Staying at Getaway House with Multiple Dogs: Honest Review & Realistic Space Tips

Quick Answer: Yes, you can stay at a Getaway House with multiple dogs. Getaway officially recommends 1 to 2 dogs because cabins run 140 to 200 sq ft, but three well-mannered small dogs can absolutely make it work. There is a flat $50 pet cleaning fee per stay (not per dog, not per night), and dogs must stay leashed outside the cabin.

Traveling with our pups is hands down our family’s favorite thing to do, but packing up for a weekend getaway with three dogs always feels like a full-blown moving day.

Between our 14-year-old senior dog who is still obsessed with trail walks and sniffing out every corner, and our two energetic 3-year-olds who lose their minds over every single pinecone, picking the right spot takes a lot of careful thought.

Every time I saw those iconic picture window photos of Getaway cabins on Instagram, I couldn’t help but wonder: “Can three dogs actually relax in a tiny 140 to 200 sq ft cabin without driving us crazy?” Or, “are we going to be that loud neighbor bothering everyone else?”

If you have multiple dogs and have been hesitating for the exact same reasons, this post is for you. Beyond a simple journal entry or dry rule sheet, I wanted to share our real experience and practical tips you can actually use.

Here is our honest review of spending a peaceful weekend with three dogs at Getaway Big Bear in Running Springs, California, along with how we made the small space work effortlessly.

Where is Getaway Big Bear Located?

Getaway Big Bear is nestled in Running Springs, California, tucked high up in the scenic San Bernardino Mountains. It feels peaceful and deep in the forest, yet it is a straightforward drive whether you are coming from Southern California or Las Vegas.

📍 Address: 2001 Wilderness Rd, Running Springs, CA 92382

Getaway House Dog Policy & Pet Fees

Before booking, the pet policy was the first thing we checked. Compared to standard hotels or typical vacation rentals, Getaway is genuinely dog-friendly, and their rules are straightforward and reasonable.

• Number of Dogs: Officially, Getaway suggests 1 to 2 dogs due to the cozy size of the cabins (around 140 to 200 sq ft). However, if your dogs are well-mannered and you manage the layout smart, staying with 3 small dogs is totally doable.
• Flat Pet Fee: Instead of charging per night or per pet, Getaway charges a flat $50 cleaning fee for your entire stay. Even if you stay multiple nights, you only pay it once, which makes it super budget-friendly for multi-dog parents.
• Leash Requirement: You must keep your dogs on a leash whenever you are outside the cabin. It keeps the local wildlife safe and respects the quiet privacy of neighboring cabins.

Tiny Cabin Reality: Is It Too Small for 3 Dogs?

Getaway cabins are compact, container-style spaces, around 140 to 200 square feet. When we first walked in, the bathroom definitely felt a bit tight. But the overall layout is so well-designed and functional that our family of two adults and three dogs spent two nights without ever feeling cramped.

The Queen Bed & The Signature Picture Window

The queen bed takes up a big chunk of the floor plan, right next to the massive picture window. The calming mood this window creates is hard to put into words. For our 14-year-old pup, lying on the soft, warm bed while watching the tall pines and birds in the sun was pure therapy. The two younger ones loved curling up next to us too, quietly watching nature instead of getting restless.

Utilizing the Hallway Floor Space

There is a narrow walkway between the bed, the mini kitchen, and the bathroom door. During the day, laying down a thin travel mat or dog bed gives the younger dogs their own cozy corner to snooze in without getting under your feet while you move around.

5 Practical Packing Tips for Multi-Dog Families

1. Bring an Extra Bed Cover or Large Throw Blanket
   Getaway provides crisp, clean white bedding. If your dogs love jumping on the bed, throw a large blanket over the duvet as soon as you check in. It saves you from worrying about dusty paws or loose fur after outdoor trail walks.
2. Set Up a Paw Towel Right by the Door
   Mountain trails are full of loose dirt, pine needles, and morning dew. Keeping a microfiber paw towel right inside the entrance makes it super easy to wipe their feet every time they come back in, keeping the tiny floor clean and dry.
3. Pre-Portion Food and Treats at Home
   Counter space and mini-fridge capacity are limited inside the cabin. Portioning each meal into individual zip-top bags before leaving home saves tons of fridge space and makes mealtime quick and mess-free. (If your crew eats homemade food like ours does, our [Homemade Fresh Dog Food Recipe guide] has a freezer-portioning trick that travels really well.)
4. Pack Warm Sweaters & Extra Blankets for Chilly Nights
   Mountain temperatures drop fast once the sun goes down. The cabin has an electric heater to keep the inside cozy, but if you want to hang out by the fire pit or take quick evening potty walks, having warm fleece coats or sweaters for your dogs is a must.
5. Prep a White Noise App and Offline Maps
   Cell service gets spotty as you drive up the mountain, so download your check-in details and Google Maps offline ahead of time. At night, the forest gets whisper-quiet, meaning sudden wind gusts or falling pinecones might put alert dogs on edge. Playing soft white noise or gentle music on your phone helps everyone sleep through the night without unnecessary barking.

Traveling with a senior dog too? If joint support is part of your daily routine like it is for our 14-year-old, check out our [Daily Dog Supplement Routine] post before your next trip. It is easy to pack and keeps their routine consistent even on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key Takeaways

• Getaway officially recommends 1 to 2 dogs, but 3 small, well-mannered dogs can comfortably fit with smart packing.
• The pet fee is a flat $50 per stay, not per dog or per night.
• A travel mat for the hallway space and a paw towel by the door are the two upgrades that made the biggest difference for us.
• Dogs can never be left unattended in the cabin or outside, so plan activities around keeping everyone together.

Our weekend at Getaway Big Bear with three dogs was easily one of the most peaceful, grounding trips we took this year.

It gave us a chance to step away from the daily rush and tune into the simple joy of our family and pups. If you have been on the fence because of your multiple dogs, pack light, keep it simple, and go enjoy the slow forest life together.

In my next post, I will share our complete Getaway kitchen packing list and all the delicious campfire meals we grilled outside, so stay tuned!