Embarking on your journey in the world of Pywel within Crimson Desert, one of the earliest objectives players often seek is the acquisition of animal companions. The game introduces this feature almost immediately, with a friendly bulldog greeting you upon waking by the riverbank. Interacting with these animals, specifically by petting them, begins to foster a bond, indicating a deeper pet system at play.

As you progress into Fernand city, you will encounter various dogs and cats, each offering the potential to become a loyal pet. The core mechanic revolves around establishing a high level of trust with these creatures. This process is governed by daily interaction limits, ensuring a gradual and engaging bonding experience rather than an instant adoption. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for building your team of furry allies.

To successfully integrate an animal into your adventuring party, players must accumulate 100 trust points with their chosen companion. Each interaction, such as petting, contributes a small but significant amount, typically +5 points per instance. However, there's a daily cap on how much trust can be gained through specific actions. For instance, petting an animal is limited to five times per in-game day, totaling a maximum of 25 trust points from this method alone.

Beyond physical affection, feeding plays a vital role in accelerating the trust-building process. The quality of food directly impacts the trust gained; a simple meal might yield +10 trust, while a more refined offering could provide +35 points. Dogs generally accept any type of meat, whereas cats show a distinct preference for milk. These provisions can be purchased from merchants in Hernand, such as the Grocer's Shop or Butchery. When feeding, it's essential to drop the food from your inventory carefully, as other nearby animals might snatch it. If you find yourself unable to reach the required trust level in a single day, the game allows for the passage of time, enabling you to continue bonding with the animal on subsequent in-game days.

Once the trust meter reaches 100, the option to 'take in' the animal becomes available. This action transforms the creature into your official pet, accessible through the 'Pets' section of your inventory. Pets, while loyal, have specific behaviors: they follow you when summoned but will disappear when you mount your horse. They also reside at your camp, which becomes available in Chapter 3. Players have the flexibility to summon, dismiss, or even release pets from their care, and a considerable collection of up to 30 pets can be maintained. Notably, certain pets, such as dogs, possess the ability to retrieve items for you, adding a practical dimension to their companionship.

With this understanding of the pet acquisition and management system, players are well-equipped to forge strong bonds with the diverse animal inhabitants of Fernand, enriching their Crimson Desert experience.