It doesn't seem to be working. Anyone know a way around this? My summoning theme is default.
Domain perks only function for the primary (first) selected domain. If you selected something over Animal first then that may be the issue. I am uncertain otherwise as it is currently working on another player's character.
I know that in the first couple days of the PC it was working, and since it starts with 'A' and is at the top of the list, I probably did select it first.
Does using an item to summon a critter from a different theme break it?
It does indeed. If you use a temporary or even permanent theme adjustment it often breaks the animal domain boost permanently. Sadly it's not bug reported, so you might go that way now ;P
Ah, animal domain. The epic choice for pwn cleric summoners.
The above is right AFAIK. For example, if you choose plant domain after animal the summoning focus is plant.