Rivian Announced Pet Cam Feature for R2 Vehicles
Owners will soon be able to monitor pets remotely via a new interior camera feature, though existing R1 models are excluded.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Rivian has unveiled a new Pet Cam feature designed for the upcoming R2 electric vehicle that allows owners to view interior footage via a smartphone app. This functionality will be delivered through a future over-the-air software update.
Why it matters
The feature provides a way for owners to monitor pets left inside the vehicle while Pet Comfort Mode is active. Privacy protections are built in, as the system automatically disables the camera if a human is detected in the cabin.
The new Pet Cam feature relies on the R2's hidden RGB camera in the central rear-view mirror to capture images. While version 2026.31.40 is the current software release, the Pet Cam remains unavailable in this version and for older R1S and R1T models.
The players
Rivian
An American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its adventure-focused R1T truck and R1S SUV models.
The details
The Pet Cam works when the vehicle is in Pet Comfort Mode, transmitting live video or minute-by-minute snapshots to the Rivian smartphone app. Because the system requires a color RGB camera, the infrared interior sensors found in R1S and R1T vehicles cannot support the feature. To ensure privacy, the camera system is disabled by default and will automatically shut down if the vehicle detects a human inside.
Timeline
2026: Rivian shipped software version 2026.31.40.
Future: Pet Cam feature release via software update.
The Home Front
Automakers are increasingly integrating specialized monitoring features into vehicle cabins to enhance the convenience of climate-controlled pet modes. This development follows a trend of expanding software-defined vehicle capabilities through over-the-air updates long after the initial purchase.
If you are an R1S or R1T owner, keep in mind that these hardware limitations prevent you from receiving this specific update. Future R2 owners should remember that the Pet Cam feature is disabled by default and will need to be configured within the app once the update arrives.
The takeaway
Rivian is enhancing its pet-friendly vehicle features by introducing remote monitoring that prioritizes passenger privacy through human-detection software. Owners should look for future release notes in their smartphone app to determine when these capabilities are enabled for their specific R2.
Further reading
For more on the latest advancements in automotive software, visit our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by InsideEVs.
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