So there are two feats in the toolbox. It is pretty clear you are supposed to use feats to get these but there is a 3rd option the fiery leopard. Can a Druid or Ranger get this by just making the skill checks or do they have to take the animal companion feat? What if they already have an animal companion?
They need the feat and can only have one animal companion at a time..
Eh, this link is for 1st edition but the RP advice is the same..