A parent’s worst nightmare is accidentally leaving a child in the car on a hot day. Hot cars are also a concern for pet owners, who want to make sure their animals are protected if they have to run a quick errand during a sweltering summer afternoon.
Back in 2016, Tesla launched the Cabin Overheat Protection feature addressing child and pet safety needs. Elecktrek noted the carmaker’s description of the software: “In an industry-first safety measure, we’re also introducing Cabin Overheat Protect, focused on child (and pet) safety. This feature keeps the car at a safe temperature for hours, even when the car is off. This feature is only made possible by an electric vehicle with Tesla’s uniquely large battery packs.”
An owner of a Model 3 recently recommended the automaker develop a “dog mode” to make sure dogs are safe and cool inside the car, and CEO Elon Musk listened.
Twitter user Josh Atchley suggested, “Can you put a dog mode on the Tesla Model 3. Where the music plays and the ac is on, with a display on a screen saying ‘I’m fine my owner will be right back’?”
Musk replied, “Yes.”
Tesla owners can keep the air conditioning on when they leave a car, but some passersby may still get worried if they see a pet locked inside. Atchley came up with the idea to put a message on the center screen to placate those who notice a dog curled up in the front seat.
Another Twitter user recommended making the inside temperature visible to those outside the vehicle. Musk responded, “Exactly.”
The move will make both owners and pet lovers feel much more comfortable when man’s best friend is confined to a vehicle even if the temperature is high.
It’s unclear when this feature will be made available to customers. But Musk has been open to ideas from Tesla owners who have suggested improvements, including a “fade mode” for the version 9 software update. This will enable drivers to black out their screens and only display essential items, such as speed.
