What Is a Pet-Friendly Community?
A pet-friendly community makes daily life easier for pets and the people who care for them. For many families, a dog or cat is part of the household, and their needs shape where the family decides to live.
The numbers show how common this is. According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2026 State of the Industry Report, about 71% of U.S. households owned a pet in 2025, and 53% owned a dog. A 2022 survey from Realtor.com and HarrisX found that 72% of prospective buyers with pets would give up their dream home if it didn’t work for their pets.
So, what is a pet-friendly community, exactly, and how do you know if a neighborhood is right for your pet? This guide covers the features to look for and how Pecan Square in Northlake, Texas, measures up.
What Is a Pet-Friendly Community?
A pet-friendly community is a neighborhood that welcomes — and even caters to — pets. It gives them and their owners places to go, like dog parks, trails, and open green space, so daily walks and playtime are easy.
Plenty of neighborhoods allow pets. Fewer plan for them. In a pet-friendly community, you don’t have to load your dog into the car to find a safe place to run. Shared outdoor spaces sit close to home, and you’ll likely pass other pet owners on your morning walk.
Pecan Square in Northlake is a good example. Signs of a pet-friendly neighborhood show up everywhere, starting with Jack, the dog who serves as the community’s mascot. His name is on Jack’s Snacks in The Greeting House, and his paw prints are all over our dog-themed gathering spot at The Arena, Pioneer Park. Of course, every pet-friendly community has a dog park. Ours is called The Barking Lot. The theme even reaches the on-site school. Students at Johnie R. Daniel Elementary are known as the Daniel Dogs, and the first day of school each year is called the “Welcome Wag.”
Pet-Friendly Community vs. Pet-Friendly Home
How is a pet-friendly community different from a pet-friendly home? A pet-friendly community gives your dog places to go, like a dog park, walking trails, and open green space. A pet-friendly home is set up for everyday life with a pet once you walk through the front door.
Both matter, and they come from different places. The developer plans the parks and trails, while the builder and floor plan you choose shape the house itself. Along with its shared spaces, Pecan Square’s homes can also be pet friendly. When looking at homes, ask our builders if they offer modifications and upgrades to make life with a pet easier, such as:
- Scratch-resistant flooring that holds up to claws and daily wear
- A fenced backyard where your dog can play safely off leash
- A bathtub with a handheld showerhead or pet bathing station in the utility room
What Makes a Neighborhood Pet-Friendly? 6 Features to Look For
To spot a pet-friendly neighborhood, use these six features as a starting checklist.
1. A Dedicated Dog Park
Dogs need a fenced, safe place to play off leash. The best dog parks have separate areas for small and large breeds, so a Chihuahua isn’t sharing space with a Great Dane. Shade and seating matter, too, especially during a Texas summer. A neighborhood dog park close to your house makes it easy to stop by often, even for 15 minutes.
2. Walking Trails and Sidewalks
Most dogs need at least one walk a day. Connected sidewalks and trails let you stretch out your walk while staying away from busy roads.
3. Green Space and Pocket Parks
Small parks spread throughout a neighborhood give you a quick place to stretch your legs or rest during a long walk. Because they’re scattered around, one is often just a few streets away.
4. Outdoor Destinations Beyond the Dog Park
Ponds, lawns, and scenic lookouts give you new places to explore. A walk with a destination in mind keeps the routine fresh for you and your dog.
5. Nearby Pet Services
Vets, groomers, pet stores, and boarding facilities are part of everyday life with a pet. During your home search, look for these services in the surrounding area.
6. A Social Culture Among Owners
Dog owners tend to strike up conversations with each other. Gathering places and community events make it easier for a quick hello at the park to grow into a real friendship.
Pet-Friendly Living at Pecan Square in Northlake, TX
Pecan Square is a master-planned community with a dog park, walking trails, and shared green space. Here’s how its pet-friendly amenities line up with the checklist above.
The Barking Lot
The Barking Lot is Pecan Square’s dog park, and it’s a fitting amenity for a community whose mascot is a dog named Jack. It has separate areas for different dog sizes and plenty of shaded seating for owners. It’s an expansive space with room to toss a frisbee or ball. At Pecan Square, buyers looking for a dog park in Northlake, TX, don’t have to leave the neighborhood.
Trails, Pocket Parks, and The Fishing Hole
Walking trails wind through the community, and several pocket parks offer playgrounds and open areas. A daily walk here makes it easy to run into other dog owners and stop to chat. Elm Tower sits at the community’s highest point and overlooks the neighborhood, making it a scenic stop on a longer walk. And our catch-and-release fishing pond is another great outdoor spot to visit with your four-legged friend.
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park, at The Arena, is a dog-themed outdoor gathering space with picnic tables, yard games, a fire pit, outdoor grills, and even a pizza oven. It’s a laid-back spot to bring your dog, fire up the grill, and get to know other pet owners over a round of yard games.
The Lawn
The Lawn is a large green space in the heart of Pecan Square’s Town Square, used for events, picnics, and pickup games. When the community gathers here, it’s a natural place for neighbors and their pets to mingle.
Events Where Owners Connect
Pecan Square’s lifestyle program gives residents even more ways to get involved. It includes more than 300 gatherings, classes, groups, volunteer opportunities, and celebrations. Residents can join in to have fun, pick up a new interest, or get to know the people who live down the street. Some of these activities include pets, too, like Paws in the Park and our annual Pooch Plunge, where residents get to swim with their dogs. The Pooch Plunge takes place on the last day of the swimming season, and residents donate money, pet food, and new toys to a local pet charity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pet-friendly community?
It’s a neighborhood planned around the needs of pets and their owners. More than just allowing pets, this type of community offers shared spaces like dog parks, trails, and green space close to home.
What makes a neighborhood pet-friendly?
Look for a fenced dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs, walkable trails and sidewalks, parks near your street, nearby pet services, and a friendly culture among owners.
Does Pecan Square have a dog park?
Yes. The Barking Lot is Pecan Square’s dog park, with separate areas for small and large dogs and shaded seating for owners.
Can non-residents use The Barking Lot?
No. The Barking Lot is open to Pecan Square residents. We encourage visitors to stop by The Greeting House for a community tour.
Is Pecan Square a dog-friendly community?
Yes. Between The Barking Lot, walking trails, pocket parks, pet-oriented lifestyle events, and a dog named Jack as its mascot, Pecan Square makes room for dogs and the people who love them.
Tour a Pet-Friendly Community in Northlake
If you’re shopping for pet-friendly new homes in North Texas, the best way to judge a neighborhood is to walk it yourself. Visit The Greeting House at 2701 North Market Square Lane in Northlake for a tour. See The Barking Lot, the trails, and Town Square in person. You can also browse new homes online. Reach out to the Pecan Square team to plan your visit and learn about our pet-friendly homes in Northlake, TX.