Just got Sims 3 plus Pets yesterday, love it!
After a whole huge issue getting the game to install to begin with. Apparently there's an issue with the codes being incorrect in the package deal (the code for sims 3 base is really the code for the pets). Spent two hours dealing with EA's rather aggravating customer service yesterday (first dipwad told me to just get in touch with the store) to get the correct code, only to have the downloads fail. Found a code online that worked, (wish I knew that before I tried their support!) and now I'm hooked!
Haven't played Sims since the first one. Have two games currently going, they both have pets, just cats. Second one I'm going to get her a horse, but not sure if I'll buy/adopt/ or try to get a wild horse.