The Sims 4 offers a rich life simulation experience where players can craft and control every aspect of their Sims’ lives. For those looking to add even more love and companionship to their Sims’ households, the Cats & Dogs expansion pack introduces the delightful world of pets. Adding a furry friend can truly enrich your Sims’ stories, and fortunately, The Sims 4 provides several straightforward methods to welcome a cat or dog into your virtual family. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the world of Sims, understanding how to get a pet in Sims 4 is essential for expanding your gameplay and household dynamics.
This guide will walk you through all the available methods to bring a pet into your Sims 4 game, ensuring you don’t miss out on the fun and heartwarming moments that pets bring. Let’s explore the different ways you can add a cat or dog to your Sims family.
Method 1: Crafting Your Perfect Companion in Create-a-Sim
For players who have a specific vision of their ideal pet, the Create-a-Sim (CAS) menu offers a robust and customizable pet creation tool. This method is perfect for those who want to fine-tune every detail of their new furry family member, from breed and appearance to personality traits.
To begin, enter the Create-a-Sim menu. If you are starting a new game, this will be your initial step. If you’re adding a pet to an existing household, you can access CAS by clicking on a mirror or dresser and selecting “Change Sim” or by managing your household through the “Manage Worlds” option and then “Edit Household in CAS”.
Once in CAS, look for the “Add a Sim” icon at the bottom left corner of the screen. Clicking this will reveal several options, including the crucial “Add a Pet” option. Select “Add a Pet” to start designing your new cat or dog.
You’ll be prompted to choose between creating a cat, a dog, or a mixed breed. Choosing “Cat” or “Dog” will present you with a randomized base animal, which you can then fully customize. This includes adjusting physical attributes like breed, fur color, size, and markings. Beyond appearance, you can also personalize your pet’s name, age (from puppy/kitten to elder), gender, pronouns, voice, and even pre-set relationships with Sims in the household. You can also select personality traits that will influence your pet’s behavior and interactions within the game.
For those seeking even greater control, the “Mixed Breed” option unlocks extensive customization possibilities. This feature allows you to blend different breeds, influencing both the physical appearance and behavioral tendencies of your pet. Experimenting with mixed breeds can lead to truly unique and personalized pets. Even after creating a mixed breed, you retain the ability to fine-tune traits and physical characteristics, ensuring your pet is exactly as you envision.
Method 2: Adopting a Pet Through the Adoption Agency
If you prefer a more immersive and natural way to bring a pet into your Sims’ lives, adoption is an excellent choice. The Adoption Agency in The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs provides a way to choose from a selection of pre-existing pets looking for loving homes.
To adopt a pet, your Sim needs to interact with either a computer or a phone. On a computer, select the “Household” option and then choose “Adopt”. Alternatively, using a phone, navigate to the “Home” menu and select “Call Adoption Agency”.
After initiating the adoption process, you will be prompted to choose whether you want to adopt a cat or a dog. Following your selection, you will be presented with a rotating list of available pets. Each pet’s profile will give you a glimpse of their breed, age, and sometimes personality traits, helping you make an informed decision about which pet would be the best fit for your Sim family.
Once you’ve found a pet that captures your heart, simply select them. An Adoption Agent will then arrive at your Sim’s home, bringing your newly adopted pet with them. Adopting a pet through the agency incurs a small fee of 200 Simoleons, a minimal cost for the immense joy and companionship a pet brings.
Method 3: Befriending and Adopting Stray Pets
For players who enjoy spontaneous and heartwarming gameplay, The Sims 4 allows you to befriend and adopt stray animals that you encounter in your Sim’s neighborhood. This method adds an element of surprise and realism, as you can build relationships with stray cats and dogs and eventually welcome them into your home.
As your Sims explore their surroundings, they will likely encounter stray animals roaming around. To adopt a stray, your Sim needs to interact with the animal and build a positive relationship. Click on the stray and choose friendly interactions, such as “Pet,” “Talk to Pet,” and “Give Treat” (if your Sim has pet treats). Continue these interactions over time until your Sim and the stray become friends.
Once a certain friendship level is reached, a new interaction option will appear: “Adopt.” Selecting this option will officially bring the stray pet into your household. Adopting a stray is free of charge, making it a budget-friendly way to expand your Sim family. This method is particularly rewarding as it adds a layer of narrative to pet adoption, making it feel like a true rescue.
Conclusion: Welcoming a Pet to Your Sims 4 Family
Adding a pet to your Sims 4 household is a fantastic way to enhance gameplay and bring new dimensions to your Sims’ lives. Whether you choose to meticulously craft a pet in Create-a-Sim, adopt through an agency, or befriend a stray, The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs provides diverse and engaging ways to get a pet in Sims 4.
Remember that owning a pet in The Sims 4 comes with responsibilities. Once you bring a pet home, ensure you care for their needs, train them, and cherish the unique bond they bring to your Sims’ world. Enjoy the unconditional love and playful antics that your new furry companions will add to your Sims 4 experience!
