Dog owners will find a large chain pet store and a veterinarian on the southwest shopping area with the Oaks North Veterinarian located on the community's northeast side. Schools and sports facilities are also easily accessible in the area.
Short, mild, winters mean you can walk your dog in San Antonio throughout the year without having to bundle up. Summer heat can impede pedestrian travel with your pet when temperatures are extreme. Avoid walking in the middle of the day when it is hottest and seek shady locations for hikes!
Vance Jackson is bordered by the McDermott Freeway on the west side, train tracks and a greenway on the east side, the Mission Trace neighborhood on the north side, and Callaghan Road on the southern border. Most of the area is a developed urban neighborhood with ranch and bungalow style homes.
Private properties are well landscaped and there are some large shade trees in the neighborhood which make walking down tree-lined streets cooler in summer months. Most streets have separate sidewalks for you and your pup to stroll on, but some do not. Where sidewalks are not present, walk facing oncoming traffic and keep your pup leashed.
The terrain is relatively flat with only some gentle inclines and no significant elevation changes. You and your pooch will not have to climb up any steep grades! If you are accessing local businesses with your pet in tow, use caution and watch out for traffic.
Hardberger Park is a 10-minute drive north of the community. This park has hiking trails, sports fields, and facilities. The Salado Creek Overlook provides an observation platform to view the beautiful surrounding terrain and is situated near the trailhead to the Salado Creek Greenway Trail. This 22.7-mile asphalt and concrete trail provides enough hiking opportunity for even the most energetic canine companion.
Hardberger Park also has two dog parks. The largest dog area is on the west and there is a 1.8-acre space on the east. Both parks are enclosed, off-leash parks with separate areas for large and small dogs. Agility obstacles, water fountains, waste disposal supplies and facilities, and seating for owners are provided.
You can also drive 15 minutes to the east to reach McAllister Park which has paved and natural trails to explore with your pup. The dog park in this space is 1.5 acres in size, although it does not have separate large and small dog areas.