Ranger pets seem like a touchy subject at a lot of tables I've been to. Players seem to feel like the pets are an extension of their character. DMs see them as NPCs they can use to get to the ranger. Definitely worth a session zero discussion.
— Nate (@renegadenate) October 10, 2019
Your companion creature in D&D—whether a familiar, a beast companion, or something else—is both a monster/NPC and an extension of your character. Whatever can happen to a creature—beneficial or harmful—can happen to your companion, unless a rule says otherwise. #DnD https://t.co/uatGyWhDia
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) October 10, 2019