The Sims 4 offers a vast world of simulation where you can control every aspect of your Sims’ lives, from their careers to their relationships. For those looking to expand their Sims’ families and add a touch of realism and fun, the question often arises: can you get pets in Sims 4? The answer is a resounding yes! Thanks to the Cats & Dogs expansion pack, players can enrich their gameplay experience by bringing adorable cats and dogs into their Sims’ homes.
This guide will walk you through the different ways you can introduce these lovable companions into your Sims 4 households. Whether you’re looking to create the perfect pet from scratch, adopt a needy animal, or even befriend and adopt a stray, The Sims 4 provides multiple avenues to become a pet parent.
Creating a Pet in Create-A-Sim
If you have a specific vision for your Sim’s perfect pet, the Create-A-Sim (CAS) mode is the ideal place to start. This method allows for extensive customization, ensuring your new furry friend is exactly as you envision. To begin, simply click the “Add a Sim” icon located in the bottom left corner of your screen within the CAS menu. From the options presented, select “Add a Pet.”
From here, you’ll be given the choice to create either a cat, a dog, or a mixed breed. Selecting “cat” or “dog” will generate a randomized pet of that species, ready for you to personalize.
The customization options are incredibly detailed. You can adjust your pet’s breed, age (kitten, cat, puppy, dog), gender, pronouns, and even their voice to perfectly match their personality. Beyond the basics, you can fine-tune their physical attributes, choosing everything from coat color and patterns to body shape and size. You also get to define their personality by selecting traits that will influence their behavior and interactions within your Sims’ world. Don’t forget to give your new companion a name that suits them!
For those seeking even more control over their pet’s lineage, the “mixed breed” option opens up a world of possibilities.
Choosing to create a mixed breed allows you to select the parent breeds that contribute to your pet’s genetic makeup. This choice significantly impacts their appearance and can even influence their temperament and potential traits. Experiment with different breed combinations to create truly unique and special pets. And if you’re not completely satisfied with your creation, remember you can always tweak their traits and appearance further before finalizing your pet and jumping into gameplay.
If you’re already playing and decide your Sims’ household is missing a pet, you don’t have to start a new game. You can easily add a CAS-created pet to an existing household. Simply navigate to the “Manage World” option in the pause menu, select the lot your Sims reside on, and then click “Manage Household.” This will take you back to a household management screen where you can add a new pet through the CAS interface, just as you would when starting a new game.
Adopting a Pet for Your Sims Family
For a more immersive and story-driven approach to getting pets in Sims 4, adoption provides a natural and heartwarming alternative to creating a pet in CAS. If your Sims are ready to open their hearts and homes to a pre-existing animal, adoption is the way to go. The process is simple and can be initiated through in-game technology.
To adopt a cat or dog, have your Sim interact with a computer. Select the “Household” option from the computer menu, and then choose “Adopt.” Alternatively, you can use your Sim’s phone. Navigate to the “Home” icon and select “Call Adoption Agency.” Both methods will lead you to the same adoption interface.
After choosing whether you wish to adopt a cat or a dog, you’ll be presented with a selection of available pets. Browse through the profiles of each animal, considering their age, breed, and traits to find the perfect match for your Sim family. Once you’ve made your choice, simply confirm your selection. An Adoption Agent will then arrive at your Sim’s home, bringing your newly adopted pet directly to you.
Adopting a pet through the agency does come with a small fee of 200 Simoleons. However, this nominal cost is a worthwhile investment for the immeasurable joy and companionship a pet brings to your Sims’ lives. Adoption is a wonderful way to add a pet to your Sims 4 family while adding a touch of realism to your gameplay.
Befriending and Adopting Stray Animals
Beyond formal adoption, The Sims 4 offers an even more spontaneous and heartwarming way to acquire pets: adopting stray animals. As your Sims explore their neighborhoods, they will often encounter stray cats and dogs wandering around. These animals are unowned and potentially looking for a loving home.
Your Sims can build relationships with these strays, just like they would with other Sims. To adopt a stray, have your Sim interact with the animal. Engage in friendly interactions such as petting, playing, and offering treats (if you have any in your Sim’s inventory). Continue these interactions over time until your Sim and the stray animal reach a friendship level that is high enough.
Once a strong bond has formed, the option to “Adopt” the stray animal will become available in the interaction menu. By choosing this option, the stray will officially become a member of your Sim’s household. Adopting a stray is a free and rewarding way to get pets in Sims 4, adding an element of surprise and compassion to your gameplay.
Owning a pet in The Sims 4 is a significant commitment. Just like in real life, pets require care, attention, and training. Once you bring a cat or dog into your Sims’ lives, ensure you dedicate time to fulfilling their needs, training them to manage their behavior, and showering them with affection. The bond between Sims and their pets can be incredibly strong, adding a new layer of emotional depth and fun to your Sims 4 experience.
So, to definitively answer the initial question: yes, you can get pets in The Sims 4! Whether you choose to meticulously craft a pet in CAS, lovingly adopt through an agency, or compassionately take in a stray, The Sims 4 provides diverse and engaging ways to add these wonderful animals to your Sims’ families and enhance your gameplay.
