I think Epic Pets will battle, but it will be different to raise them to Epic (Since stoneing 500+ pets would be freakin insane) I would be fine with something along the lines of all rare battle pets gaining access to another 5 levels, then at 30 instead of gaining a new skill they become Epic and ...
A DM pet+sewer rat and my scorchling is yours if you're interested. also if you want a ginvite to my guild so you can grind out the rep for your thundering serpent hatchling let me know.