So, my players wanted to summon ferrets. I let the cleric make a spellcraft roll (DC 20 + spell level, off the top of my head) to summon 1d4+1 ferrets using summon monster 3.
I hope I haven't set a bad precedent. Does that seem like something that could lead to unfortunate consequences?
Additionally, the players have interest in using summons for utility but they rarely last long enough to do anything outside of combat. Any advice there?
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If the ferrets don't have abilities better than what could normally be called up with that spell (or, better yet, are flat out inferior choices, made for flavor reasons), I don't imagine it would be much of a problem.
Some sort of feat or different spell allowing a longer-term summons, that is explicitly not usable for combat (compare the horse summoned via a Mount spell) could make for a summoning utility option.
If, for instance, the character wanted to order his celestial eagle to deliver a message across town or a fiendish fire beetle to walk along beside him like a mobile torch, you could either allow it as a spell variant that summons the critter for 1 hour / level, but has no combat application.
Alternately, he could have a feat that allowed him to maintain one such summoning spell via Concentration (if usable in combat) or for an hour / level duration (if not usable in combat).
Perhaps even some sort of caster level check might be required, as it represents an unusual application of the spell, with a chance of the spell just working normally, or failing to be cast, requiring him to try again or something.
An item based variation could be a small adjustable collar that is quickly leashed onto the summoned critter, and as long as it is kept on them, they can't attack, but can be used for other tasks. If they die, the critter vanishes normally, and the leash falls off and can be re-used.
Does that seem like something that could lead to unfortunate consequences?
Dear god man! They are going to poop on the carpet, chew through your new shoes, and steal your car keys! Then they are going to nip you, play for a little while and take a long nap.
I have had a half dozen pet ferrets over the years, and really miss having them around. I'll try to stat up the "chaos weasel" outsider they inspired for 3.5.
Additionally, the players have interest in using summons for utility but they rarely last long enough to do anything outside of combat. Any advice there?
Conjuration wizard specialist, extend spell metamagic, or just using the planar ally, or planar binding spells. Alternately, you could allow for advanced familiars, or even very non-standard hirelings or cohorts. To add to Set's great ideas, you could also create some new spells based off of mount, unseen servant, and faithful hound.
I would readily allow someone to summon an alternative critter, provided they used the stats of a similar existing monster on the summon list.
For example, they could summon ferrets, but we would use rat stats.