Pets are a staple of almost every massive multiplayer online game, and Old School RuneScape is no exception. While most players chase top tier gear like the Twisted Bow for pure utility, nothing compares to the quiet flex of a rare companion following your character around Gielinor.
Pets do not offer combat stats or give you an unfair advantage in boss fights. Instead, they serve as the ultimate status symbols for players who have put in hundreds or thousands of hours. Whether you stumbled into a pet drop while AFK fishing at level 85 or grinded out hundreds of boss kills, having one by your side turns heads at every bank stand.
What Are OSRS Pets?
On the surface, a pet is simply a cosmetic non-playable character that loyally trails your character. You do not need to spend real money or buy OSRS gold for sale to earn them. The vast majority of these companions drop directly from bosses, mini-games, or random skilling actions.
You can only have one follower active at a time. They usually stroll along right behind you at a walking pace, but they will instantly teleport to your location if you run too far ahead. If your follower ever gets stuck behind a wall or vanishes, you can easily summon them back by checking the Worn Equipment tab and clicking the call follower button.
If you want to clear up inventory space or keep your bank organized, you can store your pets in your Player-Owned House Menagerie, which holds up to 52 companions. Regular pets like cats require a bit more hands-on attention. You have to feed and stroke them while they are still kittens, or they will eventually run away and abandon you.
How to Get Pets in OSRS
Obtaining a pet usually boils down to pure RNG. Some players get lucky on their very first kill, while others go thousands of attempts dry. As noted by the OSRS community, luck plays a massive role in every drop party or boss hunt across the game.
Bossing is the most popular route for hunting rare followers. For instance, fighting the Kraken boss gives you roughly a 1/3,000 chance at the pet Kraken. It is a relaxing boss to farm, and you make decent passive cash while hunting the drop. Other bosses like the Giant Mole offer similar rare chances for the Baby Mole.
Skilling is another reliable path if you prefer a different playstyle. Training skills like Smithing at the Giants’ Foundry using Mithril and Adamant alloys provides solid XP alongside a good chunk of profit on the road to level 99. Meanwhile, players engaged in passive activities often get rewarded out of nowhere, such as the classic moment of a player landing their very first fishing pet while simply grinding away at the water’s edge.
The Ongoing Debate About Pets
Even though followers have been part of the game for years, the community still debates their limitations. A common frustration among long-time players is the fact that we still cannot officially name our companions. Many players feel that having a simple name tag hover above your pet would add a great layer of personal customization to the game.
Hardcore PvMers often hunt specific high-level drops like the Hydra pet, which requires proper anti-venom preparation, prayer flicking, and plenty of patience. These rare drops require intense dedication, proving that pet hunting is serious business for completionists.
Pets might not help you defeat bosses faster or boost your DPS, but they represent personal milestones. Whether you prefer bossing, skilling, or simply showing off your collection in the Grand Exchange, chasing a rare companion gives you a long-term goal to work toward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can OSRS pets help you in combat?
No, pets are purely cosmetic and do not engage in combat or boost your stats.
What happens if I lose my pet?
If your pet dies or gets left behind, you can retrieve insured pets from OSRS pet insurance NPCs for a fee, provided you insured them beforehand.
Can I name my pet in OSRS?
Currently, the game does not feature a mechanic to officially name your followers, though it remains a heavily requested feature.
Where can I store all my pets?
You can build a Menagerie in your Player-Owned House to safely store and display up to 52 of your favorite pets.
Are skilling pets rarer than boss pets?
Drop rates vary, but skilling pets are generally based on cumulative action rolls, making them a test of endurance and time.