How To Buy A Pet In Sims 4: Complete Step By Step Guide

Can you buy a pet in The Sims 4? Yes, you can! Getting a furry friend in The Sims 4 adds a whole new layer of fun and responsibility to your game. This guide will walk you through all the ways to bring a pet into your Sim’s life, from creating the perfect companion to adopting a loving animal.

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Acquiring a Pet: Your Options

There are several ways to bring a pet into your Sims 4 household, each offering a unique experience. The primary methods are:

• Create-A-Pet (CAP): Design your dream pet from scratch.
• Adoption: Welcome a pre-existing pet into your home through adoption services.
• Befriending Strays: Take in a stray animal you’ve bonded with.
• Vet Clinic Adoption: (Requires Cats & Dogs Expansion) Adopt a pet directly from a vet clinic.

Create-A-Pet: Designing Your Dream Companion

The Create-A-Pet feature is the heart of the Cats & Dogs expansion pack. It allows you to design a dog or cat that perfectly matches your Sim’s personality and lifestyle.

Launching Create-A-Pet

1. Start a New Game or Load an Existing Save: Begin by either creating a new Sims family or loading an existing one.
2. Enter Create-A-Sim (CAS): Click on a mirror or dresser and select “Plan Outfit” or simply start a new game.
3. Add a Pet: In the bottom left corner of the CAS screen, you’ll see a button with a paw print. Click it to add a cat or dog to your family.

Customizing Your Pet

The Create-A-Pet interface is incredibly detailed, letting you adjust almost every aspect of your pet’s appearance and personality.

• Species and Breed: Choose between a cat or dog, then select a breed. There’s a wide variety to choose from, or you can create a mixed breed.
  • Dogs: From playful Poodles to loyal German Shepherds, the options are extensive.
  • Cats: Explore breeds like the sleek Siamese or the fluffy Persian.
• Appearance: Customize your pet’s fur color, patterns, eye color, and body shape.
  • Fur Color and Patterns: Use the color wheel to choose the perfect shade. You can also add spots, stripes, or other unique markings.
  • Body Shape: Adjust the size and build of your pet to create a realistic or stylized look.
• Clothing and Accessories: Dress your pet in adorable outfits and accessories. You can add collars, hats, and even full costumes.
• Personality: Select traits that will influence your pet’s behavior.
  • Dog Traits: Active, Loyal, Playful, Independent, and more.
  • Cat Traits: Affectionate, Curious, Mischievous, Lazy, and more.

Advanced Customization

For Simmers who want even more control, Create-A-Pet offers advanced customization options.

• Painting Mode: Use the painting tool to create unique markings and patterns on your pet’s fur. You can even import images to use as stencils.
• Breed Mixing: Combine different breeds to create a truly unique pet. Adjust the percentage of each breed to fine-tune your pet’s appearance.
• Voice: Change the pitch and tone of your pet’s barks or meows.

Sims 4 Pets Adoption: Welcoming a Pre-Made Pet

If you prefer to adopt a pet with a pre-set personality and appearance, adoption is a great option. The Sims 4 offers two primary adoption methods.

Using the Phone or Computer

1. Access the Adoption Service: Have your Sim use their phone or computer.
2. Navigate to “Hire a Service”: On the phone, it’s under the social tab. On the computer, it’s under the household tab.
3. Select “Adopt a Pet”: This will connect your Sim with the adoption agency.
4. Browse Available Pets: A selection of available dogs and cats will appear, each with a brief description of their personality and needs.
5. Choose a Pet: Select the pet that best fits your Sim’s lifestyle and preferences.
6. Complete the Adoption: Pay the adoption fee and welcome your new pet home.

Key Considerations for Adoption

• Pet Age: You can adopt puppies, kittens, adults, and senior pets. Consider the energy levels and care requirements of each age group.
• Personality: Read the pet’s description carefully to ensure their personality aligns with your Sim’s household.
• Household Size: Make sure you have enough room in your household for another member. There is a limit to how many Sims and pets can live together.

Sims 4 Animal Shelter: Does it Exist?

It’s important to clarify that The Sims 4 does not have a dedicated “animal shelter” location you can visit in the base game or with the Cats & Dogs expansion. The adoption process is primarily handled through the phone or computer, connecting you with an adoption service.

Sims 4 Vet Clinic Adoption: A Hands-On Approach

If you own the Cats & Dogs expansion pack, you can utilize Vet Clinics for adoption. This adds a more immersive and interactive element to the adoption process.

Utilizing Vet Clinics for Adoption

1. Find a Vet Clinic: Locate a vet clinic in your game world. You can either visit a pre-existing clinic or build your own.
2. Check for Adoption Options: At the Vet Clinic, there will sometimes be an option to adopt a pet directly from the clinic.
3. Interact with the Vet: Speak with the veterinarian on duty to inquire about available pets.
4. Complete the Adoption: If there are pets available for adoption, you can choose one and finalize the adoption process.

Benefits of Vet Clinic Adoption

• See Pets in Person: Unlike phone adoption, you can see the pets in person and interact with them before making a decision.
• Support Local Clinics: Adopting from a vet clinic helps support their business and the care of animals in need.

Sims 4 Stray Animals: Befriending and Taking Them In

Another way to add a pet to your Sims family is by befriending a stray animal and inviting them to live with you. This can be a rewarding and heartwarming experience.

Finding and Befriending Strays

1. Explore Your Neighborhood: Stray animals can be found wandering around your Sim’s neighborhood.
2. Interact with Strays: Approach a stray and begin interacting with them. Use friendly interactions such as “Pet,” “Talk to,” and “Give Treat.”
3. Build a Relationship: Consistently interact with the stray to build a relationship. The higher the relationship, the more likely they are to accept your invitation.

Inviting a Stray to Join Your Household

1. High Relationship Required: You need a significantly high relationship with the stray before you can invite them to join your household.
2. “Ask to Join Household”: Once the relationship is high enough, an “Ask to Join Household” interaction will appear.
3. Welcome Your New Pet: If the stray accepts, they will become a member of your Sim’s family.

Considerations for Befriending Strays

• Time and Patience: Befriending a stray takes time and patience. Be prepared to invest time in building a relationship.
• Household Space: Ensure you have enough space in your household for another member.
• Pet Needs: Be prepared to provide food, shelter, and care for your new pet.

Sims 4 How to Get a Dog: Specific Tips

Getting a dog in The Sims 4 requires the same methods as getting any pet, but here are some specific tips for those looking for a canine companion:

• Breed Research: Before creating or adopting, research dog breeds to find one that matches your Sim’s lifestyle.
• Active Traits: Choose active traits for your dog if your Sims enjoy outdoor activities.
• Training: Invest time in training your dog to learn commands and behaviors.

Sims 4 How to Get a Cat: Specific Tips

If you’re more of a cat person, here are some specific tips for bringing a feline friend into your Sim’s life:

• Independent Traits: Cats with independent traits may require less attention, fitting well with busy Sims.
• Litter Box Maintenance: Remember to regularly clean the litter box to keep your cat happy and healthy.
• Cat Toys: Provide plenty of toys to keep your cat entertained and prevent boredom.

Sims 4 Pets DLC: Which Packs Add Pets?

The main pack that adds pets to The Sims 4 is the Cats & Dogs expansion pack. Without this pack, you cannot create or adopt pets in the game. However, other packs can enhance your pet-owning experience:

• My First Pet Stuff: This pack adds new clothing, furniture, and accessories for your pets, but requires the Cats & Dogs expansion.
• Other Expansion Packs: While they don’t directly add pets, packs like Seasons can affect how your pets interact with the environment (e.g., wearing sweaters in the winter).

Maximizing Your Pet Ownership Experience

Owning a pet in The Sims 4 is more than just adding a cute face to your household. It’s about building relationships, fulfilling their needs, and creating a loving environment.

Meeting Your Pet’s Needs

• Food: Provide a constant supply of pet food. Use bowls that are easily accessible.
• Attention: Play with your pets, pet them, and give them attention to keep them happy.
• Hygiene: Bathe your pets regularly to keep them clean.
• Health: Take your pets to the vet when they are sick or injured.

Training Your Pets

Training your pets is crucial for managing their behavior and strengthening your bond.

• Basic Commands: Teach your pets basic commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come Here.”
• Trick Training: Teach your pets fun tricks to impress your friends and family.
• Discipline: Correct unwanted behaviors using the “Scold” interaction.

Building Relationships

Building a strong relationship with your pet is essential for a happy and fulfilling pet-owning experience.

• Spend Time Together: Dedicate time each day to interact with your pet.
• Give Affection: Pet, cuddle, and play with your pet to show them you care.
• Respond to Their Needs: Pay attention to your pet’s cues and respond to their needs promptly.

Grasping Pet Care Challenges

Pet ownership in the Sims 4 isn’t always smooth sailing. There are some challenges that you might encounter, but with the right approach, they can be easily overcome.

• Illness: Just like Sims, pets can get sick. Take them to the vet for treatment.
• Behavioral Issues: Pets may exhibit unwanted behaviors such as chewing furniture or scratching carpets. Training and discipline can help correct these issues.
• Aging: Pets age and eventually pass away. Be prepared to deal with the emotional impact of losing a pet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I have more than one pet? Yes, you can have multiple pets in your household, up to the household limit.
• Can pets die in The Sims 4? Yes, pets can die of old age, illness, or accidents.
• Do pets have jobs in The Sims 4? No, pets do not have traditional jobs, but they can earn rewards through competitions and performances.
• Can my Sim have babies with their pet? No, Sims cannot have babies with their pets.
• What happens if I don’t take care of my pet? Neglecting your pet can lead to unhappiness, illness, and behavioral issues.
• Can I control my pet directly? No, you cannot directly control your pet. You can only influence their behavior through interactions.
• Can pets use Sim toilets and showers? No, pets have their own designated areas for hygiene, like litter boxes for cats and outdoor space for dogs.
• Can pets get married or have relationships with other pets? Pets can develop relationships with other pets, but they cannot get married in the traditional Sim sense.
• How do I stop my pet from running away? Ensure your pet’s needs are met, and they have a high relationship with your Sim to prevent them from running away.

Bringing a pet into your Sims 4 household is a rewarding experience that adds depth and realism to your game. By following this comprehensive guide, you can create the perfect pet and provide them with a loving and fulfilling life. Whether you choose to design your dream pet, adopt a loving animal, or befriend a stray, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy your journey into Sims 4 pet ownership!