If you are considering living in an area in Chicago and you have a pet, then there are a few things that you should consider before moving in to a new localion.

See below five things that you should consider before buying a property, as far as caring for your pets is concerned.

1. The location of local pet paws

Some home apartments and condos can actually restrict dogs and other pets from being there because they make a lot of noise, for example.

Some HOAs also put restrictions on the number of pets that you can have or the types of pets that are allowed in say, common spaces. You need to be mindful of these scenarios before making informed decisions. Sometimes, pets are allowed only on certain floors and on some end units, so you should look out for those too. Check city restrictions with your Chicago real estate broker regarding noise if your dog breed barks a lot.

2. The suitability of the locality for pets

Finding a property in a location that is suitable for pets is a difficult job. If you want to take your dog on walks, then make sure that the property is either close to a park, dog trail, dog run or some open space. Check out if there are restrictions on using the sidewalk for your pet to potty-train him.

Do not buy an apartment that is close to a busy road or a highway; if you fear that your pet can run out. For instance, energetic pups and cats that like to roam can often go out in busy traffic and that can pose a threat to their lives. So make sure that you keep an eye on the location of your property.

If you own cats, you should also look out for the local wildlife in the area. For instance if the house has a lot of green space around it which houses foxes and coyotes, then you should take extra care as these animals are known to prey on small cats.

3. The Design of the House

You should check out with your broker if the floors of the house are pet-friendly. For instance, a house that has solid hardwood flooring can easily be refinished even when it is repeatedly scratched. You should also look out for the coloring of the floor and you can use distressed wood so that the scratches on the floor add more character to it. Make sure that you do not have wall-to-wall carpets as dogs can dirty with their paws and cats can claw it. It can also catch stains from pets more easily. Thus, you should choose a throw rug or an area rug, which can be cleaned very easily and replaced anytime you want to.

4. The stairs of your house

You should consider if the stairs of your house are too steep for your pets. If your pets are too young or too old, pregnant, sick or recovering from an injury, then they might not be able to navigate these steps. So make sure you check if the stairs of your house are suitable for your furry friends.

If you follow these steps, the moving in process will be as simple and hassle-free for your pet as yourself. You do not have to unnecessarily worry about your pet not adjusting to your new house if you do your due diligence before moving in to your condo.