A Ranger (level 3 Neutral Good Human) in my 5e campaign commanded his panther companion to follow him into a city. I was surprised that the player made this choice since I had assumed the companion would stay in the wilds and be reunited once again. While the panther was reluctant to do so, it nervously followed. A bribe was needed at the city gate. The companion was acquired in the last session, and the session ended as the party entered the city. The party has not decided what plot leads to follow next, but their adventures so far have been contained to urban adventures and dungeons discovered within the city.
In the next session, there are a few options that I can use with regards to this companion, such as the Ranger becoming highly conspicuous while travelling along city streets and attracting a following of street urchins and also becoming the focus of unwanted attention from undesirable NPCs.
How are Ranger companions usually handled within city / urban environments? Are Ranger companions usually allowed within cities? What situations have arisen in your campaign when companions are brought into cities? What situations have arisen and what rules have been applied in these situations?