GTA Online has finally introduced one of the most requested features: pets! Players can now own cats and dogs as part of the “A Safehouse in the Hills” update, bringing a new level of personalization to your criminal lifestyle. If you’ve been wondering how to get these furry companions in your game, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about GTA Online pets, from which mansions you need to buy to all the available pet types and how much they cost. Let’s dive into the world of virtual pet ownership in Los Santos!
Key Takeaways
- Pets are exclusive to the new mansions in the “A Safehouse in the Hills” update
- You can own both cats and dogs, but only one of each type even if you own multiple mansions
- Cats come in 5 colors: white, calico, ginger, gray, and black
- Dogs come in 7 breeds: Husky, Poodle, Pug, Retriever, Rottweiler, Shepherd, and Westy
- Each pet costs $15,000 regardless of type or breed
- You can name your pets and interact with them by pressing the right D-pad button (E on PC)
What Are GTA Online Pets?
GTA Online pets are virtual companions that you can own and interact with in your mansion. They were introduced as part of the “A Safehouse in the Hills” update, marking the first time players can truly own pets in the game. Before this, the only pet-like interaction was with Chop, who was Franklin’s dog, not something players could call their own.
These pets aren’t just for show either. They add life to your mansion, wandering around the property and responding to your interactions. You can pet them, watch them play, and even customize their appearance. The addition of pets makes your mansion feel more like a home rather than just another property in your collection.
The pet feature is part of Rockstar’s push to make GTA Online more personal and immersive. After years of players requesting the ability to own pets, this update finally delivers on that promise, giving players another way to express their personality in the game.
How to Get Pets in GTA Online?
Getting pets in GTA Online is straightforward once you know the steps. Here’s exactly what you need to do:
- Buy a Mansion First: Pets are exclusive to the new mansions introduced in the “A Safehouse in the Hills” update. You cannot get pets if you only own apartments, stilt houses, or older safehouses.
- Locate the Pet Purchase Area: Once you own a mansion, go to the living room where you’ll find a Catbed on a table for cats. For dogs, look for a doghouse in the backyard area of your mansion.
- Purchase Your Pet: Interact with the Catbed or doghouse to open the purchase menu. From here, you can select the type of pet you want, choose its color or breed, and name it.
- Confirm Your Purchase: Each pet costs $15,000, regardless of type or breed. Confirm your purchase, and your new pet will appear in your mansion.
The process is quick and easy, but remember that you need to have enough money for both a mansion and the pet itself. Mansions are quite expensive, ranging from $11.5 million to $12.8 million, so make sure you’ve saved up enough in-game cash before attempting to get a pet.
What Mansions Do You Need for Pets?
To get pets in GTA Online, you must own one of the three new mansions introduced in the “A Safehouse in the Hills” update. These mansions are the most expensive properties in the game, but they’re also the only ones that support pet ownership. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
The Tongva Estate – $11,500,000
The most affordable of the three mansions, The Tongva Estate is located south of Lago Zancudo and its military base. To find it, head up Tonga Drive and take the left at the end onto Route 68, then take the next left. The mansion is a bit remote, but its mountain location offers privacy and great views.
The Vinewood Residence – $12,200,000
Located north of the Vinewood district, this mansion offers a more central location. To get there, go to Cliffton Avenue and take the north exit in the center of the street, which will lead you up to the Vinewood Bowl area. The mansion is at the very end of this complex.
Richman Villa – $12,800,000
The most expensive option, Richman Villa is located in the Richman district on the west side of town. It’s also the most accessible mansion. From Morningwood, head up Tongva Drive and take the second right after Richman Street. Follow the road down, and you’ll find the Richman Villa at the second major bend.
All three mansions support pet ownership equally, so your choice comes down to location preference and budget. The good news is that mansions don’t take up property slots, so you can potentially own all three if you have the funds.
What Types of Pets Are Available in GTA Online?
GTA Online offers two types of pets: cats and dogs. While the selection might seem limited at first, there’s actually quite a bit of variety within each category. Here’s what’s available:
Cats
Cats in GTA Online come in five different colors:
- White
- Calico
- Ginger
- Gray
- Black
Unlike dogs, cats are locked to one color per breed, meaning you can’t customize their color patterns beyond these five options. Each cat costs $15,000, regardless of color choice.
Dogs
Dogs offer more variety with seven different breeds, most of which come in multiple colors:
- Husky: Available in black, brown, and white
- Poodle: Available in white only
- Pug: Available in black, brown, tan, and cream
- Retriever: Available in gold, black, cream, and brown
- Rottweiler: Available in black, brown, brindle, gray, red, and light brown
- Shepherd: Available in black, brown, and merle
- Westy: Available in black, brown, and white
Each dog breed costs the same $15,000, so your choice is purely based on personal preference. The variety of colors and breeds means you can find a companion that matches your style.
How Much Do GTA Online Pets Cost?
All pets in GTA Online cost the same amount: $15,000 each. This price is consistent regardless of whether you choose a cat or a dog, and it doesn’t change based on the color or breed you select. Rockstar has made pet pricing simple and straightforward.
However, it’s important to remember that the $15,000 is just the cost of the pet itself. To own a pet, you first need to purchase one of the three mansions, which range from $11.5 million to $12.8 million. This means the total investment required to get a pet in GTA Online is actually between $11,515,000 and $12,815,000.
While this might seem expensive, many players find that pets add significant value to their GTA Online experience. They make your mansion feel more alive and personal, and they provide a fun way to express your personality in the game. Plus, compared to other luxury items in GTA Online, $15,000 is relatively affordable once you’ve already invested in a mansion.
Can You Customize Your Pets in GTA Online?
Yes, you can customize your pets in GTA Online, though the options are somewhat limited. Here’s what you can do:
Naming Your Pet
When you first purchase a pet, you’ll be prompted to give it a name. This name is permanent unless you decide to change it later. The naming process is simple – just type in whatever you’d like to call your new companion.
Changing Pet Appearance
If you get tired of your pet’s appearance, you can change its breed or color at any time. Simply return to the Catbed or doghouse where you originally purchased your pet, access the menu, and press Y/Triangle (or TAB on PC) to rename your pet or switch its breed and color.
Limitations
While you can change your pet’s name and appearance, there are some limitations. You can’t change a cat into a dog or vice versa – you would need to purchase a new pet for that. Additionally, you can’t customize your pet’s size, accessories, or behaviors beyond what’s offered in the standard menu.
The customization options might be basic, but they do allow you to keep your pet feeling fresh and aligned with your current preferences. It’s a nice touch that adds to the personal connection players can feel with their virtual companions.
How to Interact With Your Pets in GTA Online?
Interacting with your pets in GTA Online is simple and adds a fun element to your mansion experience. Here’s how it works:
Petting Your Pets
To pet your cat or dog, simply walk up to your pet and press the right D-pad button on your controller. If you’re playing on PC, press the E key. Your character will kneel down and pet the animal, creating a cute animation that shows the bond between you and your virtual companion.
Pet Behaviors
Your pets will wander around your mansion grounds, creating a lived-in feel. They might sit by the window, lie on the floor, or follow you around the property. These behaviors make your mansion feel more dynamic and alive.
Do Pets Have Gameplay Benefits?
Currently, pets in GTA Online are purely cosmetic and don’t provide any gameplay benefits. They won’t help you in missions, defend your property, or provide any bonuses. Their purpose is to enhance the atmosphere of your mansion and give you a fun way to personalize your space.
Can Other Players Interact With Your Pets?
If you invite other players to your mansion, they can see and interact with your pets too. This adds a social element to pet ownership, allowing you to show off your companions to friends and fellow players.
While the interaction options are limited, the ability to pet and watch your pets move around your property adds a surprising amount of life to your GTA Online experience.
Common Questions About GTA Online Pets
Players have many questions about the new pet feature in GTA Online. Here are answers to some of the most common ones:
Can you have multiple pets?
Yes, but with limitations. You can own one cat and one dog simultaneously, giving you a total of two pets. However, even if you own all three mansions, you can’t have additional pets – the limit is one cat and one dog per player, not per property.
Do pets transfer between mansions?
Yes, your pets will appear in whichever mansion you’re currently visiting. You don’t need to purchase separate pets for each mansion you own.
Can you take pets outside mansions?
No, pets are confined to your mansion property. You can’t take them with you on missions, to other properties, or around the open world of Los Santos.
Do pets affect gameplay?
Currently, pets are purely cosmetic and don’t affect gameplay in any way. They don’t provide bonuses, help in combat, or influence missions. They’re simply there to enhance your mansion experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have both a cat and a dog in GTA Online?
Yes, you can own both a cat and a dog in GTA Online. The game allows you to have one of each type of pet, giving you a maximum of two pets total. This means you can enjoy the company of both a feline and canine companion in your mansion. However, you cannot own multiple cats or multiple dogs – the limit is strictly one cat and one dog per player, regardless of how many mansions you own.
Do pets follow you around in GTA Online?
Pets in GTA Online do not actively follow you around like a companion would in some other games. Instead, they have their own AI that makes them wander around your mansion grounds naturally. You might find your cat sitting by a window or your dog lying in the backyard. While they won’t trail behind you as you move through your mansion, they will occasionally move to different areas, creating a dynamic and living environment in your property.
Can you sell or get rid of pets in GTA Online?
Currently, there is no direct way to sell or permanently get rid of pets in GTA Online. Once you purchase a pet, it’s yours to keep. However, you can change your pet’s breed or color by returning to the Catbed or doghouse where you bought it. If you really don’t want a pet anymore, your only option is to simply ignore it, as it will continue to exist in your mansion but won’t affect your gameplay experience.
Do pets serve any purpose in GTA Online besides decoration?
Pets in GTA Online are primarily decorative and don’t serve any functional purpose in gameplay. They won’t help you in missions, defend your property, or provide any bonuses or advantages. Their main purpose is to add life and personality to your mansion, making it feel more like a home. While some players might wish for more interactive features, the current implementation focuses on the aesthetic and atmospheric value of having pets in your virtual space.
Can other players interact with your pets in GTA Online?
Yes, other players can interact with your pets when they visit your mansion. If you invite friends or other players to your property, they will be able to see your pets and can pet them using the same controls you use (right D-pad button or E key on PC). This social aspect adds a fun element to showing off your mansion and pets to others, making your virtual companions a conversation piece during multiplayer sessions.
Conclusion
GTA Online pets bring a new level of personalization and life to your mansion experience. While the feature is relatively simple – limited to cats and dogs with basic interactions – it adds a surprising amount of charm to your virtual property. The ability to name, customize, and interact with your pets creates a more immersive and personal connection to your GTA Online experience.
Remember that getting pets requires a significant investment in one of the new mansions, but for many players, the cost is worth it for the added personality and atmosphere pets bring. Whether you prefer the independence of a cat or the loyalty of a dog, there’s a companion option that will suit your style.
