Familiars may be defined on items. They are always short term. When summoned they will last for no more than two days. They normally have no stats and only the capabilities defined on the item. This means they are not avatars.
By using an item to cast a spell, pets may be charmed animals. When an animal is charmed the charm will only last for at most one day. This can be increased by charming the animal again after the charm has completed. Each time the animal is charmed in succession it will double the time the animal is charmed. After ten times the animal is permanently charmed.
Animals can be very smart, but it is important to remember that this is a single life feral animal. It may protect its master and follow orders but there is no mind link. If it dies from any problems or is abused to the point that it does not like its master, it is gone.
Animals raised from babies can be imprinted and very loyal. Domesticated animals may want to stay with their master for life, but it is important to understand they depend on the master and will be very sad if not taken care of. Non-domesticated animals are still feral and when they reach adulthood, they will leave the nest.