While pet simulation games are not a substitute for researching pet care before getting a future friend; they do offer a glimpse into a variety of pet care styles and occupations.

Pet simulation games allow anyone to experience the ups and downs of pet care. While some games take a more relaxed approach and focus on only play, others highlight just how much work goes into having a pet.

Updated August 3rd, 2022 by Russ Boswell: There have been a lot of amazing pet-based simulators created over the years, with even more cropping up in the modern age thanks to the explosion of Indie games. What used to be a genre specifically ruled by titles like Nintendogs is now abundant with a wide array of animal-based games that see furry and scaly creatures of all shapes and sizes. Players that are looking for a pet simulator have a lot of choices, and it can even be a bit overwhelming trying to decide what to play. To better show some of the best pet simulator games available, the following list has been updated to show even more options.

10 Animal Shelter

Release Date: March 23rd, 2022 Platforms: PC

In Animal Shelter players will look after a variety of animals while managing an animal shelter. Players will have to help find each animal their next future home. Animal Shelter features a photo room, where players can dress up and photograph each animal. The game simulates aspects of the pet adoption process, which means pets may become stressed.

Players will need to monitor each animal’s hunger, play, and other comfort levels. In addition to cleaning and feeding the animals, players will have plenty of chances to play with them. Players will also need to construct each building of their shelter, and create the optimal layout.

9 To The Rescue!

Release Date: November 2nd, 2021 Platforms: PC

In To The Rescue players will be tasked with running a charming animal shelter and finding homes for all the dogs there. Players will have to manage all the individual needs of each dog residing in the shelter.

Each dog is unique featuring its own traits and preferences. Getting to know each dogs preferences and managing their needs will help them find their future homes. Each day in To The Rescue will bring new challenges and rewards. While fundraisers and random donations may help the shelter, dogs can catch infectious diseases and will need to be looked after.

8 Best Friend Forever

Release Date: August 27th, 2020 Platforms: PC and Nintendo Switch

In Best Friend Forever players will divide their time between pet care and finding romance. Best Friend Forever is a pet care and dating sim that features plenty of singles and dogs. Players can train, pet, and play with their dogs, they will also need to care for and pamper them.

In addition, players will also be able to enroll their pets in puppy school to help with training. Players can also get to know the various locals in Rainbow Bay and form friendships and romances. Each character also has their own unique pet to befriend.

7 Little Island

Release Date: November 24th, 2021 Platforms: PC

Players looking for a way to bring adorable pets into virtual worlds will want to check out Little Island. Little Island lets players interact with a variety of adorable animals in VR. The game features dogs, cats, penguins, seals, and many more animal species. Players can also explore forests, grasslands, and ice fields.

In addition to playing with the animals, players can also grow flowers and enjoy a fishing mini-game. The fish and flowers can also be displayed in the player’s room in the game.

6 Ooblets

Release Date: July 15th, 2020 Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC

Although it’s definitely not a traditional “pet simulation” style game, Ooblets is very worthy of a mention when it comes to adorable pet-based releases. This cute and colorful release sees players joining a bustling community to create their own farm, while simultaneously cultivating relationships with townsfolk and some strange little creatures known as Ooblets.

It’s quite wacky, but incredibly relaxing and features some truly unique and engaging gameplay. Players can collect a wide array of Ooblets and can even “battle” with them by using card-based mechanics in hilarious and entertaining Dance-Offs. There’s a lot of customization and engagement to be found in Ooblets, giving pet lovers a fun and relaxing word to explore.

5 The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Release Date: November 10, 2017 Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Mac

The Sims just wouldn’t feel like a complete “life simulator” without the inclusion of pets. While the base game didn’t release with the ability to own furry friends, it was later added with the introduction of the Cats & Dogs pack. Unlocking the add-on gives players the chance to own customizable cats and dogs, taking them with them through their Sims 4 journey and adding them as a part of their ever-growing virtual family.

There are a lot of different creatures to care for, as well as an abundance of animal-themed items to help players feel as if they’re playing a “pet simulator.”

4 Clouzy!

Release Date : February 24th, 2022 Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox

In Clouzy players will find themselves working at a daycare dedicated to clouds. Every cloud in Clouzy has its own individual tastes and preferences.

While players will spend plenty of time in the daycare, there is a vast world to explore. Players can solve puzzles and restore structures, as well as find a variety of ingredients to prepare for the clouds. There are also multiple biomes to visit, each with its own set of tasks. Players can also play with their companions and the clouds they care for.

3 My Universe: Puppies & Kittens

Release Date: March 3rd, 2022 Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch

Players looking to take care of adorable animals will want to check out My Universe: Puppies & Kittens. In Puppies & Kittens players can adopt their ideal pet and watch them grow. Players can choose between twenty of the most popular breeds of dogs and cats.

They will also have to provide their new pet with plenty of care and attention. The game also lets players take their pets on a walk around a virtual park to meet other pets. There are various activities from finding hidden treasures to shopping.

2 Wobbledogs

Release Date: March 15th, 2022 Platforms: PC and Mac

In Wobbledogs players will get to raise mutating dogs. The dogs in Wobbledogs have procedurally generated bodies. The game uses a simulated genetics system to generate each new generation. The dogs in Wobbledogs will also move in fun ways due to their strange bodies.

Players can feed their virtual pets a variety of foods and plants that create unique mutations. In addition, players can also construct and decorate a series of pens for the dogs to live inside.

1 Little Friends: Dogs & Cats

Release Date: December 6th, 2018 Platform: Nintendo Switch

Players who want to train cats and dogs on the Switch will want to try Little: Friends: Dogs & Cats. Little Friends: Dogs & Cats features several breeds of dogs and cats from Poodles and German Shepherds to American Shorthairs and Scottish Folds.

Players can play with up to three pets at once, however, they can own up to twelve. Each pet has a unique personality that players can discover as they play with them. In addition to giving them, their favorite foods players can also take their pets out to play with toys. The game features a flying disc tournament that uses the device’s motion controls. Players can also dress up each of their pets in over six hundred accessories.

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