Ford patents new Pet Mode
The Blue Oval brand to soon offer a “pet-friendly automotive environment” in its carsA patent filed by Ford has revealed the US car-maker is planning to bring a Pet Mode feature to its future vehicles. Just as the name implies, the technology would allow owners to leave pets locked in their car for short periods of time, with the air-con running and the windows ajar, for example.
If it sounds a lot like Tesla’s Dog Mode, which emerged in 2019 as a way for owners to “safely” lock their pets in the car while popping into the shops, for example, that’s because it is.
But Ford’s new tech actually sounds smarter than Tesla’s Dog Mode.
According to the patent, setting options will include both heating and cooling, the ability to lower the windows slightly, activate audio presets and even fold the rear seats. When activated, the window switches and door handles are disabled, so that even the jumpiest or smartest doggos can’t escape.
There’s mention of an in-car hydration system too, which would provide cool, fresh water for pets.
The key fob will also feature an extra button with a dog paw printed on it, so the owner can activate Pet Mode from outside the car.
It’s not yet clear whether Pet Mode will be available on every Ford model, or even perhaps just its electric vehicles. It’s also unclear how far away it is, with the original patent actually filed back in 2018 before it was published in February 2022. So maybe Ford didn’t copy Tesla after all…
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