Having combat pets would indeed make stuff way too complicated. I suggest non-combat pets that would give slight bonuses to their master.
For instance, a Javing would flap around, occasionally disarming your enemies and making them fail more often. An Izam would increase your radar range and allow you to spot aggresive mobs (by showing them as different color). A Yubo would guard you as you dig, issuing a warning cry whenever a dangerous mob comes close. A Yelk would give a prospection range bonus. An Arma would randomly deflect some of the enemy attacks. You can, of course, only have one pet, and you have to keep it for a long time in order to unlock all the abilities in full.