Instead of a creature being released from the effects of animal empathy automatically, can something be implemented where a roll is made to continue to keep them dominated? True, it isn't a very big deal to re-AE a creature, especially if you're a druid, but sometimes it can create targeting issues where animals always consider allies hostile and so forth. It'd be neat if we had a chance to continue to keep them dominated, even if it isn't with a take-20 roll to avoid such difficulties.
Pretty sure that A.E is hard coded and cannot be changed - Might be wrong though.
It's a very small price to pay for such power. The occasional cave prowler or such leaving your control (if you regularly use the ability you really should be somewhat aware of how long it works) is a small price to pay to be able to use Cave Bears and Deep Lizards to do your dirty work, or if you are a nature-lover, send it off.
Frankly, I'm amazed this ability is not more abused.
I can say from experience it is an incredibly powerful tool if used correctly.
Since nobody actually RPs AE, I think it is a very small trade-off to have to actually keep an eye on it mechanically in order to maintain your control over a wild animal.