diff --git a/main.rc b/main.rc
index e3d3fdc..2e99e5f 100644
--- a/main.rc
+++ b/main.rc
@@ -127,8 +127,7 @@ OPTIONS=whatis_coord:c
 {% endif %}
 OPTIONS=!implicit_uncursed
 
-{%- if base37 %}
-
+{% if base37 %}
 {% if comments %}
 # tutorial: play a tutorial level at the start of the game
 {% endif %}
@@ -150,7 +149,8 @@ OPTIONS=!tips
 OPTIONS=showdamage
 
 OPTIONS=cond_held,cond_ice,cond_lava,cond_woundedlegs,cond_slip
-{% endif %}
+
+{% endif -%}
 
 {% if comments %}
 # paranoid_confirmation: space-separated list of specific situations where alternate prompting is desired
diff --git a/pergame.rc b/pergame.rc
index 63ffd3b..22ad937 100644
--- a/pergame.rc
+++ b/pergame.rc
@@ -3,13 +3,19 @@
 {% endif %}
 {{ "# " if not nobones }}OPTIONS=!bones
 
-{{ "# " if not nopet }}OPTIONS=!pet
+{% if comments %}
+# pettype: specify starting pet
+{% endif %}
+{{ "# " if not nopet }}OPTIONS=pettype:none
 
+{% if base37 %}
 {% if comments %}
 # pauper: start character with no items, skills, spells, or discoveries
 {% endif %}
 {{ "# " if not pauper }}OPTIONS=pauper
 
+{% endif -%}
+
 {% if comments %}
 # nudist: start character with no armor
 {% endif %}