Ford has filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This patent is for new technology that fosters a pet-friendly automotive environment. It should be similar in some ways to Tesla's Dog Mode. Ford has given no details on when this feature will be available, and which vehicles will have it.

Related: Toyota Files Patent For Manual EV

Ford Adds A New Function To The Key Fob

Fob
United States Patent and Trademark Office

Details from the patent application reveal that Ford's pet-friendly system utilizes a standard key fob. Besides performing remote functions such as locking and unlocking the doors, this key fob will include a button featuring a paw. Pressing this button will activate Pet Mode.

A computer inside the vehicle receives a notification upon activation of Pet Mode. This vehicle computer works in tandem with other vehicle systems that control various features of the vehicle. The vehicle computer will instruct some of the systems to create a comfortable environment for a pet within the vehicle. For example, the vehicle computer may cause some windows to open. Or it may order the sunroof or trunk lift gate to open. It may also summon the seats to tilt or fold down.

Tesla, Subaru and most recently Kia have promoted pet-friendly features in their cars. This patent shows that Ford has a desire to do the same.