Second Pet Guide
Stardew Valley 1.6 introduced the ability to have multiple pets on your farm, expanding beyond the single cat or dog you start with. The second pet system adds new animals, a special adoption event, and additional gameplay mechanics that enrich your farm life.
TL;DR
In 1.6, you can have multiple pets. After reaching Year 2 (or maxing your first pet’s friendship), you can purchase additional pets from Marnie’s Ranch. New pets include cats, dogs, and two types of turtles. Each pet needs its own Pet Bowl. Use Butterfly Powder to remove unwanted pets. Turtles have their own friendship system and can give gifts at max friendship.
How to Get Additional Pets
In Stardew Valley 1.6, additional pets can only be obtained by purchasing them from Marnie’s Ranch after certain conditions are met.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Reach Year 2 OR max your first pet’s friendship (1000 points) |
| Building | Pet Bowl (purchased from Robin’s Carpenter Shop) |
| Gold | 40,000g - 500,000g depending on pet |
Purchase Steps
- Visit Marnie’s Ranch (open 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
- Talk to Marnie and select the pet purchase option
- Choose your desired pet type
- Place a Pet Bowl on your farm (purchased from Robin for 5,000g + materials)
- The pet will appear on your farm the next morning
Available Pets
| Pet | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cat | 40,000g | Multiple color variations |
| Dog | 40,000g | Multiple breed variations |
| Green Turtle | 60,000g | Added in 1.6; slow-moving companion |
| Exotic Turtle | 500,000g | Added in 1.6; rare golden appearance |
Pet Bowl Mechanics
Pet Bowls are essential for multiple pets. Each pet needs its own bowl.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | 5,000g + 25 Hardwood + 1 Iron Bar |
| Seller | Robin’s Carpenter Shop |
| Placement | Anywhere on your farm (outside) |
| Water Refill | Fill with Watering Can (rain auto-fills) |
| Friendship Bonus | +6 points per filled bowl each morning |
| Penalty | -10 points per night without a bowl |
Important Rules
- One bowl per pet - Two pets need two bowls
- Bowl without pet - No effect, just decoration
- Pet without bowl - Loses 10 friendship every night
- Cannot be picked up - Once placed, Pet Bowls are permanent fixtures
Pet Friendship for Multiple Pets
Each pet has its own independent friendship score (0-1000).
| Action | Friendship Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Petting | +12 | Once per day |
| Water Bowl | +6 | Each morning if filled |
| No Bowl | -10 | Every night |
| Max Friendship | 1000 | Rewards: daily gift chance increases |
Gift Mechanics at Max Friendship
Once any pet reaches 1000 friendship:
- 20% chance daily to find a gift near the pet’s bowl
- Gifts include: random forage items, small amounts of resources, occasionally rare items
- Having multiple maxed pets means multiple chances for gifts each day
Pet Management
Removing Pets
If you have too many pets or want to remove one:
| Method | Item | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Butterfly Powder | Consumable | Krobus (Sewers) for 5,000g |
Warning: Using Butterfly Powder permanently removes the pet. This cannot be undone.
Pet Behavior
- Pets roam freely around your farm during the day
- At night, pets return to the area near their bowls
- Pets do not enter buildings (except your farmhouse, occasionally)
- Multiple pets will interact with each other (play animations together)
- Pets are immortal - they cannot die or be killed by monsters
Comparison: First Pet vs. Additional Pets
| Feature | First Pet | Additional Pets |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 40,000g - 500,000g |
| Adoption Method | Marnie delivers on Spring Day | Shop purchase or second pet event |
| Types Available | Cat or Dog (character creation) | Cat, Dog, Green Turtle, Exotic Turtle |
| Friendship System | Yes | Yes (independent) |
| Daily Gifts | Yes (at max friendship) | Yes (at max friendship) |
| Pet Bowl Required | No (built-in at farmhouse) | Yes (must purchase from Robin) |
Strategy Tips
- Focus on your first pet early - Max its friendship quickly to unlock the second pet event
- Place bowls strategically - Group bowls near your farmhouse for easy daily petting
- Save for the Exotic Turtle - At 500,000g, it’s a late-game luxury purchase
- Turtles have friendship too — Like cats and dogs, turtles build friendship when petted and their bowl is filled. At max friendship, they can gift items like Clam, Coral, Sea Urchin, and Nautilus Shell.
- Multiple maxed pets = multiple gifts - Each maxed pet independently rolls for daily gifts
- Don’t forget water bowls - The -10 penalty adds up quickly if neglected
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than two pets?
Yes, there is no hard limit on the number of pets you can have. Each pet requires its own Pet Bowl and purchase from Marnie’s shop.
Do turtles give gifts like cats and dogs?
Yes! Turtles have their own friendship system (0-1000 points) just like cats and dogs. At max friendship, they have a 20% daily chance to gift items such as Clam, Coral, Sea Urchin, Nautilus Shell, and other beach-themed items. Pet them daily and keep their water bowl filled to build friendship.
Can I choose my second pet’s appearance?
When purchasing from Marnie’s shop, you can choose the type (cat/dog/turtle) but the specific color or breed may vary.
What happens if I don’t have space for a Pet Bowl?
You must have space on your farm to place a Pet Bowl before purchasing an additional pet. The pet purchase option will be unavailable otherwise.
Can I purchase multiple pets from Marnie’s shop?
Yes, you can purchase as many pets as you want from Marnie’s shop, as long as you have enough Pet Bowls and gold. Each pet is independent.
Can pets follow me into the Mines or Skull Cavern?
No, pets stay on your farm and cannot accompany you into dangerous areas.
Last Updated: July 2026 | Game Version: 1.6.15