As an aside, I'd like permanent talk with animals too for it. I know it's not pnp friendly, but this isn't pnp. Either as a truly permanent thing, or akin to how warlocks get it as a cantrip.
I dunno about being able to speak with it, but I'd definitely like it to be more immersive out of combat. All these animals should have their own Perception checks as many of them get advantage due to their keen senses trait. Just add some sound effects for each pet's "get your attention" reaction when it passes a perception check and maybe a dialogue line from the ranger to the effect of "What is? Did you find something?" before revealing the hidden thing.
Maybe it could also get some perception checks we don't get, like when you enter the druid's grove. Your pet should be able to warn you something is up about those mice even if it can't communicate exactly what that is.
That would make Beast Tamer and Beastmaster rangers have unique interactions with animals through their pet that isn't reliant on a spell slot but without invalidating that spell.
