The dog dilemma, moving to Chicago from Florida (Lincoln, Roscoe: apartment complex, renter)

[Cityshy]

Is it possible for a renter to have 3 dogs in Chicago?

Issue 1: Last summer I rescued (2) two-week old puppies from a homeless man while interning in Chicago (I live in South Florida). He had them chained up on the side of the street in the downtown area.

The vet gave these pups a 50/50 chance of living. I had to bottle feed them and had numerous vet visits to eradicate some infections and parasites. Long story short and one year later they are healthy and happy.

My plan with the pups was to find them a home, but I still have them. They have some emotional issues (scared of people playing tennis and weird things like that). The Vet believes this is from being taken from their mother at such a young age; they did not develop all of the social skills as normal dogs. Otherwise, they are extremely sweet, playful and happy.

Anyway, the dilemma is that I am moving back to Chicago from Florida. I also have a 12 year old chocolate lab. I have family that can take him here in Florida, but this is heartbreaking to leave him behind.

The issue is having 3 dogs in the city (for a renter) is nearly impossible. What do I do? I am afraid that the pups will not do well with a busy city. Perhaps I am wrong. I cannot imagine dropping the pups off at some shelter. Several attempts to find foster homes have failed. I also don't want to part ways with my lab. It seems either way I have to either get rid of one or both pups, leave behind my lab or I'll luck out and find a pet friendly pad for my crazy little crew.

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated!

[DoneWithDallas]

Buying is pretty much your only option. My boyfriend and I have three dogs, not only three but three large dogs. We are currently in town for Lollapalooza and to scope out places as we are both relocating. You will have zero luck downtown renting unless you find a subletter which proves to be difficult since a lot of communitiies have pet policies even if you buy. We are searching farther out of downtown.best of luck! I know I could never leave my dogs behind so I completely sympathize.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by DoneWithDallas

Buying is pretty much your only option. My boyfriend and I have three dogs, not only three but three large dogs. We are currently in town for Lollapalooza and to scope out places as we are both relocating. You will have zero luck downtown renting unless you find a subletter which proves to be difficult since a lot of communitiies have pet policies even if you buy. We are searching farther out of downtown.best of luck! I know I could never leave my dogs behind so I completely sympathize.

I'm just curious as to what most places say about the dog thing? I know a few places downtown that allow dogs, but just wondering if they say only one dog or what? I remember at my ex's apartment complex in Lincoln Park people having multiple dogs no problem..

[deliz]

I've lived in multiple building northeast of downtown with 2 dogs. 3 could be a stretch but it's not unheard of. I would suggest reaching out to apartment people or similar and see if they ever see listings allowing 3 hounds

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by deliz

I've lived in multiple building northeast of downtown with 2 dogs. 3 could be a stretch but it's not unheard of. I would suggest reaching out to apartment people or similar and see if they ever see listings allowing 3 hounds

Now that I think of it, I'm pretty sure there's a building near me where I've seen a guy going in and out with 3 small dogs (there's a restaurant with outdoor seating there so you see a lot).

[eevee]

My first piece of advice would be to forget about downtown. You will have a better chance in less dense areas and with individual landlords with smaller properties versus big management companies running most of these high-rises. Speaking with a landlord one-on-one and maybe even having them meet your dogs would help you out in the long run.

I'm curious about how big the two pups are and what breed/breed mixes they are. There are a lot of places with breed and size restrictions that will make your task more difficult if your pups fall into those categories.

[ChiNaan]

Originally Posted by deliz

I've lived in multiple building northeast of downtown with 2 dogs.

Do you mean northwest of downtown? Or were these buildings actually house boats?

[deliz]

Originally Posted by ChiNaan

Do you mean northwest of downtown? Or were these buildings actually house boats?

On the northeast side of the city. Northwest I'd be hearing planes land.

[aragx6]

I honestly believe this can be doable depending on the size of your other two dogs. Look at smaller buildings (like 3 flats) run by individual owners or smaller property management companies -- neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village, Roscoe Village, and Bucktown would be a decent place to start. SO and i were always amazed by how dog-friendly Wicker Park was -- we saw dogs everywhere.

You might look at Peak Properties -- they don't take the best care of their properties, but they're also pretty lackadaisical and probably won't care so much about the dogs.

[Attrill]

Yeah, if you're trying to find an apartment in a highrise somewhere, it isn't going to happen. It SHOULDN'T happen, apartments "downtown" (River North, South Loop, etc.) aren't big enough for 3 dogs. As others have mentioned you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a 3 flat with a small yard in a neighborhood that will allow 3 dogs. You just need to find a landlord who likes dogs. They're out there, I had a landlord who would pick up strays and push them on his tenants.