How to Unlock and Care for Pets in Heartopia: A Complete Guide
Heartopia is absolutely teeming with wildlife. There are fluffy alpacas and those internet-famous capybaras. However, there’s one problem. You can’t actually tame those wild critters and bring them home (heartbreaking, I know). However, the game does let you adopt cats and dogs to be your permanent roommates. Here is everything you need to know about unlocking, adopting, and caring for pets in Heartopia.
When Can You Get Pets in Heartopia?
You can’t just walk into the adoption center on day one, unfortunately. The game makes you earn your stripes first. To unlock the ability to adopt, you need to reach Level 12 as a D.G. Member. If you are just starting, don’t stress. Just focus on your daily tasks, explore the map, and enjoy the vibes. You will hit Level 12 naturally before you know it.
Once you hit that milestone, a new quest will pop up in your log. This quest directs you to head to the center of town and speak to Mrs. Joan at the adoption center. She’s the gatekeeper to your future furry friend.
The Adoption Process: Cats vs. Dogs
Here is a weird little quirk about the game that might annoy the die-hard dog lovers out there: the initial quest forces you to adopt a cat first.
When you talk to Mrs. Joan, she guides you through the adoption tutorial, and your only options will be felines. But don’t panic! You don’t have to keep the cat if you are strictly a “dog person.” Just complete the tutorial step with the cat. Immediately after that dialogue ends, speak to Mrs. Joan again. This time, she will open up the option to talk about dogs.
Picking the Right Breed
The adoption center rotates its available animals every single real-world day. Usually, there are three dogs and three cats available. If you walk in and don’t connect with any of the specific breeds or colors available that day, just wait. Come back tomorrow, and you might find the perfect Golden Retriever or Tabby you’ve been dreaming of.
Taking Care of Your New Pal
Once you’ve signed the papers (virtually speaking) and named your new companion, they get sent straight to your house. This is where the real fun starts. Use the interaction menu to bond with your pet.
You can:
- Feed them (keep those bowls full!)
- Pet them (essential for morale)
- Play with toys
- Bath them (squeaky clean critters only)
If you choose a dog, you get a few extra bonuses. You can actually take your puppy for a walk around the island, and you can train them to do tricks. The cats, true to real life, prefer to stay home and lounge, but they are great for cozy vibes while you redecorate.
What About the Wild Animals?
Okay, so we established you can’t put a leash on a Capybara and take it home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t befriend the wildlife! Heartopia has a “Trough” system. Scattered around the map are feeding troughs specific to different species. If you find them and fill them with food, you can increase your bond with these wild animals.
If you are looking for a specific animal to feed, here is a quick cheat sheet on where to look:
- Bunnies: Check outside Art Street, southwest of the main town.
- Alpacas: Look west of the bridge connecting the Lighthouse to Purple Light Beach.
- Pandas: They are hanging out southeast in the Jump Puzzle area.
- Foxes: Head to the Windmill Flower Field; the trough is south of the bus stop.
- Sea Otters: Go to the Fishing Village Square and look near the water.
- Capybaras: These chill guys are west of the Onsen Mountain Lake on the yellow path.
- Sika Deer: Look north of the bus stop in the Spirit Oak Pine Forest.
- Ferrets: South of the bridge that crosses Rosy River (southwest of the Onsen region).
So, whether you are looking for a house pet to snuggle with or just want to feed a panda in the wild, Heartopia has plenty of ways to get your daily dose of cuteness. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a virtual dog that needs a walk.
