Pocket Pets is a game which allows players to adopt their own virtual pet, capable of engaging with its player, displaying distinct behaviors and developing affection and a personality. Strong emotional bonds exist between many owners and their pets and the affection shared between a person and their pet can have a direct effect on their perceived health and their psychological status. The strength of attachment to a pet can correlate to high levels of empathy and better mental health outcomes. Many people who raise pets, treat them as family members, be they dogs, cats, birds or other animals. However, for young children, elderly people and people suffering from ailments, taking care of a pet is a huge responsibility and requires a tremendous amount of time and attention. Furthermore, people with allergies and phobias towards certain animals miss out on the experience of having a pet. Hence the need for virtual pets. The fact that people can virtually adopt their own pets and nurture them will compel users to progressively use the application more often in order to watch their pets grow and learn. At its most basic premise, virtual pets can be a momentary escape from the stresses of the modern world much like games. But, everything said and done, all that’s left is their original intended function: an alternative to real pets.