The phrase "animal sidekick" refers to a fictional animal character who helps and supports a main character in stories or movies. They often have special abilities or provide comic relief. Full definition
(There's even a cute animal sidekick in the form of dopey stray dog Dante.) (upcomingdiscs.com)
It's true that Coco hits a few too many familiar beats, particularly in its opening minutes, which play like Moana en Español — impossible dream, disapproving family, doofy animal sidekick, questionable cultural sensitivity and all. (vanityfair.com)
Yep, this is Aardman's first sports movie, filtered through director Park's specific sensibility of slapstick foolishness, with deadpan animal sidekicks, endless puns and actors like Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams, Timothy Spall and Miriam Margolyes having a lovely time lending their voices to his buck - toothed, beady - eyed Plasticine characters. (nowtoronto.com)