In Shift at Midnight, you can choose a dog, cat, or goose—it’s purely cosmetic. Treatment costs $310, paid by shift. Your choice affects only the name and appearance, and you can save your pet in three endings: the true ending, the sheriff’s help, or the tragic ending.
Trying to decide who will be your companion in the nightmares of Shift at Midnight? A dog, a cat, or perhaps a goose? Let’s be clear: the mechanics don’t change, but the overall aesthetic does. In any case, the main goal is to save up $310 for the operation, otherwise the pet will die. How exactly to save up, when to pay, and what the animals do in the store—we’ll break it down.
The developers confidently stated that choosing a pet is a tribute to those who enjoy customization, but there is no hidden influence on the story. The game offers three categories: dog (large or small), ginger cat, and goose (the only option). In fact, there are four variations. And while some players are yearning for a larger menagerie, the selection is fixed for now.
Incidentally, the developers recently mentioned on their official Twitter that they plan to add new colors, but there’s no exact timeline. So for now, we’ll just have to enjoy what we have.
Table of Contents
First, the Money: Treatment Schedule and Important Deadlines
Forget about choosing for a minute. The most important thing is the $310. It’s the same for all pets, and you must pay strictly according to the schedule:
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After the 3rd shift: $20. The down payment; without it, treatment won’t begin.
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After the 6th shift: $40. After this payment, the pet will appear in the store for the first time and begin helping.
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On the 10th shift: The veterinarian will warn you that the surgery has become urgent—be prepared to pay $250 by the 13th night.
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By your 13th shift: You need $250 in personal funds, otherwise you’ll have to choose between helping the sheriff or facing tragedy.
The total is $310, and it’s fixed. No loyalty discounts or goose selection, unfortunately.
How to Choose a Pet and Can You Name It?
At the start of the game, you’re greeted by a selection screen. There are three icons: a dog, a cat, and a goose. The dog has two subspecies—large and small. The cat is only red, and the goose is a single specimen. The variety of appearances isn’t as diverse as in other games, but each option is beautifully crafted.
Immediately after choosing, you’ll be prompted to enter a name. There’s a catch: the game checks your name for censorship. Prohibited words, including a well-known English curse word, are replaced with asterisks. You can only enter a name once—after confirmation, you can’t rename your pet. The developers haven’t mentioned this feature, so take the name seriously. If you want to name your pet, say, “Baton,” go ahead; censorship won’t work.
What Does a Pet Do in the Store? Is It a Real Help, Not Just Decoration?
After the second payment (after the 6th shift), the pet comes to the store and starts working. It cleans up blood, limbs, and even entire bodies—this clearly saves you time. In solo mode, this is a real lifesaver: you don’t waste precious seconds cleaning, which means you can sell more and save money faster. Furthermore, cleaning with a pet doesn’t require your own funds—another plus.
Players on the forums have already noted that a goose, for example, cleans faster than a cat—but this is more of a subjective impression; officially, all pets work the same. Nevertheless, the goose adds a touch of humor to the overall aesthetic impression, while the dog adds a cozy feel.
Personal Funds and Store Balance: Don’t Confuse Them!
This is a trap that many newbies fall into. Pet treatment is paid for only with personal funds. However, traps, weapons, window boards, and upgrades are paid for from the store cash register. If you spend your personal funds on first-aid kits, you risk not saving up the required amount by the deadline. Keep your two wallets separate.
How do you earn $310 in personal funds? For 13 shifts, you earn $10 for each shift (that’s $130). The remaining $180 is a 10% commission on sales. This means you need to sell $1,800 worth of goods over the entire period. Don’t forget to spin the lottery wheel before each shift—you can win a bonus, sometimes even $50. And avoid killing innocent customers: the fine directly affects your personal funds, making them difficult to recover.
Three Endings: How to Save the Pet and at What Cost
There are only three endings in the game, and they all involve money and choices:
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True Ending: You have ≥$250 in personal funds by the 13th shift and you don’t call Sheriff Clyde. The pet is saved, Clyde lives, you are a hero.
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The Grave Solution: You’re short on money, so you call Clyde. He pays for the operation, but at the cost of his own life. The pet is saved, but you lose your friend.
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Empty House: No money, Clyde isn’t called. The pet dies. The saddest ending.
Tip: If you’re playing for the first time, it’s best to aim for the true ending – it requires discipline but offers complete satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (PAA)
How to quickly save up $250?
Spin the lottery before each shift, don’t kill innocents, and keep the store rating high. This will make customers spend more, and your commission will increase.
Does a pet’s appearance affect cleaning speed?
No, all pets clean equally. The only differences are in their visuals and animations.
Can I rename a pet after the start?
Officially, no. Be careful when entering the name.
Is it worth buying pet DLC?
There are currently no paid add-ons; all skins and names are included in the base game.
Ultimately, choosing a pet in Shift at Midnight is a matter of your mood and aesthetics. The mechanics, healing, and endings don’t depend on these factors, so feel free to choose the one you like best. Just remember to pay regularly and keep your wallets separate. Then your furry (or feathered) friend will definitely survive. Happy night shifts!
