Minor pet

The Sims 3: Pets introduces minor pets, which include lizards, snakes, rodents, turtles, small birds, and large birds. Common minor pets can be purchased. Those that are rarer must be caught in the wild. Minor pets can be set free if a Sim cannot properly care for them. If kept in a Sim's inventory for too long, minor pets can escape. Birds can be killed by cats.

Minor pets should be kept in their respective terrariums/habitats/cages. Their values increase over time.

Large wild birds can only be acquired by befriending them. Sims have a hidden Wildlife Skill, which determines whether befriending interactions are successful. All birds can be taught to talk and sing by Sims.