Animal Companion Spell-Like Abilities

[imneuromancer]

Is there any reason why an animal companion would not be able to cast spell-like abilities that they gain from feats?

As long as they have the feat pre-reqs and one recognizes the limitations of their ability scores (i.e. save DCs may stink), could the animal be trained to use that ability?

As to being able to cast because of physical ability: "A spell-like ability has no verbal, somatic, or material component, nor does it require a focus or have an XP cost. The user activates it mentally. Armor never affects a spell-like ability’s use, even if the ability resembles an arcane spell with a somatic component. "

[Coidzor]

Magical beasts that can't speak and are pretty dumb can use their spell like abilities.

To get a really rock-solid case you'd have to find a magical beast with spell like abilities that it activates that has an Int of 1-2, but I really doubt that'd be necessary to convince any DM who'd actually let animal companions be allowed to take those feats in the first place.

Mostly because any DM that would allow you to set feats on fire like that by having them be taken and then not allowed to be used would likely be discarded as a cad.

[hex0]

Although if you played an Arcane Hierophant your Animal Companion would also be your familiar....and thus would be smart enough.