A short distance dogs perhaps returned (4)
I believe the answer is:
step
'a short distance' is the definition.
(I have seen 'short distance' mean 'step' so perhaps 'distance' could also mean 'step'; 'short' asks for a short form)
'dogs perhaps returned' is the wordplay.
'dogs perhaps' becomes 'pets'.
'returned' says the letters should be written backwards.
'pets' in reverse letter order is 'STEP'.
(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Indian garment" , "Footfall" , "Dance move" , "A pace for pets" , "Place foot on as with a pest" .)