Pets in Stardew Valley bring an extra layer of warmth and charm to your farm life. These loyal companions, whether you prefer a playful dog or a cuddly cat, will follow you around, adding delightful moments to your daily routines. If you’re wondering when you can welcome a furry friend to your farm, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a pet in Stardew Valley.
Unlocking Your Farmhouse Companion: How to Get a Pet
Getting a pet in Stardew Valley is a straightforward process, gated by a couple of simple requirements. You won’t have to wait too long after starting your farming adventure to gain a pet. Here’s a breakdown of how to make a pet part of your Stardew Valley family:
Meeting the Requirements: Gold and Time
Before Marnie can bring a pet to your doorstep, you need to achieve two things: earn 1000 gold and progress a little into your first Spring season. Accumulating 1000 gold in Stardew Valley is usually achievable within the first few days of gameplay by selling foraged items, crops, or fish. Once you’ve reached this financial milestone, the pet adoption event is ready to be triggered.
Marnie’s Visit: The Pet Adoption Event
The pet event is triggered by Marnie visiting your farm. This heartwarming scene occurs on the first sunny Wednesday or Friday morning after you’ve earned 1000 gold, specifically if you exit your farmhouse between 6:00 AM and 9:30 AM. If you happen to miss these early triggers, don’t worry! Marnie will automatically visit by the 20th of Spring, bringing either a cat or a dog to your farm regardless of whether you’ve reached the gold requirement by then. This ensures that every player gets the chance to have a pet relatively early in the game.
Choosing and Naming Your Pet
During Marnie’s visit, you’ll be presented with either a cat or a dog, depending on your initial choice during character creation at the game’s start. This is your chance to officially adopt your new companion. You will also be prompted to give your pet a name. Choose wisely, as this name is permanent and cannot be changed later.
While adopting a pet in Stardew Valley is optional, their presence truly enhances the farming experience, offering companionship and delightful interactions around your farm.
Caring for Your Furry Friend: Building Friendship
Once your pet is part of your farm, showing them love and attention will strengthen your bond. Stardew Valley pets have a Friendship level that maxes out at 1000 points. Building this friendship is simple and rewarding:
Petting for Affection
The primary way to show affection and increase friendship is by petting your pet daily. Clicking on your cat or dog each day will increase friendship points by 12. Consistent petting is key to quickly maximizing your friendship level.
Watering the Bowl
Next to your farmhouse, you’ll find your pet’s water bowl in the top left area. Watering this bowl daily will also contribute to your friendship, increasing it by 6 points each time. On rainy days, your pet’s bowl will automatically be full, saving you the task but also missing the chance to gain friendship points.
By consistently petting and watering your pet, you’ll soon reach maximum friendship. When you reach 1000 Friendship points, a sweet message “<pet’s name> loves you ♡” will appear, signifying the strong bond you’ve built with your loyal companion.
Having a pet in Stardew Valley is more than just an aesthetic addition; it’s about creating a warmer, more lived-in feel to your farm. They are always happy to see you, ready for a pet, and add a touch of joy to your virtual farming life.
