OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Codex Pets in its Codex app. These are optional animated companions that appear as a floating overlay and help users monitor ongoing tasks in real time.
The feature allows users to view Codex activity while working in other apps, reducing the need to reopen threads.
Codex Pets
Codex Pets function as a visual companion that reflects Codex activity. The overlay shows the current task, its status, and short progress updates, allowing users to quickly check changes without returning to the main interface.
How to use Codex Pets
Users can enable and control Pets in multiple ways:
- Type /pet in the composer to activate the pet
- Use Cmd + K / Ctrl + K to open the command menu and run pet controls
- Go to Settings > Appearance > Pets to select a built-in pet
- Refresh custom pets from the local Codex home through the same settings
- Use Wake Pet or Tuck Away Pet options to toggle the overlay
The overlay indicates whether Codex is running, waiting for input, or ready for review.
Custom Pets
Users can create custom pets using the hatch-pet skill:
- Install the skill:
$skill-installer hatch-pet - Reload skills:
Press Cmd + K or Ctrl + K and select Force Reload Skills - Create a pet:
$hatch-pet create a new pet inspired by my recent projects
Key Features
- Floating overlay that keeps Codex updates visible across applications
- Displays current task and its status without reopening the interface
- Provides short prompts to indicate recent changes
- Command-based controls using /pet and keyboard shortcuts
- Support for built-in and custom-created pets
- Git settings for branch naming, force push control, and automated commit or pull request prompts
- MCP (Model Context Protocol) support for connecting external tools and services
- Ability to enable recommended servers or add custom MCP servers
- OAuth-based authentication for supported integrations
- Shared MCP configuration across Codex app, CLI, and IDE extensions using config.toml
- Personalization settings with Friendly, Pragmatic, or None modes
- Support for custom instructions stored in AGENTS.md
- Context-aware suggestions for resuming tasks and follow-ups
- Memory support for retaining context across threads with per-thread controls
- Archived threads section with option to restore conversations
Browser Use
Codex includes a built-in browser plugin that can be enabled or disabled from settings. Users can manage allowed and blocked websites, and Codex requests permission before accessing a site unless it has already been allowed.
Computer Use
Codex supports system-level interaction on macOS through Computer Use settings. Users can manage access to desktop apps and control permissions such as Screen Recording and Accessibility. The feature is not available at launch in the EEA, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.
Availability
Codex Pets are available within the Codex app under Settings > Appearance and can be enabled optionally. Some features, such as Computer Use, are limited by region at launch.