Animal lovers are often frustrated in their search for a new condo in Winnetka and other North Shore suburbs. I have had many buyer clients horrified to discover that their favorite condo complex won't allow man's best friend in the door. 

As a dog lover myself, I don't understand why all buildings don't just allow the creatures in their realm. As a pragmatist, I know that some people don't like them, and others have severe allergies and can't like them even if they wanted.

My daughter's downtown rental solved the problem by allowing 3 floors of animals, and then 3 floors sans animals, and so on for 38 floors. That seemed to work out for everyone.

The American Heart Association says that animals, particularly dogs, are good for our health. Their committee who studied this said, "owning a pet was associated with fewer heart disease risk factors and increased survival among patients." The full article can be found: Pets, Especially Dogs, Are Good for the Heart.

In the North Shore suburbs of Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, and Highland Park there are enough condos that allow pets. But the rules aren't uniform, of course. Some allow dogs and cats, some are cat-only, and many have weight restrictions. 

If you need to buy a condo that does not restrict pets, here are links to pet-friendly condos and townhouses. Just be sure to check with your real estate agent for the specific rules in each building. 

Check back often to see if new pet-friendly condos have come on the market.

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