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How to use Pet Mode on your Tesla

Published Oct 22, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026 · 4 min read · By VoltCoach

Keep your pet comfortable on a short stop, and what to check first.

Pet Mode (often searched for as Dog Mode) keeps the cabin at a temperature you choose while a pet waits in the car, and puts a message on the screen so passers-by know. Here is how to set it up and what to check first.

Turn it on

1. Put the car in Park, and make sure it is not in Low Power Mode.
2. On the climate controls screen, touch Pet Mode and set the temperature you want.
3. Leave the car. Pet Mode stays on while you are away.

You can also turn it on from the Tesla app by swiping up from the gray bar on the Climate screen. If you turn the climate off in the app, Pet Mode stops. Pet Mode cannot be turned on if the cabin is too hot or the climate system has a problem.

What the screen shows

The display tells passers-by that your driver will be back soon, that the pet is fine, and that the heater or air conditioning is running. It also shows the current cabin temperature.

Before you walk away

• Check your charge. The battery needs to be above 20% to start it, and the app notifies you when it reaches 20%. Start with plenty of charge.
• Keep it short. Climate control runs on the battery. One outlet estimates about 4 miles of range per hour, but that changes with the weather and the model. Treat it as a rough guide.
• Check the app. You can watch the cabin from the Tesla app, which needs cell coverage on your phone and the car. Look at the temperature and charge level while you are away.
• Windows stay up. They cannot be lowered while Pet Mode is on. You can set your pet's name and picture under Controls, Display, Customize Pet Mode.
• Come back when you said you would. Pet Mode is for short stops, not long periods.

Good to know

• It turns off when you start driving. If you return briefly and leave again, it stays on.
• Sentry Mode can't be on at the same time as Pet Mode.
• Never leave a child alone in the car, and check local laws about leaving pets. You are responsible for your pet's safety.
• Cabin Overheat Protection is a different feature and is not designed to protect people or pets.

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