Bringing a pet into your Sim’s life in The Sims 4 is a heartwarming experience, adding a new layer of gameplay, responsibility, and unconditional love to your virtual household. Whether you’re dreaming of a loyal dog, a mischievous cat, or a pocket-sized critter, this guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth transition for both your Sim and their new companion.
Adopting Through the Computer or Phone
One of the most common and convenient ways to acquire a pet in The Sims 4 is through the in-game computer or phone. This method allows you to browse available pets from the comfort of your Sim’s home.
Accessing the Adoption Service
To begin, click on either the computer or the phone. On the computer, select the “Household” option. On the phone, look for the “Services” option. Within either of these menus, you will find the option to “Adopt.” Clicking this will bring up a menu, presenting you with the choice between adopting a dog or a cat.
Browsing Available Pets
Once you’ve selected the type of pet you’re interested in, you’ll be presented with a selection of adoptable animals. Each pet will have a profile showcasing their age (puppy/kitten, adult, or elder), breed (or mix), gender, and a brief description of their personality. Take your time to carefully review each pet, paying attention to their traits and how they might fit into your Sim’s lifestyle. Consider your Sim’s active traits and daily routines when choosing a pet. A high-energy Sim might be a great match for a playful dog, while a more introverted Sim could find companionship with a calm and independent cat.
The Adoption Process
After you’ve chosen a pet that seems like a good fit, click the “Adopt” button. A Sim representative will then arrive at your home with the animal. You’ll have a brief interaction where you can officially welcome the pet into your household. This is a great opportunity to get a first impression of your new companion and see how they interact with your Sims.
Addressing Initial Needs
Once the adoption is finalized, your new pet will likely need some immediate attention. They might be hungry, need to relieve themselves, or simply be looking for some affection. Be sure to address these needs promptly to help them settle in and feel comfortable in their new environment. Ensure your Sim has pet food available and a clean litter box or designated potty area before bringing the pet home.
Visiting the Brindleton Bay Animal Shelter
If you own the Cats & Dogs Expansion Pack, a more immersive adoption experience awaits you in Brindleton Bay, a world specifically designed for pet lovers. Here, you can visit the local animal shelter and interact with potential pets in person.
Locating the Animal Shelter
The Brindleton Bay Animal Shelter is a community lot where adoptable dogs and cats are brought for Sims to meet and potentially adopt. You can find it on the map marked with a paw print icon. Travel to the lot with your Sim to begin the adoption process.
Interacting with Potential Pets
Upon arriving at the shelter, you’ll find a variety of animals roaming around, each with their own unique personality and needs. Take the time to interact with them, play with them, and offer them treats. Pay attention to their reactions and how they interact with your Sim. This is a great way to gauge whether there’s a genuine connection. Building a positive relationship with a potential pet at the shelter can make the transition to their new home much smoother.
The Adoption Process at the Shelter
If you find a pet that you feel a strong connection with, you can initiate the adoption process by clicking on the animal and selecting the “Adopt” option. A shelter employee will then guide you through the necessary paperwork, and the pet will officially become a member of your household.
Benefits of Shelter Adoption
Adopting from the Brindleton Bay Animal Shelter offers several advantages. You get to meet the animals in person, assess their personalities, and potentially form a bond before committing to adoption. You are also giving a deserving animal a loving home. Adopting from a shelter is a rewarding experience that can provide a second chance for a deserving animal.
Creating a Pet in Create-A-Pet
For those who want complete control over their pet’s appearance, breed, and personality, The Sims 4 offers the Create-A-Pet feature. This allows you to design your perfect companion from scratch. This feature is only available if you have the Cats & Dogs Expansion Pack.
Accessing Create-A-Pet
When creating a new Sim family or adding a Sim to an existing household, you’ll see an icon in the lower-left corner of the screen that allows you to add a pet. Clicking this icon will launch the Create-A-Pet interface, where you can begin designing your furry friend.
Customizing Your Pet’s Appearance
The Create-A-Pet interface offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to fine-tune every aspect of your pet’s appearance. You can choose from a variety of breeds (or create a mixed breed), adjust their fur color and pattern, modify their body shape and size, and even add unique markings and accessories. Experiment with different breeds and customization options to create a pet that truly reflects your Sim’s personality and style.
Defining Your Pet’s Personality
In addition to appearance, you can also define your pet’s personality by selecting three distinct traits. These traits will influence their behavior, interactions with Sims, and overall impact on your household. Consider traits like playful, independent, loyal, or mischievous to create a pet that complements your Sim’s lifestyle. Choosing the right traits for your pet can significantly enhance their compatibility with your Sims and create a more harmonious household.
Adding Your Pet to the Household
Once you’re satisfied with your pet’s appearance and personality, you can add them to your Sim’s household. They will then become a fully integrated member of the family, interacting with your Sims, exploring their surroundings, and adding a new dimension to your gameplay experience.
Using Cheats to Adopt a Pet
For those looking for a quicker or more unconventional way to acquire a pet, The Sims 4 offers the option of using cheats. This allows you to bypass the standard adoption process and instantly add a pet to your household.
Enabling Cheats
To use cheats in The Sims 4, you must first enable them by pressing Ctrl + Shift + C on your keyboard. This will open the cheat console at the top of the screen. Then type “testingcheats true” (without the quotes) and press Enter. This will activate the game’s cheat functionality.
Using the “Create a Pet” Cheat
Once cheats are enabled, you can use the “Create a Pet” cheat to instantly add a pet to your household. To do this, type “sims.add_buff buff_pregnancy_inlabor” (without the quotes) into the cheat console and press Enter. This will trigger a special event where a stray pet will arrive at your home, and you’ll have the option to add it to your family.
Using the “Adopt a Pet” Cheat
Another useful cheat for pet adoption is the “Adopt a Pet” cheat, which directly opens the adoption menu. To use this cheat, type “sims.adopt” (without the quotes) into the cheat console and press Enter. This will immediately bring up the adoption screen, where you can browse available pets and choose one to bring home.
Important Considerations When Using Cheats
While using cheats can be a convenient way to acquire a pet, it’s important to be aware of the potential consequences. Using cheats can sometimes disrupt the game’s balance and lead to unexpected issues. Use cheats with caution and consider saving your game before using them. Cheats should be used responsibly, as they can impact the intended gameplay experience.
Caring for Your New Pet
Bringing a pet into your Sim’s life is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with responsibilities. Caring for your new companion is essential to ensuring their health, happiness, and overall well-being.
Meeting Basic Needs
Like Sims, pets have basic needs that must be met to keep them happy and healthy. These needs include hunger, bladder, energy, hygiene, and affection. Make sure to provide your pet with regular meals, access to a clean litter box or designated potty area, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and plenty of love and attention. Consistently meeting your pet’s basic needs is crucial for their physical and emotional well-being.
Providing Enrichment and Exercise
In addition to basic needs, pets also require enrichment and exercise to stay mentally stimulated and physically fit. Provide them with toys to play with, opportunities to explore their surroundings, and regular playtime with your Sims. Dogs especially need to go for walks to maintain their happiness. Consider purchasing interactive toys or building an obstacle course in your backyard to keep them entertained.
Training Your Pet
Training is an important aspect of pet ownership, helping to establish clear boundaries and teach your pet valuable skills. You can train your dog to perform tricks, follow commands, and avoid unwanted behaviors. Cats can also be trained to use the litter box properly and avoid scratching furniture. Investing time in training your pet can strengthen your bond and create a more harmonious household.
Addressing Health Concerns
Just like Sims, pets can experience health problems that require veterinary care. Watch out for signs of illness or injury, such as changes in appetite, lethargy, or difficulty moving. If you suspect that your pet is sick or injured, take them to the vet for a checkup. Regular checkups and vaccinations can help prevent serious health problems and ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life.
Building a Pet-Friendly Home
Creating a pet-friendly environment is essential for ensuring your pet’s safety, comfort, and happiness. Consider making modifications to your Sim’s home to accommodate your pet’s needs and prevent potential hazards.
Providing Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements
Pets need a comfortable and safe place to sleep. Provide them with a cozy bed, blanket, or cushion where they can relax and recharge. Place their bed in a quiet and secluded area where they won’t be disturbed. A comfortable and secure sleeping space is essential for your pet’s rest and well-being.
Creating a Safe Environment
Make sure your home is free of potential hazards that could harm your pet. Keep toxic substances, such as cleaning supplies and medications, out of reach. Cover electrical cords to prevent chewing and remove any small objects that could be swallowed. Pet-proofing your home is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring your pet’s safety.
Designing a Playful Space
Designate a specific area in your home for your pet to play and explore. This could be a corner of a room, a section of the backyard, or even an entire room dedicated to pet activities. Fill the space with toys, scratching posts, and other engaging items to keep them entertained.
Choosing Pet-Friendly Furnishings
When decorating your home, consider choosing furnishings that are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches and stains. Avoid delicate fabrics or materials that could be easily damaged by pet claws or teeth. Opt for pet-friendly alternatives, such as microfiber or leather, which are more resistant to wear and tear.
By following these tips, you can create a loving and supportive environment where your Sims and their pets can thrive together, enriching their lives and adding joy to your gameplay experience. Bringing a pet into The Sims 4 is a commitment, but the rewards of companionship and unconditional love are well worth the effort.
What types of pets can I get in The Sims 4?
The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs Expansion Pack allows you to adopt or create both cats and dogs. You can choose from a wide variety of breeds, customize their appearance with different coats and accessories, and even create mixed breeds using the in-game Create-a-Pet tool. Each pet type has its own unique traits and behaviors, adding depth and realism to your Sims’ lives.
While you can’t directly control pets like Sims, they’re still very much a part of the household. They’ll roam around, interact with Sims and objects, and need care and attention. Some smaller pets, such as rodents and turtles, are available through specific packs like My First Pet Stuff, however, these are more like interactive objects than full-fledged members of the family.
How do I adopt a pet in The Sims 4?
There are several ways to bring a furry friend home in The Sims 4. You can use your Sim’s phone or computer to select “Adopt” under the “Household” option. This will bring up a menu displaying available pets up for adoption from the local shelter. You can browse through the animals, read their descriptions, and decide which one is the best fit for your Sim family.
Alternatively, you can visit the Brindleton Bay neighborhood (introduced with the Cats & Dogs expansion) where stray animals often roam. You can build a relationship with these strays by interacting with them, offering them treats, and eventually inviting them to join your household. This can be a more immersive and rewarding experience compared to simply adopting from the menu.
Can I create a pet from scratch in The Sims 4?
Yes, the Create-a-Pet tool in The Sims 4 is remarkably detailed and allows for immense customization. You can start with a specific breed or create a completely unique mixed breed. The tool allows for adjusting everything from the pet’s fur length and color to the shape of their nose and ears. You can even paint custom markings and patterns on their fur.
Beyond appearance, you can also define your pet’s personality traits. Choose traits that reflect the kind of pet you want, influencing their behavior and interactions with your Sims. Experiment with different combinations to create a pet that is truly one-of-a-kind and perfectly complements your Sim family.
What are some tips for caring for a pet in The Sims 4?
Just like real-life pets, Sims 4 pets need love, attention, and care. Ensure they have food and water bowls readily available. Clean up after them regularly to avoid any unpleasant surprises and maintain a tidy home. Provide them with toys and opportunities for play to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.
Building a strong relationship with your pet involves regular interaction. Cuddle, pet, and play with them frequently to fulfill their social needs and strengthen your bond. Train them to obey commands to prevent unwanted behaviors and teach them tricks for fun. Investing time and effort into your pet’s well-being will result in a happy and fulfilling companionship.
Can pets get sick in The Sims 4, and how do I treat them?
Yes, pets in The Sims 4 can indeed get sick. You’ll notice symptoms like coughing, sneezing, whimpering, or a change in their behavior. It’s crucial to pay attention to these signs and seek veterinary care promptly. Ignoring their illness can lead to more serious complications and even death.
The Brindleton Bay neighborhood includes a vet clinic where you can take your sick pets for diagnosis and treatment. Your Sim can also purchase medicine from the vending machine at the clinic to treat minor ailments at home. Regular check-ups are also recommended to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy.
Can my pets have puppies or kittens in The Sims 4?
Yes, your cats and dogs can have litters of puppies or kittens in The Sims 4. If you want your pets to breed, make sure both pets are of the opposite gender, are young adults or older, and have a high relationship with each other. Select the “Encourage to Mate” interaction to initiate the process.
Alternatively, if you don’t want your pets to have babies, you can take them to the vet to be spayed or neutered. This will prevent accidental pregnancies and also offers other health benefits for your pets. Remember that puppies and kittens require extra care and attention, so ensure your Sims are prepared to welcome new furry members into the family.
What happens if a pet dies in The Sims 4?
Losing a pet in The Sims 4 can be emotionally difficult for your Sims. When a pet dies, a tombstone or urn will appear, similar to the death of a Sim. Your Sims will experience sadness and may grieve for a period of time. The duration and intensity of their grief will depend on their relationship with the pet.
You can mourn the loss of your pet by visiting their grave, talking to their ghost (if you have the relevant pack), or commissioning a painting of them. Eventually, your Sims will heal and move on, but the memory of their beloved pet will always remain. You can also keep the pet’s urn or tombstone in your house or garden as a memorial.