Internet Obsessed With Pup Enjoying 'Dog Mode' While Waiting in the Car

A major rule pet owners hear again and again is to never leave their fur babies alone in the car no matter what the temperature might be outside. But as car technologies advance, some owners are taking advantage of the "dog mode."

Michele Sorrenti Christensen told Newsweek she was in a neighborhood of Santa Monica, California, when she noticed a small white dog sitting alone in the car. The pup was looking outside the window.

Upon first thought, people might want to jot down the license number or call the police, as leaving a dog in the car can cause health problems or even death. Temperatures in a car can climb fast. A 70-degree Fahrenheit car can reach 100 degrees within 20 minutes, the American Kennel Club says. Winters are not safe either, as cars do not offer much insulation. Dogs can develop hypothermia or frostbite.

But Sorrenti Christensen realized the dog would not need saving because the car's screen read: "My drive will be back soon." It also gave the temperature inside the car. This was the first time she spotted a "dog mode" vehicle in person.

In her January 27 Facebook post to the Dogspotting group, she explained that she was in a residential area and believed the owner must've been visiting someone or making a delivery.

"I only wish the screen showed me what music, if any, the doggo was listening to," the caption read.

The post quickly gathered people's attention, as the feature is still relatively new. Tesla first came out with "dog mode" in 2019. As of Tuesday, the photo had over 8,600 likes, 766 shares and 166 comments.

One Facebook user commented: "I never thought I'd want a Tesla, and now I do. Doggo mode needs to be a thing in all cars."

Another added: "This is about the only thing that would ever make me want to buy a Tesla. It just isn't my thing, but I certainly wish more cars had that option."

While Sorrenti Christensen was not sure about the make of the car, Facebook users assumed it was a Tesla since the company's electric vehicles are known for this feature. Tesla is also the first company to offer "dog mode."

The Tesla website notes that this setting is not intended for people. Dog mode should be on only for short periods and while you are close to the vehicle so you can return quickly when the temperature cannot be maintained.

Other car companies have adopted similar features, including the BMW i3 and the Chevrolet Bolt. Ford, Volvo and Hyundai are also offering pet comfort and temperature control settings similar to Tesla's "dog mode." All will provide owners with a sense of ease in leaving their pets in the car for a limited time.

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