Pet-Friendly Luxury Apartments: What to Expect in Chicago

Photo by Kyle Berryman on Unsplash

Finding an apartment when you’re a pet parent means you're really searching for a home for two (or three, or four, etc.). The right apartment needs to work for your lifestyle while also giving your dog or cat the space, comfort, and conveniences they need to live their best city life.

Fortunately for renters in Chicago, searching for pet-friendly luxury apartments in the city has become easier as there are more options than ever before. Many newer buildings go beyond “allowing” pets by stepping up and incorporating amenities designed around them. Still, “pet friendly” can mean very different things from one property to another.

Before signing a lease, it helps to know what to look for, what questions to ask, and which amenities will actually make a difference once you and your pet move in.

What Does “Pet Friendly” Actually Mean?

Seeing “pets allowed” on an apartment listing is a good starting point, but don't stop looking there. Buildings have their own policies with respect to the number and types of pets permitted, and oftentimes there are potential breed or weight restrictions, plus some applicable fees.

Ask About the Details Before You Tour

Before you fall in love with a floor plan, and prior to going on an apartment tour, confirm a few things first:

• How many pets are permitted per apartment?
• Are there breed, size, or other restrictions?
• Is there a one-time pet fee, monthly pet rent, or both?
• What documentation and/or paperwork is required before move-in?

Policies can change, so confirming directly with the leasing team about current requirements directly is always better than relying on an older listing or review that is online.

Look Beyond the “Pets Allowed” Checkbox

For pet owners, the difference between a building that allows pets and one designed to accommodate them becomes pretty obvious pretty quickly.

For example, a dog run can turn a late-night bathroom break into a quick trip instead of a walk around the block, especially in the cold evenings in the dead of winter. Meanwhile, an on-site grooming station can be rather valuable after a rainy Chicago afternoon. Another consideration is the unit itself because even flooring choices can make cleaning up after pets easier.

When comparing pet-friendly luxury apartments, look for amenities you'll use rather than focusing on the length of an amenity list.

Photo by Roy Serafin

Consider the Neighborhood from Your Pet's Perspective

The apartment building is only one part of the equation. Your surrounding neighborhood becomes your pet's neighborhood, too.

For dog owners, take a walk around the area before signing a lease. Are there comfortable routes for everyday walks? What happens when you need a quick trip outside rather than a mile-long adventure? Are there any vets, groomers, pet stores, or doggy daycare options convenient and nearby?

Having River North Outside Your Door

Living in River North puts residents within reach of several different places to explore with their dogs. Neighborhood walks can extend toward the Chicago River, nearby parks like the Ohio Place Dog Park, Ward Park, or Washington Square Park on Clark and Delaware, or into surrounding downtown neighborhoods when you have more time.

That flexibility matters. Not every walk needs to become an adventure of miles, but having different routes nearby keeps daily routines from becoming repetitive for both pets and their humans.

Think About Chicago's Four Seasons

A sunny 70-degree afternoon may make any neighborhood seem perfect for dog walks. January or February, though? The cold winter months offer a slightly different test.

Chicago pet owners must deal with snow, rain, summer heat, road salt, and the occasional day when neither you nor your dog wants to stay outside for long. Situations like those are when the building amenities that seem optional during an apartment tour can become very useful.

A dog run can make quick outdoor trips easier during bad weather, while an indoor grooming area provides somewhere to clean muddy or snowy paws before heading back into your apartment.

Pet-Friendly Living at The Gallery on Wells

At The Gallery on Wells, being pet friendly extends beyond just welcoming four-legged residents. Our building here on Wells Street includes several facilities created specifically with pet owners in mind.

Residents have access to a covered dog run and pet grooming station, making two of the most routine parts of having a dog quite a bit easier. The Gallery also offers an owner's lounge and fur-free floors, providing options for residents with different preferences and needs.

Instead of treating pet ownership as something residents need to accommodate around the building, they're incorporated into how the community functions, making the features useful in our downtown River North high-rise building.

The Gallery's River North location adds another layer. Residents can combine the convenience of pet-focused amenities at home with a walkable downtown neighborhood just outside.

Find a Home That Works for Both of You

The best apartment search considers everyone who will actually live there, including the ones with four legs.

As you compare pet-friendly luxury apartments in Chicago, look beyond whether pets are permitted. Think about what a rainy Tuesday morning, snowy January night, or long summer evening will actually look like with your pet.

A building with a consideration for pet amenities and a walkable neighborhood can make those everyday routines considerably easier. At The Gallery on Wells, residents don't have to choose between the luxury apartment experience they want and a home designed to welcome their pets, too.