Dogs in cars: Germany's ADAC evaluates Tesla Model Y's Dog Mode

Whilst shopping pets stay at a comfortable temperature despite the heat, but not always

Photo by: ADAC e. V.

By: Stefan Leichsenring

Aug 20, 2024 at 3:34am ET

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The Dog Mode in Tesla models is well known, but other cars also have an animal mode, in which the passenger compartment is kept at the right temperature while the owner is at the supermarket.

Europe's largest automobile association, ADAC, has tested whether this Dog Mode can be relied upon in its new climate test bench.

The climate chamber test: are dogs safe?

Electric cars from Tesla, Smart and Nio also have a dog mode, designed to ensure the comfort of our four-legged friends. Using the Model Y as an example, the ADAC tested how this climate control function works. It is easier to realise in electric cars, as the air conditioning is powered by electricity from the drive battery, whereas in combustion engines the engine would have to remain running.

Nio EL8: Chinese large SUV also has an analogue of Tesla's 'Dog Mode'

Once the electric car is switched off, the mode must be activated manually. The set temperature is then maintained. In addition, passers-by are informed via a display on the touchscreen that the abandoned dog is sitting in an air-conditioned car. Tesla also locks the windows so that the dog cannot open them with paw pressure.

For the test, the ADAC test drivers first drove eight kilometres to simulate the journey to the supermarket. They then parked the Tesla in the climate chamber, which was heated to 35 degrees Celsius. Sensors in the back seat, in the footwell area and in a dog crate installed in the boot recorded the temperature. With or without sun simulation thanks to special lamps, the air conditioning system set at 20 degrees Celsius managed to maintain a constant interior temperature in dog mode.

ADAC test of the Tesla Model Y's dog mode: leaving the window open is not enough

Without activating the dog mode, on the other hand, the vehicle interior warmed up to almost 40 degrees Celsius in 30 minutes. The temperature also rose significantly in the test without sun simulation; parking in the shade may slow down the heating, but not prevent it. Even leaving a window ajar did not prevent the temperature from rising.

Warmer in the rear seats and luggage compartment

However, the set temperature is not always reached everywhere in the car. For example, between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius were measured in the back seat bench and in the dog box in the boot - with the air conditioning set at 20 degrees, the dog mode activated and the sunlight simulated.

A key factor here is whether the pet is directly hit by sunlight and how the air vents are set. Anyone leaving their pet in the car should therefore check the temperature in the pet's location in advance and, if necessary, set the air conditioning to a cooler setting.

Also a question of battery

The test also showed that dog mode can only be activated if the battery is still at least 20 per cent charged. However, if it is activated when the charge level is slightly higher, so that it falls below 20 per cent, the air conditioning is not interrupted.

But you will receive regular alerts on your smartphone. Even if the air conditioning is cancelled for other reasons, you will usually be informed via the vehicle app.

Dog mode: Only to be used in exceptional cases

Dog mode should only be used in exceptional cases and for short periods of time, writes the German Automobile Club. If a dog dies in the car due to heat or its consequences, those responsible risk up to three years' imprisonment (five years in the UK under the Animal Welfare Act 2006).

What do you think?

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Anyone discovering a dog left in a car because of heat should intervene as quickly as possible, unless the vehicle is sufficiently air-conditioned. If the animal is still agile and conscious, the owner should be traced. If the owner cannot be traced or if the animal is already visibly overheated, the police or fire brigade should be informed and not intervene personally.

The verdict: it works, but be careful in bright sunshine

Tesla's dog mode works. If it is activated, the interior of the car remains air-conditioned and you can leave your dog in the car while you go shopping. The windows are also deactivated, so that your four-legged friend cannot open the window and jump out. However, the set temperature is not necessarily maintained at the dog's location, especially if the sun is shining there. Similar modes for pets are available from Smart and Nio.