I think one thing that might help is asking those that want to keep a pet as MM what would aid them in accepting the pet less style that Blizzard is going for, I posted this idea in another topic, and this is what I have to say on such, copied here for discussion in the appropriate thread:
My aim was to cover the bases of survivability, utility and the idea that some don’t want the eagle as well as some want the pet visual or as a non-combat entity for whatever reason,