If I charm an animal he can fight by my side?

@kelben_guru @JeremyECrawford @ChrisPerkinsDnDif i charm an animal with animal friendship, he can fight by my side? Need some skill check? no – charm effect isn't that powerful

— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) March 23, 2016

@kelben_guru @JeremyECrawford @ChrisPerkinsDnD yes, except in self-defense for both (enemy attacks charmed target)

— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) March 23, 2016