Tesla Dog Mode (Pet Mode): How It Works and How to Travel With a Dog

This guide follows the Operating Climate Controls section of Tesla's Model Y owner's manual (the Model 3 manual has the same section) and Tesla's Summer Driving Tips. Menus can change with software updates, so check the manual on your touchscreen.

What is Tesla Dog Mode (Pet Mode)?

It is one of three ways to keep the climate on when you leave the car in Park. Tesla says Pet Mode maintains a comfortable cabin temperature for a pet, and the touchscreen shows the cabin temperature so that people outside know the pet is safe. The climate keeps running until you shift out of Park or turn it off.

How to turn on Pet Mode

1. Make sure the car is not in Low Power Mode.
2. Shift into Park. Keep Climate On, Pet Mode and Camp Mode only work in Park.
3. Set the climate the way you want it.
4. Touch Pet Mode on the climate controls screen. In the app, swipe up from the gray bar on the Climate screen.

You can personalize the screen under Controls > Display > Customize Pet Mode, with your pet's name and a different image.

What happens while Pet Mode is on

• The windows stay up. Tesla says they can't be rolled down while Pet Mode is on, to prevent an accidental press of a window switch.
• Sentry Mode goes quiet. If Sentry Mode is also on, it defaults to Disable Sentry Sounds, to protect your pet.
• The app keeps you informed. It notifies you if the climate turns off for any reason, including the battery dropping below 20%, and if the cabin temperature changes significantly from the one you set.
• You can look in. With a recent version of the app, Pet Mode includes cabin monitoring. Tesla says View Live Camera is limited to about an hour of use a day in total (15 minutes in some regions).

When not to use it

Tesla says to avoid Keep Climate On, Pet Mode and Camp Mode when the battery is low, or when the climate system needs service or isn't working as expected. Pet Mode can't be turned on if the cabin is too hot or the climate system has a detected issue: cool the cabin to a comfortable temperature first. And Tesla's warnings are clear:

• You are responsible for the safety of your pet. Never leave a pet in the car for long periods, and keep checking the temperature and your pet.
• Check local laws on leaving pets unattended in a vehicle.
• Pet Mode is not intended for people. Never leave a child unattended in the car.
• Use it only for short periods, and stay close enough to come back if needed.

Pet Mode, Keep Climate On, Camp Mode and Cabin Overheat Protection

Where should a dog ride in a Tesla?

Tesla's manual doesn't give advice on carrying dogs, but its airbag warnings tell you where not to put one. In the Model 3 and Model Y manuals, Tesla says not to use seat covers, because they could restrict the side airbags built into the front seats, not to place objects on or near the side of the front seats, and not to modify the front passenger seat, which holds the system that decides whether the passenger airbag fires. So keep the front seats free, and give your dog the rear seat or the cargo area.

Tesla's warning about seat covers is written as a general rule, and the reason it gives is the front side airbags. If you use a cover or hammock on the rear seat, make sure nothing hangs against the sides of the front seats.

Pet hair and cleaning

For seats, Tesla recommends regular vacuuming and, for spills, a microfiber cloth with warm water and mild soap. It says to avoid alcohol, bleach, citrus, naphtha and silicone products. A rubber pet hair tool lifts hair from the seats and carpets without any of those. For the details, see our guide to what Tesla says about seats.

What we list

All of these are from third-party sellers, not made by Tesla.

• Model Y trunk pet mat, an Oxford cargo liner that the seller lists for the 2020–2025 Model Y, including the Juniper. It stays in the cargo area, away from the seats.
• Dog hammock for the back seat and a waterproof rear seat cover with optional dog seat belts. For the rear seat only.
• Dog car seat for small and medium dogs, for the rear seat.
• Dog car tether that attaches to a headrest, with an elastic buffer.
• Mesh barrier between the front seats. Check that it doesn't hang against the sides of the front seats.
• Pet hair remover for seats and carpets.

Browse the full Tesla Pet Accessories collection.

Frequently asked questions

Does Tesla still have Dog Mode?

Yes, under the name Pet Mode in Tesla's current owner's manuals. You turn it on from the climate screen or the app.

How do I turn on Dog Mode in a Tesla?

Shift into Park, make sure the car is not in Low Power Mode, and touch Pet Mode on the climate screen. In the app, swipe up from the gray bar on the Climate screen.

What battery level do I need for Pet Mode?

Tesla says to avoid it when the battery is low. The app notifies you if the climate turns off, including when the battery drops below 20%.

How long can I leave my dog in Pet Mode?

Tesla says only for short periods, while you stay close enough to come back, and never for long periods. Check local laws too.

Can people outside see that my dog is OK?

Yes. The touchscreen shows the cabin temperature so people walking by know the pet is safe.

Can I open the windows in Pet Mode?

No. Tesla says the windows can't be rolled down while Pet Mode is on.

Does Sentry Mode work with Pet Mode?

Yes. If both are on, Sentry Mode defaults to Disable Sentry Sounds to protect your pet.

Can my dog ride in the front seat of a Tesla?

Tesla's manuals ask you not to use seat covers or place objects near the side of the front seats, and not to modify the front passenger seat. The rear seat or the cargo area keeps all of that clear.

Next steps

Try Pet Mode once while you sit nearby, so you know how the screen and the app alerts look before you need them. Then see the pet accessories collection.