"Guide to Acquiring Multiple Pets in Stardew Valley"

One of the joys of managing a farm in *Stardew Valley* is the delightful array of animals that can roam your land, from livestock to lovable pets. Thanks to the 1.6 update released in early 2024, you can now have multiple pets on your farm, enhancing the charm and companionship of your rural life. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to unlock, adopt, and care for multiple pets in *Stardew Valley*.

Jump To:

• How To Unlock Multiple Pets in Stardew Valley
• How To Adopt Multiple Pets in Stardew Valley
• How To Get Supplies for Pets in Stardew Valley

How To Unlock Multiple Pets in Stardew Valley

Screenshot by The Escapist

When starting a new character in Stardew Valley, you're given the option to adopt either a cat or a dog as your initial pet. However, before the 1.6 update, you could only have one pet per save file. Now, with the update, you can unlock the ability to adopt more pets by meeting certain in-game requirements.

To unlock multiple pets, you first need to maximize your friendship level with your current pet. This involves providing your pet with a full bowl of water daily using your Watering Can, except on rainy or snowy days when the bowl fills itself automatically.

Screenshot by The Escapist

Additionally, you must pet your animal once a day, which is indicated by a heart bubble appearing over their head. You can track your pet’s friendship meter through the "Animals" tab in your pause menu.

Once the friendship meter is full, you'll receive a notification from Marnie via mail, informing you about the opportunity to adopt more pets at her shop, located south of your farm. If you haven't adopted your first pet by the end of the first year, you'll receive this notification at the start of Year 2.

How To Adopt Multiple Pets in Stardew Valley

Screenshot by The Escapist

Upon receiving Marnie's notice, head to her shop during her open hours (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). At the counter, you'll find the option to "Adopt Pets." Selecting this will present you with a list of 12 available Pet Licenses, which include various dogs, cats, and turtles.

Each license comes with a cost, so ensure you're prepared financially. Below is the full list of Pet Licenses along with their prices:

Related: 6 Features From Fields of Mistria I Wish Were in Stardew Valley

How To Get Supplies for Pets in Stardew Valley

Screenshot by The Escapist

After choosing your new pets, your next step is to visit Robin's carpentry shop in the northern part of Pelican Town to purchase Pet Bowls for each new pet. These bowls not only provide a water source but also serve as their "home," helping to maintain their friendship meter. Neglecting to fill the bowls can lead to your pets running away, which means losing both a friend and a significant investment.

Pet Bowls are available under the "Construct Farm Buildings" section of Robin’s menu, each costing 5,000g and requiring 25 x Hardwood (harvested with a Copper Axe or better). It's advisable to purchase these bowls before adopting your new pets to avoid losing friendship points.

Screenshot by The Escapist

For additional pet supplies, you can visit Marnie's Ranch to buy decorative items like Doghouses and Cat Trees. Although these items don't affect the friendship meter, they add a touch of personality and comfort to your pets' environment.

That wraps up your guide to getting multiple pets in Stardew Valley. For more tips and news about the game, including insights on all Stardew Valley farm types and how to choose the best one, be sure to visit The Escapist.

Stardew Valley is available now.