Questions about pets

Either the search function isn't working or I am doing something wrong, and the Ultimate Pet Guide really isn't all that ultimate IMO. I have the following questions about Ranger pets.

1. I read that we think all pets have the same base damage, if this is true then besides damage types and appearance what is different about animals? Base HPs?

2. Do I have to find someone to take my pet each time I want a new one? If I go out of town without my charm animal skill equiped will this release the pet or is the animal still linked to my character for when I requip the skill?

3. If I release my animal and get a new one does this one start at base level? I would assume this is true, and from what I understand starting level is 5. MY real question here is about leveling up an animal. Is it like leveling a character, where starting a new animal and leveling it in a higher level zone will bring it up to par with my character faster? ie: is exp gained by my animal a direct percentage of my exp gained or do they gain on their own, and how does the defeated targets level play into this?

Thanks in advance

1.) There is no difference other than damage type and skin. Just like a gladius=a fellblade, a wolf=a dune lizard.

2.) If you want a new pet you must go to the animal tamer who will take your pet, permanently. If you take Charm animal off your skill bar you won't have your pet with you that instance, but your pet is still linked to your character, and the next time you equip charm animal you will again travel with your pet.

3.) Your new pet will start at whatever level it is where you find it. You could tame a level 3 Moa south of Ascalon, a level 5 Snow Wolf in the North Shiverpeaks, a level 15 Elder Wolf in the South Shiverpeaks or a level 20 Black Widow in the Underworld. I haven't tested experience gain for them really, but they do seem to level quite fast in high level areas - I brought my Moa from level 3 to level 20 in a day (~7 hours of play?) killing level 22+ enemies.

Excellent. Thank you very much