Kelsey Donovan

DINKWAD Home Buying in Scottsdale: A Guide for Dog Lovers

By Kelsey Donovan, REALTOR® | My Home Group

Two incomes. No kids (yet, or ever). One very spoiled dog.

If that’s your household, you’ve probably heard the term DINKWAD: dual income, no kids, with a dog. It’s a fun label. But when you’re house hunting, it actually tells me a lot about what you’ll care about.

I love dogs. I’m an Arizona native, I’ve spent over a decade in real estate, and I’m inside homes every week. So here’s my honest, real estate bestie guide to buying a home in Scottsdale when your dog gets a vote.

Why Your Dog Changes the Home Search

Most buyers start with bedrooms and price. Dog people start with the yard. And the walk. And the floors.

That’s not silly. It’s smart. The things your dog needs are the things you’ll deal with every single day. A gorgeous kitchen won’t fix a backyard that’s 100% gravel in July.

So let’s build your search around real life.

Start With Your Budget, Not the Listing

Two incomes can open up options. They can also make it tempting to stretch further than feels good.

Before you tour, talk to a lender about how two incomes are counted, what monthly payment you’re actually comfortable with, and how HOA dues, taxes and insurance fit in. I’m not a lender, so I’ll always send you to a trusted one for the numbers. My job is to make sure the home fits the budget you chose, not the other way around.

And I’ll never pressure you to settle, or to spend more than you planned.

The Dog-Friendly Home Checklist

The Yard

  • Is it fully fenced, with no gaps under gates?
  • Is there shade? Patio cover, trees, anything?
  • Is there some grass or turf, or is it all rock?
  • Is the pool fenced off from the rest of the yard?

Arizona summers are no joke on paws. Hot pavement and rock can burn, so shade and cooler surfaces matter more here than almost anywhere.

Inside the Home

  • Flooring that can handle nails and the occasional accident
  • A spot near the back door for leashes, towels and the water bowl
  • A doggie door, or a door that could take one
  • Laundry space for washing dog beds

The Daily Walk

Walk the neighborhood before you write an offer. Seriously. Go at the time you’d actually walk your dog. Look for sidewalks, shade, paths and how busy the street is.

HOA Pet Rules: Read Them Before You Fall in Love

This is the one that surprises people.

Many Scottsdale homes are in an HOA, and some are in more than one. HOAs can have their own rules about pets, leashes, common areas and sometimes the number of pets. Ask for the CC&Rs and rules early, and read the pet section first.

I’m not an attorney, so for questions about what the documents legally mean, talk to a real estate attorney. But I’ll make sure you have the right documents in hand and know where to look.

Scottsdale Dog Parks Worth Knowing

The City of Scottsdale has four dog parks:

  • Chaparral Dog Park, 5401 N. Hayden Road
  • Horizon Dog Park, 15444 N. 100th St.
  • Thompson Peak Dog Park, 20199 N. 78th Place
  • Vista del Camino Dog Park, 7800 E. Pierce St.

Thompson Peak is the newest. The city opened it in August 2026 with about 3.5 acres of off-leash space, three play areas that rotate for turf care, shade canopies, benches and water fountains.

A few city rules to know: dogs need to be licensed and vaccinated, and outside the off-leash area they need to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Some parks close certain mornings for maintenance, so check the city’s dog parks page before you load up the car.

Living close to one of these is a real lifestyle perk. I’ll happily map your favorite one against the homes you’re touring.

Think About Your Next Five Years

My goal is always to help you find a home you won’t feel the urge to move out of in a couple years.

So we’ll talk about the big stuff. Will you work from home? Want a guest room? Might your household grow, with people or more dogs? A home that fits today and tomorrow saves you from moving twice.

Selling a Home With a Dog?

If you’re on the selling side, your dog is family. But buyers will notice the evidence.

Before photos and showings, patch the yard, repair scratched doors, deep clean the carpets and have a plan for where your pup goes during showings. Small fixes help buyers picture their own life there. Curious what your home could sell for? Start with a free home valuation.

DINKWAD Home Buying FAQ

How many dog parks does Scottsdale have?

The City of Scottsdale lists four dog parks: Chaparral, Horizon, Thompson Peak and Vista del Camino. Check the city’s website for current hours and maintenance closures.

Can an HOA limit my pets?

HOAs can have pet rules, and they vary by community. Read the CC&Rs and rules before you buy, and talk to a real estate attorney if anything is unclear.

How do lenders look at two incomes?

It depends on the loan and your situation. I’m not a lender, so talk to a licensed mortgage professional before you start touring.

Let’s Find a Home Your Dog Approves Of

No pressure. No fluff. Just honest advice from someone who’ll ask about your dog before your countertops.

Kelsey Donovan, REALTOR® | My Home Group | 480-200-8689

Details like HOA rules, park hours and city regulations can change; please verify all information independently. This article is general information, not lending, legal or tax advice.