I can't specifically address the Elk Grove area, although I am familiar with it since my mom lived there for a number of years, but I actually cover the area just south of Elk Grove, which includes Galt, Lodi, Stockton and other cities in San Joaquin County.... So, as an alternative to Elk Grove, or at least to compare areas, I'd encourage you to perhaps look into the Lodi community. I live just outside of Lodi, nestled amongst vineyards, and Lodi is famous for its wine region and boasts over 40 local wineries. The town is located about 30 minutes south of Downtown Sacramento, 20 minutes north of Stockton, and about 2 hours to San Francisco, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and the beaches of Santa Cruz, so it is a great central location to many wonderful places. We also get some of the nice Delta Breezes in the summer evenings to cool us down at night. And if you like boating, we're close to hundreds of miles of Delta sloughs and rivers, which will even take you to the San Francisco Bay. Lodi is not crowded like some nearby cities, and is a very friendly community. Its worth checking out if you're wanting a nice place to live. And, yes, you can find a nice home in the price range you mentioned. 
As for answering your question about local crime rates and pet-friendly areas, most Realtors will refer you to seek out that information from local police stations, or to look up information on the internet. Its always best to obtain factual information from reliable sources. However, when I'm working with out-of-the-area buyers, if they're keen on buying a home in a neighborhood that I feel is not very safe, I will always suggest that they inquire about that specific neighborhood with the local police department, and might mention that they should ask how often gunshots might be reported in that neighborhood. That usually lets them know I don't think its the safest neighborhood, although I'm really not supposed to interject my personal opinion. Any by the way, I know of no unsafe neighborhoods in Lodi, although Crime travels, so in today's world, even a "safe neighborhood" can be hit by crime. Its also a good idea, when considering making a purchase in an area that you're unfamiliar with, to drive around the neighborhood on a weekend when families are out doing yard work or washing the car, and stop by to say hello and tell them you're looking into buying a home in that neighborhood and ask how they like it, and if they've ever heard any reports of any crime in the area. I think that would be even more valuable than any opinions a Realtor might give you. :-)
