So... I don't think I am alone when I say I like to see animal companions in the game. My current character is a ranger and he would look good with a snow sabre cat by his side. They would of course work like any other follower; they can be assign to attack, wait and so on.

Maybe there could be an illegal animal pen somewhere outside Riften or far out somewhere in the mountains of The Reach where you could buy animals by some shady dude in a hood

Possible animals that I think would work and not be "to much" is sabre cats, wolfs and bears. And they would not be cheap, maybe 3000-10000 gold per animal.

This would not be to hard for Bethesda to fix in a future patch, right?

This is great, I hope they'll add this for hunters in expansions or at least in the next game. I'd like an eagle that sits on my shoulder and attacks at my command The pets could have their own level ups and perks.

I have a Tiger/Sabrecat. Unfortunately its a mod .
There should be a patch that allows console players to get more exotic animal companions. I love dogs IRL but the ones in game are a bit rubbish.

Well it would be harrd to 'fix' because it isn't a bug or a glitch.

There ARE animal followers you can have. Just not the ones you personally 'want'.