EXHIBIT 23.1




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the registration  statements of
Anicom,  Inc. on Form S-3/A (File Nos.  333-41225,  333-30791 and 333-14719) and
Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-34357 and 333-01602) of our report, dated March 30, 1998
on our audits of the consolidated  financial  statements and financial statement
schedule  of Anicom,  Inc. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the
three years in the period ended  December 31, 1997,  which report is included in
the 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K.




/S/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Chicago, Illinois
March 31, 1998