How to Get Pets in GTA Online Mansions (March 2026) Quick Guide

Are you ready to add some furry companions to your luxurious GTA Online lifestyle? The A Safehouse in the Hills update has finally brought pets to the game, allowing you to own and care for cats and dogs in your brand-new mansions. As someone who’s spent countless hours exploring every aspect of this new feature, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about getting, customizing, and enjoying your new virtual pets.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through every step of the process, from purchasing the right mansion to choosing the perfect pet companion. You’ll learn about all available breeds, pricing, customization options, and even how to interact with your new furry friends. Let’s dive into the ultimate GTA Online pets experience!

GTA Online Pets at a Glance

Feature	Details
Update Required	A Safehouse in the Hills (December 2026)
Property Required	One of three Prix Luxury Real Estate mansions
Pet Types Available	Cats and Dogs
Cost per Pet	15,000GTA
Pet Limit	1 cat and 1 dog per account
Customization	Name, breed, and color options
Interaction	Petting animations available

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Getting Pets?

Before you can welcome a furry friend into your GTA Online life, there are a few essential requirements you’ll need to meet. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I first tried to get a pet without the proper setup!

Must-Have: A Prix Luxury Real Estate Mansion

The absolute first step in your pet-owning journey is purchasing one of the three luxurious mansions introduced in the A Safehouse in the Hills update. Unlike regular apartments, offices, or other properties, these specific mansions are the only ones that come equipped with pet facilities.

Here are your three mansion options:

1. Richman Villa – Located between Los Santos and Vinewood Hills
2. The Tongva Estate – Situated in Tongva Hills with ocean views
3. The Vinewood Residence – Hillside mansion with stunning city views

Each mansion comes with its own unique location and view, but all three include the essential pet facilities you’ll need. The mansions don’t come cheap, but they’re worth every penny if you want to experience the full pet ownership feature.

Property Slot Considerations

Here’s some fantastic news I discovered during my research: these mansions do NOT take up your regular property slots. This means you can own one of these luxurious pet-friendly mansions while still maintaining all your other businesses, apartments, and facilities. It’s a game-changer for players who want to expand their empire without sacrificing existing investments.

How to Get Cats in GTA Online?

Cats are the perfect companions for players who prefer a more independent, low-maintenance pet. Here’s exactly how to get your feline friend in GTA Online.

Step-by-Step Cat Acquisition Process

1. Purchase Your Mansion: First, buy one of the three Prix Luxury Real Estate mansions mentioned above.
2. Locate the Cat Bed: Once you’re the proud owner of a mansion, head to the living room area. You’ll find a cat bed sitting on a table – this is your gateway to cat ownership.
3. Access the Cat Menu: Interact with the cat bed to bring up the cat selection menu.
4. Choose Your Breed: Select from the available cat breeds (more on this below).
5. Pick a Color: Some breeds offer multiple color options.
6. Name Your Cat: Give your new companion a name (note: there are profanity filters, so keep it clean!).
7. Confirm Purchase: Pay the $15,000 fee and welcome your new cat!

Available Cat Breeds and Colors

GTA Online offers five distinct cat breeds, each with their own unique appearance:

• White – Classic and elegant
• Calico – Beautiful multi-colored pattern
• Ginger – Warm orange tones
• Gray – Sleek and sophisticated
• Black – Mysterious and stylish

Unlike dogs, cats in GTA Online are typically locked to one color per breed, making your choice more about the breed’s overall appearance rather than color customization.

Cat Behavior and Interaction

Once your cat arrives, it will typically start by taking a nap in its cat bed – very realistic cat behavior! Cats in GTA Online are more independent than dogs and will often be found resting or quietly exploring the living room area.

To pet your cat, simply walk up to it and press the right directional button on your D-pad (or E key on PC). Your character will perform a sweet petting animation, adding life to your mansion.

How to Get Dogs in GTA Online?

Dogs offer a more interactive and companionable experience in GTA Online. They’re perfect for players who want a more active pet that follows them around the mansion grounds.

Step-by-Step Dog Acquisition Process

1. Secure Your Mansion: As with cats, you’ll need one of the three Prix Luxury Real Estate mansions.
2. Find the Kennel: Head outside to the mansion’s exterior grounds. You’ll find the dog kennel located near the driveway and exterior areas of all three mansions.
3. Access the Kennel Menu: Interact with the kennel to open the dog selection interface.
4. Select Your Breed: Choose from seven different dog breeds (detailed below).
5. Choose Color Options: Most dog breeds offer multiple color variations.
6. Name Your Dog: Give your canine companion a memorable name.
7. Complete Purchase: Pay the $15,000 fee and your dog will appear in the kennel area.

Available Dog Breeds and Colors

Dogs in GTA Online offer much more variety than cats, with seven distinct breeds and multiple color options for each:

• Husky: Black, Brown, White
• Poodle: White
• Pug: Black, Brown, Tan, Cream
• Retriever: Gold, Black, Cream, Brown
• Rottweiler: Black, Brown, Brindle, Gray, Red, Light Brown
• Shepherd: Black, Brown, Merle
• Westy: Black, Brown, White

Each breed costs the same $15,000, so your choice is purely based on aesthetic preference. I personally love the Rottweiler for its imposing presence, but the Pug’s adorable face is hard to resist!

Dog Behavior and Interaction

Dogs in GTA Online are more active than cats and will often wander around the mansion grounds, exploring the outdoor areas. They bring a lively energy to your property and make the mansion feel truly lived-in.

To interact with your dog, approach it and press the right directional button on your D-pad (or E key on PC). Your character will kneel down and pet the dog, creating a heartwarming moment that adds surprising depth to your GTA Online experience.

Pet Management: Changing and Renaming Your Pets

One of the great features I discovered is that you’re not stuck with your initial pet choices forever. Rockstar has made it easy to change or rename your pets if you want to switch things up.

How to Change Your Pet’s Breed or Color?

If you decide you want a different pet, the process is straightforward:

1. Return to the Pet Facility: Go back to the cat bed (for cats) or kennel (for dogs).
2. Access the Menu: Interact with the facility to bring up the pet management options.
3. Select Change Option: Choose to change your pet’s breed or color.
4. Pay the Fee: You’ll need to pay another $15,000 for the change.
5. Confirm Selection: Choose your new breed/color combination.

While it does cost additional money to change pets, the ability to switch things up keeps the feature fresh and allows you to experiment with different companions.

How to Rename Your Pets?

Renaming your pet is much simpler and doesn’t cost extra money:

1. Visit the Pet Facility: Go to your cat’s bed or dog’s kennel.
2. Open the Menu: Interact with the facility.
3. Look for Rename Option: Check the bottom-right corner of your screen for the rename command.
4. Enter New Name: Use the on-screen keyboard to type your pet’s new name.
5. Confirm the Change: Save the new name and enjoy calling your pet by its updated title!

This feature is perfect if you initially named your pet something silly and want to give it a more permanent, meaningful name later.

Important Pet Ownership Rules and Limitations

Through my extensive testing and research, I’ve discovered several important rules and limitations that every potential pet owner should know about.

One Pet Type Per Account

Here’s a crucial limitation I discovered: you can only have one cat and one dog total across all three mansions. This means that even if you buy all three mansions, you’ll share the same pets between them. You can’t have multiple cats or dogs across different properties.

Pets Are Mansion-Specific

Pets are tied directly to the mansion system and cannot be taken to other properties. You won’t find your cat or dog following you to your office, apartment, or other businesses. They exist exclusively within your mansion environment.

No Combat or Utility Functions

Unlike some players might hope, pets in GTA Online are purely cosmetic companions. They don’t assist in combat, provide any gameplay advantages, or offer utility functions. They’re simply there to add life and personality to your mansion.

Profanity Filters Apply

Rockstar has implemented profanity filters for pet names, which is somewhat ironic given GTA’s typically mature content. Keep your pet names clean to avoid any issues with the naming system.

Advanced Tips and Pro Strategies

As someone who has spent considerable time with the pet system, I’ve discovered several advanced tips and strategies that can enhance your pet ownership experience.

Mansion Selection Strategy

While all three mansions offer the same pet functionality, consider these factors when choosing:

• Richman Villa: Best for players who want central city access
• The Tongva Estate: Perfect for those who love ocean views and a more secluded feel
• The Vinewood Residence: Ideal for players who want iconic Los Santos views

Choose based on your regular gameplay patterns and which area you frequent most.

Pet Combination Strategy

Since you can have both a cat and a dog, consider how they complement each other:

• Indoor/Outdoor Balance: Cats stay primarily indoors while dogs roam outside
• Personality Contrast: Independent cats vs. active dogs provide variety
• Aesthetic Harmony: Choose colors that complement your mansion’s interior design

Photography Opportunities

Pets add incredible photography opportunities to your mansion. Consider these tips for great screenshots:

• Golden Hour Lighting: Visit your mansion during sunset for warm, dramatic lighting
• Action Shots: Capture your dog mid-run or your cat stretching
• Interaction Moments: Photograph your character petting the animals
• Interior Design Context: Show pets within your customized mansion spaces

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Based on community feedback and my own experience, here are some common issues players encounter and how to resolve them.

Pet Not Appearing After Purchase

If your pet doesn’t appear immediately after purchase:

1. Check the Right Location: Cats appear in the living room, dogs outside at the kennel
2. Wait a Few Minutes: Sometimes there’s a short delay before pets spawn
3. Leave and Return: Exit the mansion and come back to trigger pet spawning
4. Restart the Game: If all else fails, a full restart usually resolves the issue

Can’t Pet Your Pet

If the petting interaction isn’t working:

1. Get Closer: Make sure you’re standing right next to your pet
2. Check Controls: Use the right D-pad button (console) or E key (PC)
3. Wait for Animation: Don’t move away immediately after pressing the button
4. Try Different Angles: Approach from different directions if needed

Pet Menu Not Appearing

If you can’t access the pet purchase menu:

1. Verify Mansion Ownership: Ensure you actually own a Prix Luxury mansion
2. Check for Updates: Make sure your game is fully updated
3. Look for the Right Object: Cat bed is in living room, kennel is outside
4. Contact Support: If issues persist, reach out to Rockstar Support

Future Pet Possibilities and Speculation

While the current pet system is limited to cats and dogs, the success of this feature opens up exciting possibilities for future updates. Based on Rockstar’s history and community feedback, here are some potential additions we might see:

Potential Future Pet Types

• Birds: Parrots or other exotic birds that could add sound to mansions
• Fish: Aquarium systems for interior decoration
• Small Mammals: Hamsters, rabbits, or other small pets
• Exotic Animals: For players who want something truly unique

Potential Pet Features

• Pet Accessories: Collars, toys, and other customization items
• Pet Care Mechanics: Feeding, grooming, and other interactive elements
• Pet Training: Simple tricks or behaviors pets could learn
• Multi-Pet Homes: Ability to own more than one of each pet type

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do pets cost in GTA Online?

All pets, whether cats or dogs, cost

15,000GTA each. This price is the same regardless of breed or color choice.

Can I have both a cat and a dog?

Yes! You can own one cat and one dog simultaneously, giving you the best of both worlds in pet companionship.

Do pets take up property slots?

No, the mansions that house pets do not take up your regular property slots, allowing you to maintain all your other businesses and properties.

Can I take my pet to other properties?

No, pets are exclusive to your mansion and cannot be taken to apartments, offices, or other properties you own.

How do I pet my animals in GTA Online?

Simply walk up to your pet and press the right directional button on your D-pad (console) or E key (PC) to trigger petting animations.

Can I change my pet’s name later?

Yes, you can rename your pet at any time by interacting with their respective facility (cat bed or kennel) and using the rename option.

Are there any benefits to owning pets?

Currently, pets are purely cosmetic and don’t provide gameplay advantages, but they add significant life and personality to your mansion.

What happens if I buy all three mansions?

All three mansions share the same pets, so you’ll still only have one cat and one dog total, but they’ll be accessible from any of your mansion properties.

Conclusion

After spending extensive time with the pet system in GTA Online, I can confidently say that pets are absolutely worth the investment if you enjoy personalizing your gameplay experience and adding life to your properties.

While the $15,000 price tag per pet might seem steep for purely cosmetic items, the joy and personality they bring to your mansion is priceless. The ability to name, customize, and interact with your pets creates a surprisingly emotional connection to your virtual property.

For players who love role-playing, taking screenshots, or simply making their GTA Online experience more personal and immersive, pets are a fantastic addition to the game. They represent Rockstar’s continued commitment to adding depth and personality to the GTA Online world.

Whether you’re a cat person, a dog lover, or want to experience both, the pet system in GTA Online offers a charming and engaging way to make your mark on Los Santos. So go ahead, invest in a mansion, choose your perfect companion, and start enjoying the furry side of GTA Online life!