Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a “Pet Mode,” Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on October 25th, 2018, published on February 15th, 2022, and assigned serial number 11247693B2.
The Ford Authority Take
A few years ago, Tesla launched what it calls “Dog Mode,” a useful feature for pet owners that automatically keeps the climate control set to a comfortable temperature even when the owner is away from the vehicle. This alleviates concerns revolving around hot car interiors that can be fatal for animals, as well as making it convenient and safe to leave our best friends in our vehicles if we have to make a quick trip in the store or another place. Now, it seems that Ford is considering launching a similar – yet more robust – feature in its own electric vehicles.
According to the Ford patent, when Pet Mode is engaged via an app or key fob, the vehicle is able to lower one or more of the windows, open the sunroof, or tilt the seats down if needed to provide a comfortable environment for the pet inside. The idea goes far beyond simply manipulating the temperature inside the vehicle, going to great lengths to make the pet comfortable and even give it access to different sections of the interior, more room, or a flat surface to lay on.
If all of that isn’t enough, this Pet Mode can also reportedly adjust the climate control and even the music that’s playing inside the vehicle, arm or disarm the alarm, lock or unlock the doors, and even adjust the position of the door handles so the pet can’t get out if it’s smart enough to figure out how to do so.
It’s a truly robust feature and one that has proven to be incredibly popular on Tesla vehicles in a far more limited capacity, so it makes perfect sense that Ford would consider offering something similar – if not better – in its future electric vehicles.
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Comments
It’s one button on the keyfob?
That “rivals” Tesla?
The F-150 Hybrid already has a pet mode:
1. leave engine running, set AC to comfortable temp, leave a bowl of water on the floor in the back
2. turn off 30 minute limit to idling, turn off interior motion sensors
3. lock vehicle
The big question is how does the vehicle alert Police or concerned passessers-by that the interior is safe and the pet is not in danger on a hot day. Laws in many states allow rescue efforts. It might be good if vehicles operating in this mode display some visual indicator on the dash to avoid getting a broken window in a mistaken rescue attempt.
the large screen will probably indicate that the owner will be back soon and the interior temperature is at a certain cool or heat degrees
I think these “pet mode” items are a little funny. Regardless of what system is in your car in my state, it is illegal to leave your pet in the car unattended. It’s legal if someone feels your pet is in danger to break a window and rescue the animal.
Here is a list of states that have laws aginst leaving a pet in a car
The states that have laws protecting animals within cars include:
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin