The Sims 4 offers a vast playground for storytelling and life simulation, and for many players, no Sim life is truly complete without a furry companion. Thanks to The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs expansion pack, adding pets to your Sims’ families is not only possible but also deeply enriching. Whether you’re dreaming of a playful kitten or a loyal dog, The Sims 4 provides multiple avenues to welcome these adorable creatures into your Sims’ homes. This guide will walk you through all the ways you can get pets in The Sims 4, ensuring your Sims can experience the unconditional love and joy that pets bring.
Method 1: Create-A-Pet in CAS (Create-a-Sim)
For Simmers who desire complete control over their new pet’s breed, appearance, and personality from the very beginning, the Create-a-Sim (CAS) menu offers a direct route. When starting a new game or adding a new member to your existing household, look for the “Add a Sim” icon, typically located in the bottom left corner of your screen. Instead of choosing a human Sim, select the “Add a Pet” option.
This will transition you to the Create-a-Pet interface where you can choose between crafting a cat or a dog. Selecting either option initially presents you with a randomized pet, offering a starting point for your customization journey. From here, the possibilities are extensive. You can meticulously adjust your pet’s breed, coat colors, body shape, and even fine-tune their facial features. Beyond physical attributes, you can define your pet’s name, age (kitten, cat, puppy, or dog), gender, pronouns, voice, and relationships with other Sims in the household. Furthermore, you can select personality traits that will influence your pet’s behavior and interactions within the game.
For those seeking even greater customization, the “Mixed Breed” option opens up a world of unique combinations. This feature allows you to specify the breeds that contributed to your pet’s lineage, significantly impacting their appearance and even their temperament. Experimenting with different breed mixes can lead to truly one-of-a-kind pets. And don’t worry if you change your mind; even after creating your mixed breed, you retain the flexibility to alter their traits and appearance before fully integrating them into your Sim family. If you are adding a pet to an existing household in your game, access “Manage Households” from the game menu, select your household, and then choose to edit them in CAS to add a pet this way.
Method 2: Adopt a Pet Through Adoption Agency
If you prefer a more immersive and story-driven approach to getting pets in The Sims 4, adopting through the in-game adoption agency is an excellent choice. This method simulates the real-life experience of adopting a pet in need of a loving home. To initiate the adoption process, have your Sim interact with a computer. Navigate to the “Household” menu and select “Adopt.” Alternatively, you can use your Sim’s phone, go to the “Home” option, and choose “Call Adoption Agency.”
Regardless of the method you choose, you will be prompted to select whether you wish to adopt a cat or a dog. Following your selection, you will be presented with a roster of available pets ready for adoption. Browse through their profiles, considering their age and breed to find a pet that suits your Sim’s lifestyle and preferences. Once you’ve made your choice, an Adoption Agent will arrive at your Sim’s residence, bringing your newly adopted pet with them. Adopting a pet this way involves a small fee of 200 Simoleons, a minimal cost for the immense joy and companionship a pet brings.
Method 3: Befriend and Adopt Stray Pets
Adopting a stray dog in The Sims 4
For Simmers with a compassionate heart and a love for spontaneity, The Sims 4 offers the heartwarming option of adopting stray animals. As you explore the various neighborhoods in The Sims 4, you’ll encounter stray cats and dogs roaming freely. These animals are not currently owned by any Sim and are potential candidates for adoption. To befriend a stray, have your Sim interact with them. Consistent positive interactions, such as petting, playing, and offering treats (if available), will gradually build a friendship between your Sim and the stray.
Continue interacting with the stray until your relationship reaches a certain point – indicated by relationship meter filling up. Once your Sim and the stray have become friends, a new interaction option will appear: “Adopt.” By selecting this, you officially welcome the stray into your Sim’s household. This method adds an element of chance and reward, as you’re giving a home to a deserving animal you’ve encountered in the game world.
Owning a pet in The Sims 4 is a rewarding experience that adds depth and vibrancy to your Sims’ lives. Whether you choose to create, adopt, or befriend your pet, remember that they require care, attention, and training to thrive. Embrace the journey of pet ownership in The Sims 4, and watch as your Sims’ lives are enriched by their animal companions.
