What do you get from pets?

Pets give you an extra buff on your marching troops. However, the first available pet (Deer) is very useful especially during your first few weeks in the game, as it shaves off a lot time in your build and research. Additionally, making sure that you always send your pet deer in patrol missions will reward you with the lion-bait items that are necessary to unlock the Lion pet (you'll need 1200 pcs) -- that will greatly boost the attack of your marching troops.