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The Inspector Shepherd expansion has officially arrived in Adopt Me, bringing an exciting new mini-game, adorable pets, and fresh content to Adoption Island. As someone who’s spent countless hours exploring every corner of this update, I’m here to share everything you need to know about this game-changing expansion that launched on January 16, 2026.
| Update Element | Details | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | January 16, 2026 | 4:00 PM UTC / 11:00 AM EST |
| Update Duration | Limited Time (2 weeks) | Ends January 30, 2026 |
| New Pets | Sneak Weasel & German Shepherd | Rare & Ultra-Rare |
| Main Activity | Missing Pets Mini-Game | 30-minute cooldown cycle |
| New Pet Wear | 3 Inspector-themed items | 950-2,500 Bucks |
| Reward System | 50 Bucks per completion | Repeatable every 30 minutes |
The Inspector Shepherd expansion introduces a brand-new dynamic event to Adopt Me called the “Neighborhood Watchdog” or “Missing Pets” activity. This isn’t your typical static update where you simply purchase new pets and move on. Instead, it’s an immersive, time-based mini-game that transforms how players earn Bucks and interact with Adoption Island.
When sirens blare across the island with a CODE RED alert, three mischievous Sneak Weasels escape from their pen, and it’s your job to help Inspector Shepherd and his handler, Henry, round them up. The update combines exploration, time management, and strategy in a way that feels fresh and exciting compared to traditional Adopt Me content.
What makes this expansion particularly special is its accessibility. Unlike many limited-time events that require Robux purchases, the Missing Pets activity is completely free to play, making it an excellent opportunity for all players to earn in-game currency and enjoy new content regardless of their spending capacity.
The Inspector Shepherd expansion update went live on January 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM UTC. This follows Adopt Me’s consistent Friday release schedule, where new content drops arrive weekly to keep the game fresh and engaging.
Here’s exactly when the update launched across different time zones:
| Time Zone | Release Date & Time |
|---|---|
| UTC (Universal Time) | Friday, January 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM |
| EST (Eastern Standard Time) | Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM |
| PST (Pacific Standard Time) | Friday, January 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM |
| GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) | Friday, January 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM |
| CET (Central European Time) | Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| JST (Japan Standard Time) | Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00 AM |
| AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) | Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3:00 AM |
| IST (India Standard Time) | Friday, January 16, 2026 at 9:30 PM |
The update is currently live and active in Adopt Me. Based on typical Adopt Me content cycles, this limited-time event will likely remain available for approximately two weeks, ending around January 30, 2026. After that date, the Missing Pets activity and potentially the ability to directly purchase the Sneak Weasel pet may no longer be available.
The Missing Pets activity is the centerpiece of this update. Understanding how it works is crucial to maximizing your rewards and making the most of this limited-time event.
The Missing Pets mini-game operates on a 30-minute cycle system that continues counting down even when you’re offline. This means you can log back into Adopt Me after taking a break and potentially jump straight into a new round if the cooldown has expired.
Here’s the complete breakdown of how the activity functions:
1. The CODE RED Alert System
When the Missing Pets activity becomes available, sirens start blaring across Adoption Island, and you’ll see a “CODE RED” notification on your screen. This visual and audio alert system is impossible to miss if you have your sound enabled, which I highly recommend for this event.
The sirens aren’t just decorative. They serve as both an alert that the event is active and as directional indicators. Pay attention to where sirens are flashing most prominently, as Sneak Weasels tend to spawn near active siren poles.
2. Finding Inspector Shepherd and Henry the Handler
Once you receive the CODE RED alert, head to the Missing Pets activity hub. Inspector Shepherd and Henry the Handler are located between the Hospital and School on Adoption Island. This central location makes it relatively easy to access from anywhere on the map.
When you approach them, Inspector Shepherd will communicate with you through unique dialogue that changes based on the event status:
3. The Hunt Begins
After talking to Inspector Shepherd during a CODE RED alert, your mission officially begins. Three Sneak Weasels have scattered across Adoption Island, and you need to find all three. Unlike static collectibles, these weasels are moving targets that zip around near siren poles.
The key to success is speed and efficiency. Other players in your server are also hunting for the same weasels, creating a competitive element that makes the activity more engaging. The faster you locate and return all three weasels, the quicker you can claim your rewards.
4. Catching and Returning the Weasels
Catching a Sneak Weasel is straightforward. Simply run into or click on the weasel when you spot it near a siren pole. Your character will automatically pick it up and carry it.
Here’s the critical detail many new players miss: you must return each weasel to Inspector Shepherd individually. You cannot carry all three at once. This means your route planning becomes essential for maximum efficiency.
The optimal strategy is:
5. Rewards and Cooldown
Upon successfully returning all three Sneak Weasels, you’ll receive 50 Bucks as a reward. While this might not seem like a massive payout, remember that the activity repeats every 30 minutes. If you play actively throughout the day, you can potentially earn hundreds or even thousands of Bucks.
After completing the mission, the 30-minute cooldown timer begins. Crucially, this timer continues even when you’re logged out of the game. This design allows players to:
Understanding where Sneak Weasels spawn is the difference between completing the mission in under two minutes or wandering aimlessly for ten minutes. Based on extensive testing and community reports, I’ve identified the primary spawn locations that appear most frequently.
Primary Spawn Locations:
Pro Location Tips:
After completing dozens of Missing Pets rounds, I’ve developed strategies that consistently help me finish in under two minutes and maximize my Buck earnings.
1. Pre-Position Your Vehicle
Always keep your fastest vehicle parked near Inspector Shepherd when you’re waiting for the next CODE RED alert. Seconds matter in this activity, especially on crowded servers. I recommend:
2. The Triangle Route Method
Instead of randomly searching the island, use a systematic triangle route:
This route ensures you’re always moving forward rather than backtracking, which wastes precious time.
3. Server Selection Strategy
The number of players on your server dramatically affects your success rate. On crowded servers, other players may catch weasels before you reach them. Consider:
4. Sound Optimization
I cannot stress this enough: play with sound enabled. Set your game volume to around 70-80% so you can clearly hear:
Many players who struggle with this activity are playing with sound off, missing critical audio information that makes finding weasels much easier.
5. Time Your Gameplay
Since the activity operates on a 30-minute cycle, strategic timing can multiply your earnings:
If you complete the activity every 30 minutes for just two hours, that’s four completions worth 200 Bucks. Extend that across several days, and you’ll have thousands of Bucks for new pets and accessories.
The update introduced two brand-new pets that perfectly complement the Neighborhood Watchdog theme: the Sneak Weasel and the German Shepherd.
The Sneak Weasel is the star of this update and the primary target of the Missing Pets activity.
Sneak Weasel Basic Information:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Cost | 1,500 Bucks |
| Availability | Limited-Time (purchase from Henry the Handler) |
| Release Date | January 16, 2026 |
| Can Be Traded | Yes |
| Can Be Hatched | Yes (4% from Basic Egg, 30% from Crystal Egg) |
Appearance and Design:
The Sneak Weasel features a distinctive design that immediately identifies it as a mischievous character:
Neon and Mega Neon Transformations:
One of the most exciting aspects of any Adopt Me pet is its Neon and Mega Neon forms. The Sneak Weasel doesn’t disappoint:
Neon Sneak Weasel (Requires 4 Sneak Weasels = 6,000 Bucks total):
Mega Neon Sneak Weasel (Requires 16 Sneak Weasels = 24,000 Bucks total):
How to Get the Sneak Weasel:
There are three methods to obtain this limited-time pet:
Sneak Weasel Tricks by Age:
Like all Adopt Me pets, the Sneak Weasel learns new tricks as it ages:
| Age Stage | Trick Learned |
|---|---|
| Newborn | Sit |
| Junior | Joyful (Dance) |
| Pre-Teen | Beg |
| Teen | Jump |
| Post-Teen | Trick 1 (Unique trick) |
| Full Grown | Trick 2 (Unique trick) |
Trading Value and Investment Potential:
As a limited-time pet, the Sneak Weasel’s value will likely increase after the event ends. Based on historical trends with similar Rare limited pets, expect:
If you’re a collector or trader, I recommend acquiring at least four Sneak Weasels during the event (one Neon’s worth) to maximize future trading potential.
The German Shepherd is the second new pet and represents the Ultra-Rare tier, requiring Robux to obtain.
German Shepherd Basic Information:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Ultra-Rare |
| Cost | 200 Robux |
| Availability | Available in Shop (may become permanent) |
| Release Date | January 16, 2026 |
| Theme | K9 Police/Inspector |
| Can Be Traded | Yes |
Appearance and Theme:
The German Shepherd perfectly embodies the police/inspector theme of this update:
Is the German Shepherd Worth 200 Robux?
This is a question I’ve been asked repeatedly since the update launched. Here’s my honest assessment:
Reasons to Purchase:
Reasons to Skip:
My recommendation: If you’re a completionist, dog breed collector, or love the police theme, go for it. If you’re primarily interested in the gameplay and earning Bucks, focus on the free Missing Pets activity instead.
Special Interaction:
One cool feature many players miss is that when you equip a Sneak Weasel near a German Shepherd, they perform special interactions together. This adds extra value to owning both pets and creates fun photo opportunities on Adoption Island.
The Inspector Shepherd update introduced three new pet wear items that allow you to customize your pets with the event’s police/detective theme.
Inspector Hat
Inspector Cape
Inspector Siren Collar
Which Pet Wear Should You Buy?
Based on my testing, here’s my ranking:
If you’re actively completing the Missing Pets activity multiple times, you’ll earn enough Bucks to purchase all three items plus several Sneak Weasels within a few days of dedicated play.
The Inspector Shepherd expansion offers one of the most consistent and reliable methods to earn Bucks in Adopt Me. Let me break down exactly how to maximize your earnings.
Let’s calculate realistic earning scenarios based on different play styles:
Casual Player (2 hours daily, 4 completions):
Active Player (4 hours daily, 8 completions):
Dedicated Player (6+ hours daily, 12+ completions):
1. Peak Efficiency Route
My personal route achieves consistent 1-2 minute completion times:
Total time: Under 2 minutes for all three weasels if no competition.
2. Multi-Tasking Approach
While waiting for the 30-minute cooldown, engage in other Buck-earning activities:
This ensures you’re always earning, not just during Missing Pets cycles.
3. Trading Strategy
If you have trading enabled, consider this approach:
This creates a profitable cycle if you’re patient and strategic with trades.
Avoid these errors I see players making repeatedly:
❌ Wandering Without a Plan: Random exploration wastes time. Stick to known spawn locations.
❌ Walking Instead of Using Vehicles: You’ll never compete with mounted players. Always use a fast vehicle.
❌ Ignoring the 30-Minute Cooldown: Hanging around the hub after completing the mission is inefficient. Do other activities while waiting.
❌ Server Overcrowding: If your server has 20+ players all competing for weasels, consider switching servers for better spawn availability.
❌ Buying Pet Wear Before Pets: Prioritize getting your Sneak Weasels first, then spend remaining Bucks on cosmetics.
Beyond the exciting new content, the Inspector Shepherd update included several important bug fixes that improve the overall Adopt Me experience.
Fixed Issues:
These fixes, while not flashy, demonstrate the developers’ commitment to maintaining a smooth experience for all players across different platforms.
While not the primary focus of this update, the Inspector Shepherd expansion also brought improvements to the Trading system in response to Roblox’s chat system changes.
What Changed:
These changes make trading Sneak Weasels and other pets much smoother, which is particularly valuable since this update introduces highly tradeable limited-time content.
According to official announcements, a more comprehensive Trading system overhaul is planned for later in 2026, so consider these current improvements as stepping stones toward an even better trading experience.
Based on patterns from previous Adopt Me events and community discussions, here’s what we might expect from potential expansions to the Inspector Shepherd content:
Possible Week 2 Additions:
Looking Beyond This Update:
The Inspector Shepherd expansion sets a precedent for more dynamic, activity-based events in Adopt Me. I anticipate we’ll see similar mini-game formats in future updates, possibly with different themes:
The Inspector Shepherd expansion update is a limited-time event expected to end around January 30, 2026, approximately two weeks after its January 16, 2026 launch. After this date, the Missing Pets activity and direct purchase of Sneak Weasels may no longer be available.
You can complete the Missing Pets activity once every 30 minutes. The cooldown timer continues even when you’re offline, so you can log back in and immediately participate if enough time has passed.
Each successful completion of the Missing Pets activity rewards you with 50 Bucks. If you catch all three Sneak Weasels and return them to Inspector Shepherd, you receive this reward plus the satisfaction of helping keep Adoption Island safe!
Yes, the Sneak Weasel is a limited-time pet introduced specifically for the Inspector Shepherd update. Once the event ends, you likely won’t be able to purchase it directly with Bucks from Henry the Handler. You’ll need to trade with other players or hope for its return in future events.
Yes! The Sneak Weasel can be hatched from eggs as a Rare-tier pet. Basic Eggs have a 4% chance of hatching a Rare pet, while Crystal Eggs increase this to 30%. However, direct purchase from the event hub at 1,500 Bucks is the most reliable method.
Inspector Shepherd and Henry the Handler are located between the Hospital and School on Adoption Island. This central location is easy to access from most parts of the map and serves as your base for the Missing Pets activity.
No! The Missing Pets activity is completely free to play. You don’t need any Robux to participate, find weasels, and earn Bucks. The only Robux purchase in this update is the German Shepherd pet, which costs 200 Robux but is entirely optional.
No, you must catch and return each Sneak Weasel individually to Inspector Shepherd. This is a critical detail that affects your route planning and completion time. After catching one weasel, return it immediately before hunting the next one.
If you don’t catch all three weasels before the event cycle ends or before other players catch them, you can try again during the next CODE RED alert after the 30-minute cooldown. There’s no penalty for incomplete attempts except missing the potential Buck reward.
While not officially confirmed, the German Shepherd may remain available in the Shop even after the Inspector Shepherd event ends, as it’s a Robux purchase rather than a limited-time Buck purchase. However, this isn’t guaranteed, so collectors should purchase it during the event if interested.
Yes! Sneak Weasels can be traded just like any other pet in Adopt Me. Given their limited-time availability, they may become valuable trading assets after the event ends, especially Neon and Mega Neon versions.
To create a Neon Sneak Weasel, you need to obtain four Sneak Weasels (costing 6,000 Bucks total if purchased directly), age all four to Full Grown, and then combine them at the Neon Cave. The Neon version glows light blue on the stripes and is significantly more valuable for trading.
While not officially documented, community reports suggest that completing the Missing Pets activity faster may increase your Buck rewards slightly. Even if this isn’t the case, faster completion allows you to move on to other activities sooner, maximizing your overall Buck-earning potential.
Fast motorcycles and bikes work excellent for tight navigation around Adoption Island, while cars are better for longer distances. Flying pets can also work well but remember you need to land to catch the weasels. Choose based on your personal preference and what’s readily available in your inventory.
Absolutely! Teaming up with friends can make the Missing Pets activity more fun and efficient. You can coordinate to cover different areas of the island simultaneously, increasing your chances of finding all three weasels quickly, especially on crowded servers.
I recommend prioritizing Sneak Weasels if you want the limited-time pet, especially aiming for at least four to create a Neon version. After securing your pets, purchase the Inspector Siren Collar (2,500 Bucks) for its unique light effect, then the remaining pet wear items if you have Bucks to spare.
The Inspector Shepherd expansion represents one of the most engaging and rewarding updates Adopt Me has released in early 2026. The combination of free, repeatable Buck earnings, adorable limited-time pets, and dynamic gameplay creates an experience that appeals to both casual players and dedicated collectors.
After spending extensive time with this update, here are my final recommendations:
For New Players: Focus exclusively on completing the Missing Pets activity as many times as possible during the two-week event window. The free Buck earnings will jumpstart your Adopt Me economy, and the Sneak Weasel is an excellent limited pet to add to your growing collection.
For Casual Players: Aim to complete the activity at least 2-3 times daily to earn enough Bucks for one or two Sneak Weasels plus your favorite pet wear item. Don’t stress about maximizing every cycle—enjoy the gameplay and the satisfaction of helping Inspector Shepherd.
For Dedicated Players: This is your opportunity to stockpile Sneak Weasels for future Neon and Mega Neon creations. Aim for at least four (one Neon’s worth) but consider going for eight or more if you’re serious about trading. The time investment now will pay off significantly when the event ends and these pets become unavailable.
For Collectors: Purchase everything: multiple Sneak Weasels, the German Shepherd, and all three pet wear items. These limited-time items will become increasingly rare and valuable as time passes. Prioritize completing your Inspector Shepherd collection before the event ends.
The Inspector Shepherd expansion proves that Adopt Me continues to innovate with fresh content that respects players’ time and offers both free and premium options. Whether you’re grinding for Bucks, collecting limited pets, or simply enjoying the thrill of the hunt, this update delivers on multiple fronts.
Mark your calendars, set your alarms for those 30-minute cycles, and get ready to help Inspector Shepherd wrangle those mischievous Sneak Weasels. The Bucks are waiting, the pets are adorable, and Adoption Island needs heroes like you to keep it safe!
