IQ 5 Wolf - Pet, Ally, or Familiar?

[Trainik]

Hey everyone!

One more question for today (I hope). One of my characters has two wolfdogs as pets, and both have had their IQ raised to 5 (genetic engineering). They're extremely loyal and obedient, but not linked (technologically or magically) to him in any way. Under signature gear the rulebook says: "It is up to the GM whether to treat android companions, faithful steeds, custom vehicles, etc. as equipment (with a cash cost) or characters (with a point cost)."

What would be the difference between equipment or characters in this case? In either case I think I play as the wolves (he doesn't get to control them). There are obvious differences (frequency of appearance), but assuming that those are all equal, what ends up changing rules-wise?

Bottom line: I know it is up to me, but I'm not sure what each choice will entail.

Thanks!