Traveling With Dogs to Hermann: How to Be a Great Guest With a Pet or Guide

Traveling With Dogs to Hermann, Missouri

Traveling With Dogs to Hermann, Missouri

Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience—for you, your pet, and your host—when it’s done thoughtfully.

At The Mercantile on the Katy Trail, we truly love welcoming furry companions. Over the years, however, we’ve also learned—sometimes the hard way—that good intentions don’t replace good etiquette.

This guide is here to help pet owners understand what it really means to be a great guest when traveling with a dog.

The Core Principle: You’re Sharing Space

When you are traveling with dogs to Hermann, Missouri, it’s not just about you and your pet. You’re sharing space with:

• Other guests who also deserve quiet enjoyment

• Housekeepers and maintenance vendors doing their jobs

• Property owners responsible for long-term care of the space and all guests

Good pet etiquette is about respecting all of those people at the same time.

Common Issues Hosts Experience (and Why They Matter)

These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re real situations hosts encounter regularly.

Excessive Hair

A little dog hair is expected. Hair everywhere—on bedding, furniture, rugs, and drapes—is not.

Excessive shedding often leads to:

• Extra cleaning time

• Specialized equipment

• Additional cleaning fees

Brushing your dog before arrival makes a bigger difference than most owners realize.

Permanently Soiled Linens & Furniture

Urine, feces, or repeated accidents can permanently damage:

• Mattresses

• Upholstered furniture

• Area rugs

When items cannot be restored, replacement—not cleaning—is required.

Barking While You’re Away

One of the most disruptive issues is barking in the suite while guests are out at dinner.

If your dog:

• Has separation anxiety

• Is reactive in unfamiliar spaces

• Barks when left alone

…it’s your responsibility to plan accordingly (crate training, pet sitters, taking the dog with you, or choosing outings wisely).

Unleashed Pets

Unleashed dogs are never acceptable in shared or public spaces.

We have experienced:

• Dogs growling at staff and vendors

• Dogs approaching other guests uninvited

• Dogs behaving protectively in unfamiliar environments

Even friendly dogs can react unpredictably in new places.

Know Your Breed (and Your Dog)

Breed traits matter.

Naturally protective or working breeds may:

• Guard unfamiliar spaces

• React to strangers entering “their” area

• Become stressed in tight quarters

Being honest about your dog’s temperament isn’t judgment—it’s responsible ownership.

Furniture Etiquette: A Simple Rule of Thumb

Unless explicitly stated otherwise:

• Keep dogs off furniture and beds

• Use pet blankets if your dog is accustomed to being on furniture at home

• Never assume “they’re small” or “they don’t shed” makes a difference

Future guests should never be able to tell a pet stayed before them.

What to Bring When Traveling With a Dog

Prepared guests are the best guests.

Consider bringing:

• A crate or kennel (even if rarely used at home)

• Your dog’s own bed or blanket and their favorite bowl

• Lint rollers or a small vaccuum or dog hair mitts

• Waste bags (and use them every time)

• Towels specifically for muddy paws

• Familiar toys to reduce anxiety

Planning for your dog’s needs prevents anxiety, stress, and issues before they start.

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals: Etiquette Still Applies

This is important—and often misunderstood.

While legitimate service animals are protected under law:

• They must remain under control at all times

• They must remain with their owner at all times

• They may not bark excessively, act aggressively, or damage property

If a service or emotional support animal causes significant damage or disruption, hosts may still charge for:

• Actual damages

• Excessive cleaning

• Replacement of destroyed items

Accommodation does not mean exemption from responsibility.

What It Means to Be a Truly Great Guest With a Pet

A great pet guest:

• Plans ahead

• Respects shared space

• Manages their dog’s behavior proactively

• Accepts responsibility when things go wrong

When guests do this, traveling with dogs works beautifully—for everyone.

We Love Dogs—And We Love Great Guests

At The Mercantile on the Katy Trail, we welcome well-mannered pets and responsible owners. When care and consideration come first, dogs are part of what makes travel richer—not harder.

🐾 Travel thoughtfully.

🗝 Respect shared spaces.

📍 Book your stay at the Mercantile on the Katy Trail.

We’re happy to host you—and your furry companions—when everyone’s comfort is part of the plan. We love our furry guests!