If I am a Sacred Huntsmaster Inquisitor, I gain Animal Companion (Ex), the regular animal companion class ability.
As an Inquisitor I have a Domain so the Domain I choose is Scalykind Domain, specifically the Saurian Subdomain, which gives me Dinosaur Companion (Ex):
"At 4th level, you gain the service of a loyal animal companion. Your effective druid level for this animal companion is equal to your cleric level – 2. You may only choose a dinosaur as your companion."
So do I now have a pet at my level, and a pet at my level -2? I assume you cannot use Boon Companion RAW because this isn't the animal companion class feature but a 'dinosaur companion', and the feat specifies animal companions. Scalykind core also has a "Serpent Companion (Ex)" which is basically the same but its a weaker snake instead of a dinosaur.
Alternatively, if I took the Animal Domain instead of Saurian, it gives me the Animal Companion (Ex) class feature. Do multiple sources of the same named class ability stack? Or can you only have "Animal Companion (Ex)" for one single source? If I can have Animal Companion twice, one at my level and one at -4, can I use Boon Companion on it to bring them both up to my level?
pretty sure multiple instances of animal companions just stack onto the current AC you have. 1 per character unless your a pack lord.
I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, I just want to find the rule that says that so I can read it for myself. Until then, looking at Pack Lord, I can't really find anything that says 'No two pets.'
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i am going to say this right now, you might want to talk to your GM. This is one of those things which might work by RAW, but is obviously unbalancing and would likely get shut down by your GM.
That said, I dont think this works. under the rules for a druids animal companion, the rules say this:
If a character receives an animal companion from more than one source, her effective druid levels stack for the purposes of determining the statistics and abilities of the companion.
The language is very inclusive. this applies to any character who gains an animal companion. You happen to have found a case where the same class could grant you 2 animal companions, but that phrase suggests you only get one companion out of it.
On the other hand, you could get a full level saurian companion without a feat
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All animal companions act as the Druid class feature unless specifically noted otherwise.
The Druid's animal companion class feature says:
Class Level: This is the character's druid level. The druid's class levels stack with levels of any other classes that are entitled to an animal companion for the purpose of determining the companion's statistics.
You only get a single animal companion. You use the appropriate effective class levels of all eligible classes to calculate the level based abilities and powers of that one animal companion
That sounds about, looking at the Druid's wording itself. So it doesn't double up, but it does essentially give the Saurian full level without Boon Companion which it technically maybe can't use.
If the animal is on both class lists it stacks, if it isn't you have two animal companions. This is not recommended for a number of reasons. If you have overlap use it to have a single effective companion.
This FAQ is relevant.
Basically, if you are selecting a creature which both classes can select, then it stacks. If you are selecting a creature that both classes cannot select, then it does not stack and they count as separate abilities.
If you want multiple companions, your best bet is to get them from these sources: (1) Animal Companion, (2) Familiar, (3) Eidolon, (4) Shadowdancer Shadow Companion, and (5) Cohort.
Your main problem will be advancing these companions so that they do not get weaker and weaker, compared with other members of your party, as you advance levels.
For a homebrew solution, check out the Animal Whisperer prestige class in my new free PDF eBook of Pathfinder Prestige Classes.