I too would like to see both. A user reward that is similar to the current breeding licenses. Badges (maybe tiered) for each area. Like a Craiss Cavern badge, copper, silver and gold for X number of posts in that area total. Something like that. Maybe achieving those badges could give a bonus to stats in that area (+1 per level for your pets in that area for whatever the stat is that the area gives) and the image of a badge, same as breedings. Maybe a tie into the saloon somehow, like a permnnent 5ks discount or something like that. Not sure.
For pets, I think it would be really cool if they got individual points, maybe based on levels achieved or something, that could be traded in for "exclusive" add ons or something? I mean that might be hard, since the way add ons work are you pay for it you buy it right now... So for example an adventurer earned scar could never be standardized special, since anyone could ask for one just like it at this point...
But it would be cool if they could get "special" add ons that were limited to those who can achieve them. Like a special, logo'd set of items for explorers only. That or maybe special access to a special store with interesting items. Like maybe as a super adventurer in Idalani you have access to "God Cleansed Water" that allows for a breeding to guaranteed reach a maximum litter size + 1 EVERY TIME. Your pet can only retrieve it because they are so skilled, and know Idalani so well, etc. "Oapl Sand" from the desert that can scrub the colour from any pet to create an opalescent coat, only obtainable by the toughest explorer of the desert etc. etc.