The totem animal energy is much larger than 'pet' energy - but I do think you are subconsciously connecting with your totem by choosing pets that share some of the qualities of your totem.

BTW - in order to fully explore your totem you need to understand its shadow-side - its dangerous/powerful/destructive side. You cannot hope to work with your totem fully without understanding this because this is where a lot of your self-awareness will come from.