are pets useful in pvp?

im a mesmer/ranger.

The only thing I use ranger for right now is basically the pet. I'll probably use distracting shot or some such in pvp... but I'm wondering if giving 1 slot up for charm animal would be worth it in pvp?

I like having the 1 slot be a benign buff basically, I don't have to click it or have energy for it, its always helping me out. But does that remain true in pvp? or do people just ignore pets basically...

I've never been able to tell how much damage my pet does, but my guess would be not much ><

pets in pvp - plausible or stupid?

the short answer?

No. Not worth it.

lol I have one just to be an anoyance mostly, but overall they are useless.

Nothing like a giant chicken clawing your face as your trying to cast heal.

The moa's "whistling" is the most annoying part about it. The damage doesn't bother me

A better answer is that they are a huge detriment. If you pet dies, your skills are disabled for 8? seconds. Pets almost become a higher priority then the their ranger owners.

I just use complete ranger skills and I find em useful only if you have the pet shout skills, or feral pounce or whatever it's called, the one that adds +10 damage and bleeding to your enemy. Which only costs 5 mana which is much more mana effiecient then using powershot for example. And the shouts that add armour penetration and healing cause they can be used WHILE your pulling off a powershot or something simultaniously. I've found my damage has gone up since I been using those skills.

i use a pet constantly in PvE but for the above mentioned reason, I'm seriously debating NOT using it in PvP when i give it a go. Im like you, im a ranger/mesmer though and only use the pet as ranger skill and stick to things like energy burn or conjure phantasm.

having said that if you decided to use a couple of pet skills and can heal it nicely it may turn out to be useful against players.