Bringing a pet into your Sim’s life in The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs expansion pack adds a whole new layer of fun and companionship. Imagine your Sim coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cuddle buddy! If you’re wondering, “Can I Adopt A Pet In Sims 4?”, the answer is a resounding yes! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about welcoming a furry, scaled, or feathered friend into your Sim family, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the pitter-patter of paws (or claws) in your virtual home.
Preparing Your Sim’s Home for a Pet
Before you excitedly bring home a new companion, it’s essential to pet-proof your Sim’s house and make it a welcoming environment. Think of it as setting up a cozy den for your future friend! Just like in real life, pets in The Sims 4 have needs, and meeting these needs will keep them happy and healthy. Head into Build Mode and search for “Pet Care” to find all the essentials.
Here’s a checklist of items to consider based on the type of pet you’re planning to adopt:
| Category | Dogs/Puppies | Cats/Kittens |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Bed, Dog House | Bed, Cat Tree |
| Feeding | Food Bowl | Food Bowl, Water Bowl |
| Play & Enrichment | Toys (balls, chew toys, etc.), Training Equipment | Toys (laser pointer, feather wand, etc.), Scratching Post |
| Hygiene & Access | Pet Door (if needed for outdoor access) | Litter Box, Pet Door (if needed for outdoor access) |
Setting up these items beforehand will make the transition smoother for both your Sim and their new pet. It also ensures you can focus on bonding and fun right from the start!
Adopting Through the Adoption Agency: A Formal Introduction
The most straightforward way to adopt a pet in The Sims 4 is through the Adoption Agency. This method offers a variety of pets looking for loving homes. You can access the Adoption Agency in two simple ways:
- Using a Computer: Click on a computer, select “Household,” then “Adopt,” and finally choose “Adopt Cat/Dog.”
- Using a Phone: Click on your Sim’s phone, select “Home,” then “Call Adoption Agency,” and choose “Adopt Cat/Dog.”
This will open the “Adoption Agency” menu, showcasing a selection of available cats and dogs. You can adopt up to three pets at once, perfect if your Sim dreams of a bustling household full of animals!
Navigating the Adoption Menu:
- Pet Profiles: Hover over each pet’s portrait to see important details like their name, age (puppy, adult, elder), breed, gender, and whether they are spayed or neutered. This information helps you choose a pet that fits your Sim’s lifestyle and preferences.
- Refreshing the Selection: If you don’t find a pet that captures your heart initially, don’t worry! Simply close the adoption menu, save your game, and then restart The Sims 4. When you reload and access the adoption menu again, you’ll be presented with a brand new set of adorable animals waiting to be adopted. This “refresh” trick is handy for finding the perfect match.
The Adoption Evaluation:
Once you’ve selected your desired pets and clicked the checkmark, an Adoption Agency representative will arrive at your Sim’s home with your chosen animal(s). This is your Sim’s chance to interact with the pet and see if it’s a good fit. Take this time to have your Sim introduce themselves, play a little, and generally get acquainted with their potential new family member.
Making it Official:
When your Sim is ready to officially adopt, click on the pet and select the “Adopt” option. A confirmation menu will appear, asking if you’re sure about the adoption. Click “Okay,” and you’ll then be prompted to give your new pet a name. After naming your furry friend, a small adoption fee of 200 Simoleons per pet will be automatically deducted, and the pet will become a permanent member of your Sim’s household!
Adopting Stray Pets: Chance Encounters and Friendship
For a more spontaneous and heartwarming adoption experience, The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs allows you to adopt stray animals that you might encounter in the world, particularly if your Sim lives in the Brindleton Bay neighborhood, which is designed with pets in mind.
Building a Bond with Strays:
When your Sim encounters a stray cat or dog, the first step is to approach them with a “Friendliest Introduction.” This starts the relationship-building process.
Continue interacting with the stray using friendly interactions like petting, talking to them, and offering treats (if your Sim has any). Keep building your relationship until you unlock the “Offer Friendship” interaction.
Once your Sim and the stray are officially friends, the “Adopt” interaction will become available. Select this option, and the stray will happily join your Sim’s household! Interestingly, adopting a stray doesn’t cost you Simoleons; in fact, you’ll often receive a small amount of Simoleons as a reward for giving a stray a loving home.
Finding Stray Dogs: If you’re specifically looking for stray dogs to befriend and adopt, try visiting the island where the Deadgrass Discoveries museum is located in Brindleton Bay. Stray dogs tend to frequent this area. Simply spend some time there, and you’re likely to encounter some potential furry adoptees.
Adopting Ghost Pets: Spooky Companions from Beyond
For a truly unique pet adoption experience, The Sims 4 offers the option to adopt ghost pets! These spectral companions can be found on Deadgrass Island, often near the pet cemetery, adding a touch of the supernatural to your pet-loving gameplay.
There are two ways to bring a ghost pet into your Sim’s home:
Inviting a Ghost Pet to Your Household: Befriending the Spectral
Ghost pets typically appear around the pet cemetery on Deadgrass Island after midnight. To adopt one, you must first befriend it, just like you would a stray.
Have your Sim interact with the ghost pet using friendly actions like playing, giving treats, or playing fetch (if you have a ball). As you increase your friendship level to “Good Friends,” the “Invite to Household” option will appear in the interaction menu. Click it, and the ghost pet will become a member of your Sim’s family, spectral form and all!
Resurrecting a Ghost Pet: Bringing Them Back to Life
If you love the idea of a ghost pet but prefer a living companion, you can actually resurrect a ghost pet in The Sims 4! This requires a special item: the Ambrosia Pet Treat.
First, visit the pet hospital in Brindleton Bay. Inside, you’ll find a vending machine where you can purchase an Ambrosia Pet Treat for 2,500 Simoleons.
Once you have the treat, find the ghost pet you wish to adopt and resurrect. Interact with the ghost pet and select the “Give Ambrosia Treat” option. This will magically bring the ghost pet back to life and immediately add them to your Sim’s household as a living, breathing pet!
Conclusion: Welcoming Your New Sim Pet
Adopting a pet in The Sims 4 is a rewarding experience that adds depth and joy to your gameplay. Whether you choose the formal route of the Adoption Agency, the serendipitous path of befriending a stray, or the unique option of adopting a ghost pet, you’re opening up a world of fun interactions and heartwarming moments for your Sims. So go ahead, answer the question “Can I adopt a pet in Sims 4?” with enthusiastic action, and bring home a new best friend today!
