Traveling with Three Newfoundlands: What Makes the Perfect Dog-Friendly Stay

Traveling with one dog takes planning. Traveling with three giant, loveable Newfoundland dogs? That’s a whole different level of preparation — and joy. If you’ve ever shared your life with a Newf, you already know: they aren’t just pets, they’re family. And when we hit the road, we want accommodations that recognize that too.

Over the years, we’ve developed a pretty clear checklist of what makes a stay truly dog friendly, not just dog tolerant. We’re not looking for token gestures or a half-hearted “pets welcome” policy. We want places that open their doors and hearts to our four-legged companions.

Imagine our delight when we found Winterland Cottage in the heart of Big Bear, our favorite mountain retreat. Winterland Cottage was made with pups in mind. Our dogs were greeted with a welcome basket of treats, stainless steel dog bowls were ready in the kitchen, and there wasn’t a single carpet in sight! Huge plus!

We put together some tips of things that we feel genuinely separate a dog welcoming host from the “others” hope this is helpful for everyone travelling with their four legged friends

1. Genuinely Dog-Friendly Accommodation

We’re not just asking for tolerance. We want to stay somewhere that welcomes our dogs like any other family member. If a place refers to dogs as "guests" and not "exceptions," that’s a great sign.

2. No Extra Fees Just for Bringing Dogs

Charging extra just because you bring your dog doesn’t sit right with us. We clean up after our dogs, we bring their bedding, and we respect the property. Just like any other family traveling, we expect to pay a fair rate — not a premium because our companions have fur.

3. No Maximum Number of Dogs (Within Reason)

We’re not expecting to turn a cabin into a kennel, but having three dogs shouldn’t immediately disqualify us from staying somewhere. A blanket “2 dogs max” policy just isn’t practical for multi-dog families, especially those with large breeds. Trust that we know how to manage them respectfully.

4. No Weight Limit

This one always makes us laugh. Our dogs are each 100+ pounds of sweetness, and yes, they’re big. But they’re often calmer and more well-behaved than their smaller counterparts. A place that says “dogs under 25 lbs only” clearly isn’t thinking about the behavior of the dog, just the size. That’s a big miss.

5. A Secure, Fenced Yard

This is a game changer. Being able to let the dogs safely stretch their legs in a secure yard is a dream. It gives peace of mind to us and freedom to them. Bonus points if there’s shade and room to lounge.

6. Doggie Toys and Beds

We come prepared with everything our Newfs need including gear built for their size. But we truly appreciate those hosts that cater for our smaller furry friends with dog beds and toys.

For our giant breeds, we look for information. Maps of nearby hiking trails, where to safely swim our water loving Newfs and a list of restaurants that allow dogs on the patio? That’s gold.

7. Vet Info — Just in Case

We always hope to never need it, but knowing where the nearest veterinary clinic is especially a 24-hour one gives us peace of mind. Responsible hosts include emergency contact info for human emergencies. We deeply appreciate the ones who think to include our dogs in that too.

Dogs Are Family — Please Treat Them That Way

We don’t leave our dogs behind because they’re not an afterthought. They’re not just “extras” on our trip, they are the trip. We’re looking for places that understand that and reflect it in their policies, communication, and attitude.

When a host truly embraces that philosophy, we remember. We return. And we recommend.

Because at the end of the day, we’re not just traveling with dogs — we’re traveling as a family.