It's a jungle out there!

Manhattan broker, Linda Cohen Wassong, is developing a reputation as a top dog at Douglas Elliman.

After digging into the firm's extensive databases and other resources to find out which co-ops and condos accept pets, the animal-loving broker is fast becoming known as the point-woman in the business for finding city homes that will suit both human ... and animal.

"'It's a jungle out there if you're trying to find a nice apartment in Manhattan for you and your pets," said Wassong. "I was surprised at how many co-ops and condos had recently instituted 'no pet' policies."

The discovery in recent months of such exotic creatures as tigers and monkeys holed-up in city apartments has promoted many owners and boards to tighten rules further.

According to the most recent figures from animal control, over 5,000 wild animals were seized from city homes last year, including alligators, pigs and chinchillas.

Explained Wassong, "Ever since that tiger was found living in a building, people have been scared off of pets.

"Most buildings these days have rules and regulations for exotic pets because they are concerned about dirt and noise. They don't want ferrets, or snakes, or things like that.

"People will try to sneak these things in, but how you can sneak a tiger in? I have no idea. It's pathetic. These poor creatures can never leave the apartment."

Through her research, Wassong--whose work centers on the more domestic critters, such as dogs and cats--has found that there are approximately 42,750 units in pet-friendly buildings on the Upper West Side and 44,376 units on the Upper East Side.

She has further refined her search to pinpoint buildings appropriate for her luxury-oriented client base.

"The data is difficult to find and most of it doesn't include size and breed restrictions, which I'm still researching building by building," added the broker.

"Every building has different requirements. One building may accept one dog, say under 201bs, another may take them under 401bs. Some won't take dogs, but will take cats."

There are even some building boards that require the pets be "interviewed" prior to any deal being signed.

"In one interview situation, the dog had a fit when the board members asked its owner to take it into the lobby to see how it would react to other pets in the building," recalled Wassong.

And, as the collar tightens on the residential market, Wassong predicts boards will make regulations even stiffer.

It makes Wassong even more determined to take the pain out of purchasing a pet-friendly home.

"I have begun putting together a list of available pet services in each neighborhood, so that I can help my clients find pet stores, vets, dog runs and dog walkers," she said.

"These kinds of details can be important to buyers when deciding how much an apartment is worth to them in terms of location.

"The feedback I am getting is that this information is also beneficial to sellers, because most people with pets will pay whatever is necessary for the right home." Wassong--who is the former marketing direc tor of Self Magazine and former publisher of Sassy Magazine--began her career as a broker working for her friend, Dotty Herman's prestigious firm a year ago.

A well-known presence in the Hamptons, she is a devoted dog owner who has organized several events for the Animal Relief Fund (ARF) of the Hamptons.

Her passion for animals has quickly translated into a sales niche that accommodates her demanding clientele. But Wassong--who owns two Cocker Spaniels, Sparkle and Puccini--admitted, "I didn't plan on doing this and it isn't all I do.

"But being a pet owner myself, I realized how difficult it was to find the right space. I also heard lot of horror stories. One woman who was taken to her broker's exclusive fell in love with the apartment and her offer was accepted.

"Just as they were about to go to contract, they found out that no pets were allowed in the building. The broker should have known--the woman was heartbroken."

A specialist in the sale of luxury apartments, Wassong works with an international set of buyers--both with and without pets--seeking co-ops, condos and townhouses in Manhattan.

And, despite the current climate, she insists, "You can find a wonderful home for you and your pet."