Do you have to control dogs and cats?

[ErinIsNice]

I just received Pets as a surprise gift!

I haven't installed it yet, but I was wondering if sims could have dogs and cats living with them without having to control them?

[Teacup Chihuahua]

What a nice surprise  Welcome to the forum

I haven't installed it yet, but I was wondering if sims could have dogs and cats living with them without having to control them?

(do you mean play as the cat or dog?)
If so no you can leave them just to do their own thing but it is really fun to play as a pet

[loveSims]

With high free will they can take care of themselves, but you must control them. Pets is so much fun!

[MoMoll]

You don't have to control then; but, you do need to do some training if you don't want your house destroyed.

[CSquared2]

Also, their individual traits can make them better or worse than average at taking care of themselves.  Usually a reminder once a day to eat and chew/scratch will do.