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Whether you鈥檙e planning to rent or buy an apartment or home, it鈥檚 important to find a dog-friendly neighborhood that suits your style. If you鈥檙e one of the more than 100 million Americans who live with a dog (or two, or three鈥�), locating the right area can make house hunting a daunting task.
, general practice veterinarians (as well as emergency clinics), and pet stores are essentials found in most communities. But, if you鈥檙e specifically looking for a neighborhood that easily accommodates your canine companion, here鈥檚 what you should keep an eye out for.
Sidewalks
While it鈥檚 easy to dismiss sidewalks as a 鈥渘ice-to-have鈥� feature, if you鈥檙e a dog owner, put this at the top of your must-have list. Wide, well-paved, brightly lit sidewalks are essential for enjoyable walks around the neighborhood, especially in those predawn or late evening hours.
Garbage Cans
If you live in a suburb, it鈥檚 not a good idea to throw in your neighbor鈥檚 trash bin. But if you reside in a city, the presence of public garbage cans may set you and your pup up for a more pleasant walk that doesn鈥檛 include carting 鈥済oodies鈥� home for disposal. If you see a fully decked-out doggy station, complete with disposable bags and a garbage pail, you know you鈥檝e hit the jackpot.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Many food establishments are opening their doors to four-legged customers. A lot of restaurants have patio seating with room for pups, and you might even find dog-friendly menu items. Some neighborhoods have even upped their game by offering dedicated doggy food trucks!
Other Dogs
Perhaps the best indicator of a dog-friendly neighborhood is the presence of other dogs. Check out your desired neighborhood early in the morning (before lots of people have left for work). If you see owners out for a walk with happy dogs, you鈥檒l fit right in with your pup.
Aside from the number of dogs, take a look at the breeds, along with their overall well-being. A neighborhood with a variety of breeds speaks to a general dog-savvy population. Happy, healthy dogs with largely balanced temperaments can signal that playdates will be plentiful.
Yards
If you鈥檙e unable to visit a neighborhood outside of traditional work hours, check out front yards and backyards of homes in the area as best you can (we鈥檙e not suggesting you trespass!). If you see , well-maintained fences, and , those are good signs.
Treats and Water Bowls
If your neighborhood is dog-friendly, you鈥檒l see filled with clean, fresh water outside shops and businesses. And don鈥檛 be surprised to see at cash registers. Additionally, parks will often have multi-tiered water fountains, with a separate spout just for pups that鈥檚 lower to the ground.
Transit and Cabs
If you typically drive everywhere, you might overlook the role of transit in your search. But in an urban area, pet-friendly transportation can mean day trips to nearby beaches, farmer鈥檚 markets, breed get-togethers, and more. Check with the local transit authority for rules and applicable bylaws. Some cities, like New York City, allow any dog on the subway that can fit in a bag/carrier (prompting some large-breed owners to become very creative).
Choosing a dog-friendly neighborhood doesn鈥檛 have to be stressful. Do a little research before your move, and relax. Even if your new home doesn鈥檛 feature all seven of the things listed above, your pup will be content as long as you鈥檙e there!