Your dog is your best friend; that’s why you want to take it everywhere with you. When the temperature is mild outside, it’s easy to do, but it can be rather dangerous when it’s hot outside, specifically during the summer months.
In just a few minutes, the temperature inside the car can reach horrible temperatures that can put your precious pup in harm’s way. This is an issue that Tesla Dog Mode is supposed to solve.
In this article, we take a deeper look into the intention behind Tesla Dog Mode, and how it works. We also provide answers to some of the your most pressing questions and a step-by-step walkthrough on how to operate it. Finally, we will touch upon another popular feature, Tesla Camp Mode.
What is Tesla Dog Mode?
Tesla Dog Mode allows your car’s electric air conditioning to work even without the engine running. When you turn on Dog Mode, the temperature is set for your dog’s comfort while you run errands.
Dog Mode works much like a thermostat at home. You set a temperature, and the systems does its job while you are away. In a traditional car, you would have to leave the engine running to keep the air conditioning on.
One nice aspect of Dog Mode is that it is not just for summer; you can use it in the winter too so your dog is warm and toasty on even the coldest days!
That said, people may see your dog in your car on a hot day and get angry because they don’t know the air is on. As an electric car, your automobile is not going to be making any noise to let people know your dog is comfortable, and Tesla has thought of that too.
When you engage Dog Mode, the screen inside the car tells you a message. If a concerned citizen looks into the car, they will see the note on the screen explaining the dog is fine. The symbol on the screen is animated, making it easy to see. The note says:
“My owner will be back soon. Don’t worry! The heater [or A/C] is on and it’s XX degrees.”
Some owners even go one step further and leave a note on the car window in case they do not want someone to break in and try to save the dog.
What Tesla Models Have Dog Mode?
Dog Mode is available in all Tesla models: Model Y, Model 3, Model S, and Model X. It might be easier to tell you what Tesla models do not have Dog Mode, which is only the Tesla Roadster.
There is no need to add the Premium Connectivity feature for Dog Mode use—neither notifications nor system control will require either.
Can Tesla Dog Mode Be Used with a Low Battery?
Dog Mode works on battery alone, so once it’s dead, you can’t expect it to keep working. Therefore, dog mode can only be utilized if your battery capacity is 20% or higher.
This gives you enough time to run your errands and have your pet still be comfortable.
So what if your battery eventually gets low while you’re away and you have already set Dog Mode? Tesla will notify you when your battery reaches 20% or less if you set Dog Mode when you had your battery high enough to turn it on.
Once you receive your dog mode notification, you will have to limit your time to get back to your vehicle. Dog mode does not turn itself off until the battery is dead, so don’t take too long politely.
How Long Can Tesla Dog Mode Run?
On average, you can predict that climate control, specifically Dog Mode in your Tesla, will use a minimum of four miles of range per hour. It can go up much more, especially released through the HVAC system in extreme conditions.
There is no discounting the fact that the air conditioner / heater in your Tesla can s significantly affect the battery. The only thing powering our climate control system is the battery, and it is the battery that determines how long Dog Mode can run.
However, you can only determine how much power will be used if you take a look at a couple of things. You would need to factor in the outside temperature and how much air conditioning or heat is needed.
On a moderate day, you will use much less battery power to sustain a comfortable cabin than you would on a severely hot day.
How to Use Tesla Dog Mode?
#1. Activate From Inside the Car.
Previously, you had to be in your Tesla to enable Dog Mode. However, now you no longer have to be. Simply follow the same steps to engage Dog Mode.
On your screen, tap on the fan icon at the bottom of the navigation bar. This will bring up the HVAC screen.
Now glance to the top right corner. You will see different options including Dog Mode, On, and Camp.
Choose the Dog Mode option, and set the appropriate temperature you prefer, and once you exit the car, the Dog Mode setting will go into effect as long as your battery is (at least) 20%.
#2. Activate From the App.
Until March 2022, there was no way to activate or control Dog Mode from the Tesla App. But, version 4.7 changed all of that.
Now, all climate control settings are available from within your app including Dog and Camp Mode. If you are not in your car when you want to start Dog Mode, just open up your app. You can then turn it on within the app and set your desired temperature.
Additionally, once you have your Dog Mode going, you can modify the temperature as needed. For example, if your battery starts getting low, you may want to modify the temperature just a little to save energy.
#3. Turn Off Dog Mode.
Most electronics must be physically turned off to stop, but that is not the case for Tesla’s Dog Mode. It draws its intended functionality to turn itself off.
Because Dog Mode is used for cars that are not running, as soon as you are ready to drive, it will automatically turn off. Simply get in the car and torque it up. Of course, if you choose to do so, you can also manually turn it off, in or out of the car.
Furthermore, because of this setup, if you stop back at the car, Dog Mode will continue to run. For instance, you may stop back at the car to drop in your groceries or head into another store.
Until you turn on the vehicle, Dog Mode will continue running based on the same previous settings. There is no need to set it back up again.
What is Tesla Camp Mode?
Tesla’s Dog Mode is an excellent feature for pet owners, but it’s not the only feature worth talking about. Tesla has introduced Camp Mode, which is another cool feature many other vehicles do not have. Camp Mode is designed entirely for you rather than benefiting animals.
If you are planning to stop for a quick nap or simply relax in your Tesla, Camp Mode has your back just like Dog Mode does. Camp Mode is an automated climate control feature.
You may set the temperature and airflow to your liking and enjoy your break, but Camp Mode is not only about climate control as Dog Mode is. Camp Mode has a neat little feature that allows you to maintain a desired lighting configuration if you want to take a quick nap.
For instance, if you are listening to your favorite song or what have you, you can just put it on ‘pause’ and return to your music later. If you have a dog that would rather eat a chew toy than go out for a walk, you may just want to relax inside your cabin, catch up on your podcast, enjoy your favorite movie, or listen to the stereo system.
With Camp Mode, you can also keep the USB ports and low voltage outlets powered as well. You can charge your phone or use an electronic device without even starting your car. You can find the Camp Mode settings in the same location as the Dog Mode.