With more than 36 percent of U.S. households including a dog (according to a 2012 survey from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation), it’s no surprise that finding a pet-friendly neighborhood is an important consideration for many homebuyers. But how can you tell which neighborhoods are truly welcoming to your four-legged friends? Here, Trulia offers some tips on what to look for while house hunting.
- A lot of dogs out and about
An obvious sign of a pet-friendly neighborhood is one that has lots of dogs exploring with their humans. You want to make sure that people, neighbors, landlords and business owners are going to welcome your pet. The best indicator of that is if there are lots of other dogs around. And where there are lots of dogs, there are lots of dog owners who care about animals, so your dog will be in a safer and happier environment. There’s more to this pet activity than just scoping out the canine social scene, though. A neighborhood with lots of dog activity also is more likely to have dog-loving neighbors—and those nearby dog-lovers are much more likely to help you find your pup if he ever gets loose or runs away.
- There’s a nearby dog park—and the dogs playing in it look happy and relaxed
Not all dog parks are created equal, and you want to be sure the one near your future home will be a pleasant experience for your pooch. Note: the big dogs aren’t picking on the little guys. Visit on a weekend morning, when the park is likely to be crowded. Observe the owners, too. Are they watching their charges or chatting and drinking coffee while their dog is a hundred yards away? How clean is the place? Are people picking up after their dogs? All of these answers will give you an idea of what type of dog and owner frequent the park. Bonus: Hanging at the dog park can help you make friends in your new neighborhood.
- You can easily find an animal shelter, veterinarian and pet supply store
The existence of all three essentials shows that the community cares about the well-being of animals. When you have a community that cares about animals—keeping them healthy and controlling the pet population—that’s always a tell-tale sign that your dog will be welcome and loved.
- Plenty of sidewalks and places to walk
You’ll walk your dog often, so you’ll want a neighborhood that makes this accessible. In addition to sidewalks, are there trails or beaches to explore? Bonus points if the neighborhood provides waste bags or dog-accessible water bowls, which are a sure sign an area welcomes pooches.
- Places for people also welcome pets
If a neighborhood looks promising, call or stop by some of the local restaurants, stores or coffeehouses and ask about their policy on pets. Look for dogs lounging on local restaurant patios while their human family members enjoy lunch or dinner nearby. Spotting dog treats on the counter at the neighborhood bakery or brewery is a good sign. These little extras will enhance the quality of life for you and your pet—and make your new neighborhood feel like home.