What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this has a Teen rating because it builds off the original Sims 2 game, which is also rated T for Teen. Families that already own Sims 2 are probably aware of the sexual content, but families that may be contemplating buying these titles together need to be aware of the sexual situations and crude humor. Parents may want to read the reviews of the original Sims 2 games and expansions.

Families can talk about pets and caring for them. Does this game reinforce any behaviors of good pet owners? Why did you choose a particular pet to play this game? How are the pets' behaviors similar to real pets? Different? Why do you think the Sims pets evolve the more you interact with them? Do you think giving extra attention to real pets makes them smarter?

Common Sense Media Review
THE SIMS 2 PETS is yet another expansion in the crowded Sims 2 world. The Sims have attended University , shaken their booties in Nightlife, and become entrepreneurs in Open for Business . Now they've added pets to their homes for more social interaction.

Sims 2 Pets gives Sims 2 players the ability to add pets to their families. These pets are cats, dogs, fish, birds, and womrats (fictional rodents similar to guinea pigs). The fish, birds, and womrats are contained pets that function more as animated decorations than pets. The dogs and cats are the real attractions of the game. Along with the pets, other new items in this expansion include toys, buildings, and accessories for the pets.

Players can add dogs and cats easily by the "create a new family" option used to create new Sims. Once in this mode, choices can be made as to the color, breed, size, personality, and other pet characteristics. Some extreme choices can be implemented in the color and marking option, leading to some very unusual looking animals. Once these pets have been created, they can be added to an existing family.

Unlike the Sims, these pets cannot be directed. They serve more as an added method for Sims to improve various areas of their lives through their interactions with the pets. The Sims can train, play, feed, and take care of their pets in myriad ways. The more the Sims interact with their pets, the more the pets evolve.

Pets can be trained to demonstrate either good behavior or bad. For example, if a Sim catches his or her pet chewing on a piece of furniture or urinating on the floor, the Sim can either scold or praise the pet. Depending on the mind-set of the player, this can lead to some interesting game situations later. For instance, if the player praises Butch every time he raises his leg in the living room, then he will do so more and more. Other unwanted behavior can range from aggressiveness to destructive acts.

These pets are not only cute and sociable; they can also be moneymakers. Sims can earn money through their pets by hiring out their services for careers such as acting, or by selling them. However, the money earned is relatively small.

This is an entertaining addition to the Sims 2 world, but the $30 price tag seems a little steep considering the small amount of actual content.

Families looking for an actual pet simulation should check out the excellent Nintendogs .