I've read on the Wiki and other places that you can also purchase pets or your home...

If that's true, where do you get them? And what kind of animals are they?

Thanks.

Well I don't know about buying them, but your kids will sometimes come home with an animal and ask you if they can keep it. Also I had Bran the dog from Fort Dawnguard with me when I went to my house and my son asked if he could keep it, and now when I dismiss it as a follower it sticks around the house.

Oh that's cool, thanks.