How to use Codex pets in the Codex app
Codex pets are easiest to understand as a friendly status layer for long-running Codex work. You enable them from Appearance settings or the /pet command, then use the overlay to see whether the active thread is still running or needs your attention.
Go to Settings, then Appearance, then Pets. This is where the app lets you choose built-in pets or refresh custom pets from your local Codex home.
Type /pet in the composer, or open the command menu with Cmd+K or Ctrl+K and run the pet toggle command. The same flow can tuck the pet away.
The floating pet overlay keeps active Codex work visible while you use other apps. It shows the active thread and whether Codex is running, waiting, or ready for review.
Treat the pet as a compact progress surface, not as a separate agent. Return to the Codex thread when the overlay indicates that the task needs review or input.
Use the pet when Codex is working in the background
The best fit is asynchronous work: a build, refactor, review, browser verification, or research task that can take long enough for you to switch to another window.
The pet is not a replacement for the Codex thread. It is a visibility surface that makes the current agent state easier to notice without repeatedly reopening the main app.
Using Codex Pets FAQ
Answers about /pet, the floating overlay, app settings, and custom pet visibility.
What is the fastest way to try Codex pets?+
The fastest way is to type /pet in the Codex composer. If the command is available, Codex opens or hides the floating pet overlay. You can then choose a different pet from Settings > Appearance > Pets if you want a built-in or refreshed custom option.
What does the Codex pet overlay show?+
The overlay shows the active Codex thread and a compact status prompt. It can reflect whether Codex is running, waiting for your input, or ready for review. This makes it useful when you are working in another app and want lightweight progress visibility.
Can Codex pets work without opening the full Codex window?+
Codex pets are designed to keep active Codex work visible while you use other apps. The floating overlay reduces the need to reopen the full thread just to check whether the agent is still working or needs attention. You still use the Codex app for the actual thread and project work.
Why do I not see my custom pet in settings?+
A custom pet may not appear until the package is in the expected local Codex pets folder and skills or custom pets have been refreshed. After using hatch-pet, reload skills from the command menu and refresh custom pets from Settings > Appearance > Pets. Also check that the package includes both pet.json and spritesheet.webp.