Finding a Home for You and Fido in Illinois:

When you are thinking about moving to Illinois, you may find that you are worried about whether your beloved cat or dog is going to be welcome. If you are a loving pet owner, you are all-too accustomed to the constant refrain of “no animals allowed” when you are looking for a new place to live. Before you move to Illinois, take the time to scope out what the pet situation may be, and use these tips for getting into the best pet-friendly apartments for rent in the Land of Lincoln.

First, when you are thinking about moving to Illinois with your cat or dog, think about where you want to live. You'll notice that when you are looking in large cities like Chicago that you are going to deal with some truly strict pet ordinances. Whether you are looking for rooms for rent or condo rentals, big city rental companies tend to be pretty stern about the animals they do or do not allow in. In this case, one way to find out where the best pet-friendly homes for rent are is to check out the dog parks. Apartments near dog parks tend to be more laid back about the animals that you bring into, and if it a place will accept a dog, chances are good that it will accept any smaller animal as well.

The situation changes once you move to a smaller city, like Springfield or Peoria or Champaign. In these cities, it is more likely that you are going to find private landlords who are offering houses for rent. When you are dealing with a private landlord, remember that you can always bargain with them. For example, if you are absolutely in love with a spot but they don't allow pets, speak with the landlord. Ask to leave a bigger deposit, or to pay an extra pet fee every month that you live there. You can also try to introduce your pet to the landlord. An especially well-behaved dog or cat can win over the right person in a matter of minutes.

Remember that you might not be able to find a landlord who is accepting of pets right away, so leave plenty of time for your search. When you are looking for housing for both yourself and your lovely pet, you don't want to be rushed. Spend a few months apartment hunting if possible, and remember that even if you don't have much luck at the beginning that there is bound to be something out there eventually. Persistence is the key to finding a place where you and your cat or dog will be happy.

If you are ready to make Illinois your home, whether temporarily or permanently, make sure that your animal is welcome as well.