from the car's touchscreen?
To turn on Dog Mode from your Tesla's touchscreen, park your vehicle, tap the fan icon at the bottom of the screen to open climate controls, and then select the "Dog" or "Dog Mode" option.
How to turn on Dog Mode using the Tesla app?
Open the Tesla mobile app, go to the "Climate" section, and swipe up to find and select "Dog Mode."
How to adjust the temperature in Dog Mode?
Once Dog Mode is activated, use the temperature slider or arrows on your Tesla's touchscreen or within the Tesla app to set your desired cabin temperature for your pet.
How to know if Dog Mode is active?
When Dog Mode is active, your Tesla's large touchscreen will display a message for passersby stating that your driver will be back soon, the climate control is on, and the current interior temperature.
How to turn off Dog Mode?
Dog Mode automatically deactivates when you re-enter your Tesla and begin driving. You can also manually turn it off via the touchscreen or the mobile app.
How long does Tesla Dog Mode last?
Dog Mode will remain active until you re-enter and start the vehicle, or until the battery charge drops significantly (it will notify you at 20% and can be overridden via the app to stay on longer).
How does Dog Mode keep my pet safe?
Dog Mode maintains a comfortable temperature inside the cabin using the vehicle's heating and cooling system, preventing overheating or excessive cold. It also displays a message on the screen to inform others that the pet is safe.
How much battery does Dog Mode use?
Dog Mode typically consumes around 4 miles of range per hour, though this can vary based on external temperatures and the set cabin temperature.
How to use Sentry Mode with Dog Mode?
As of recent updates, you can enable both Dog Mode and Sentry Mode simultaneously. This allows you to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature for your pet while also having your vehicle monitored for security.
How to check on my pet while Dog Mode is active?
For Tesla models equipped with an interior camera, you can use the Tesla mobile app to view a live camera feed of your pet inside the cabin while Dog Mode is active.
You can also learn more by watching this video:
